Highwood's annual Garlic Fest meets Terrific Tomato contest Aug. 16

The Annual Garlic Fest returns to Highwood for its seventh year. Held in conjunction with Highwood's Evening Gourmet Market from 4:30-9:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 16, in Everts Park, this foodie fest showcases a plethora of dishes with the ever-popular taste (and scent) of garlic, with live music and plenty of family-friendly activities to entertain all evening long.

Everts Park is at 130 Highwood Ave., Highwood.

Festival attendees will have the opportunity to sample various garlic creations from the classic, savory options such as pasta, sandwiches, sauces, and spreads to out-of-the-ordinary garlic infused dishes such as candy, pastries and cocktails. Patrons will also have the opportunity to vote for their favorite Sweet and Savory Garlic Creation in the People's Choice Competition. Not to worry: there will be plenty of mints on hand.

Celebrate Highwood will also host a contest to crown the next Royal Garlic Representative. Interested Garlic Princes or Princesses (ages 6-17) and Garlic Kings and Queens (18 and older) can sign up now at www.celebratehighwood.org/project/garlic-fest. Each contestant will have up to one minute on stage to explain why they should be Highwood's next Royal Garlic Representative. Winners will be determined by a panel of judges for speech, appearance and audience applause. The winner will receive a royal crown and be responsible for making a number of appearances at all major Highwood events and potential media appearances.

As part of the festivities, the Highwood Historical Society is hosting its 10th Annual Terrific Tomato Contest and inviting all residents of Highwood and members of the historical society to submit their top tomato for a chance of winning the title of "Most Terrific Tomato in Town" and a cash prize of $100. The tomatoes will be weighed, calibrated and judged at the festival, and voted on by the public for the People's Choice award.

For more information on Highwood Historical Society's Terrific Tomato Contest email highwoodhistory@gmail.com, or call (847) 682-9039.

For more information on Garlic Fest, visit www.celebratehighwood.org/project/garlic-fest, follow Celebrate Highwood on Facebook, or call (847) 432-6000.