Highwood Chamber Of Commerce Hosts Fifth Annual Garlic Fest

In its fifth year, Highwood's Garlic Fest will attract waves of people with the smell of garlic wafting through the air on Wednesday, August 19th from 4-9pm. Held in conjunction with Highwood's Evening Market in Everts Park (130 Highwood Avenue), Garlic Fest showcases the beloved flavor (and smell) of garlic, known for its culinary and medicinal purposes. Attendees can sample the many different types of garlic creations from out-of-the-ordinary sweets and cocktails, to the more classic, savory options like pastas, sandwiches, sauces and spreads.

The Fest will feature the annual Taste of Garlic Competition in the categories of Sweet and Savory, where festival attendees will get to vote for their favorite creation in each category. The Garlic Queen and Princess competitions will take place from 6:30-7:30 pm. This year's Garlic Fest judging panel is comprised of past Garlic Queens: 2011's Carolyn Frye, Julie Brugioni of 2013 and her princess Nora Blount, as well as Highwood Chamber of Commerce President, Jen Zanotti-Ori. Winners of both competitions will be announced at 8pm.

Some of this year's garlic creations include: Garlic Parmigiana Popcorn from Popcorn Jester, Goomba (garlic chicken with Italian seasonings with mozzarella cheese on panini), Spaghet-anini (a panini sandwich with homemade fresh roasted garlic butter on the outside, and mozzarella cheese, homemade meat sauce and spaghetti on the inside) and Garlic Ratatouille from Pat's Catering and Canning, Garlic Fries (homemade garlic seasoning on classic fries with a garlic aioli dipping sauce) from Toasty Cheese and sweet treats including Garlic Ricotta Cheese Dip from Tony Cannoli, Doughy Delights, Depidy Dawg Ice Cream and many more!

This fun, garlic-filled event will cater to all the stinky breath needs with plenty of mints on hand, along with live music and children's activities.

But that's not all! During Garlic Fest, the Highwood Historical Society is excited to hold its 8th Annual Terrific Tomato Contest. All residents of Highwood and all members of the Historical Society are eligible to submit their tomato to win the title of Most Terrific Tomato in Town and a cash prize of $100. Tomatoes will be weighed, calibrated, and judged at Garlic Fest. Garlic AND tomatoes, does it get any better?

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, please visit http://celebratehighwood.com/garlic-fest/, call 847.432.6000, or email info@ripplepublicrelations.com.