Pick your favorite concoction at annual Bloody Mary Fest

Highwood's Bloody Mary Fest is back and better than ever for its 12th annual installment.

From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 18, in Everts Park, 111 North Ave., Highwood, vendors will shake up their unique concoctions in competition for the title of "Best Bloody Mary in the Midwest."

Mixologists from competing bars and restaurants will have the opportunity to share their one-of-a-kind recipes with the public while attempting to create the ultimate Bloody Mary.

The competition includes a People's Choice Award, voted on by festivalgoers, as well as formal judging for Best Bloody Mary, Best Garnish and Most Creative by a panel of judges.

Attendees will enjoy Bloody Marys from over a dozen different vendors and a selection of craft beer from local Ravinia Brewing Co., as well as plenty of food, drink, artisan vendors, and live entertainment.

Competitors scheduled to take part include:

• 28 Mile Distilling Co.

• Chikito Pero Picoso

• Disotto

• Elsie Mae's Cannery & Pies

• La Casa de Isaac and Moishe

• La Plancha Loca

• Nuts To Go

• Pixca

• Scotty's on Sheridan

• SLYCE

• Teddy O'Brian's

• The Wooden Nickel

• Up in Smoke Creations

For those who may not be into Bloody Marys, the fest will also offers plenty of activities and other beverages for attendees of all ages.

Highwood is a stop on the Union Pacific North Metra line and is only a short walk to Everts Park.

The battle for the Best Bloody Mary starts at 2 p.m. when the judges will evaluate each contestant's take on the classic drink. People's Choice ballots can be cast in front of the judges stage until 4 p.m., and winners of both the Judge's and People's Choice will be announced at 4:30 p.m.

The winners of Bloody Mary Fest will be rewarded with a trophy and bragging rights for the entire year.