HIGHWOOD HOSTS SECOND ANNUAL BLOODY MARY FEST: CHICAGOLAND PROFESSIONAL AND AMATEUR MIXOLOGISTS COMPETE FOR TITLE OF BEST BLOODY MARY

Back by popular demand, the City of Highwood is holding its Second Annual Bloody Mary Fest on Sunday, July 17th from 10am to 5pm.  After an incredible response to last years’ kick-off event, the City has turned the Fest into a full day, stand-alone event, closing down Highwood Avenue from just east of the train tracks to Sheridan Road, and Sheridan Road, north to Walker.   In addition to some 30 Bloody Mary vendors and the professional/amateur Bloody Mary competition, new this year will be the addition of brunch in the streets, mimosa’s, smoothies, live music, family activities, including a kids ‘jumpy town,’ and more.

Sponsored by Van Gogh Vodka®, festival goers are welcome to taste unique Bloody Mary recipes from dozens of the finest restaurants, bars and Bloody Mary mix manufacturers as they compete for the title of best Bloody Mary of the Midwest. The competition will include a ‘people’s choice award,’ as well as formal judging by some of Chicago’s finest Bloody Mary aficionados including Steve Dolinsky, ABC-TV’s Hungry Hound, Lee Litas, Dining Columnist "Table Hopping" Sun-Times Media/Pioneer Press, Julie Chernoff, Make It Better Magazine’s Dining Editor, Aly ‘on the Block’ Bockler from WCIU’s You & Me This Morning, and well-known comedian, Beth Sterling.

“Bloody Marys are not just for brunch anymore!” claims Highwood Alderman, Eric Falberg, the mastermind behind Bloody Mary Fest.  “What started out as a simple drink made of vodka and tomato juice has evolved into a meal in itself with garnishes like celery sticks, pickles, olives, shrimp, pepperoni, pepperocini, pickled asparagus, you name it—a salad in a glass with a kick.”

The origin of the Bloody Mary ties back to Chicago, making this city the frontrunner in creating the top Bloody Mary recipes.  Throughout the past century the drink has transformed itself from simple to sophisticated.  Additional ingredients as well as alternative names for the drink have also become popular.  There will definitely be a variety of Bloody Marys at the Highwood Bloody Mary Fest!

The City of Highwood is sending a call out to bars, restaurants and professional and amateur mixologists throughout the Midwest to participate in the competition, and take the title from the Silver Dollar Tavern, Bloody Mary fest 2010 first place winner!  Come witness the mixing of ingredients and the thrill of the competition!

Each competitor will receive a free bottle of Van Gogh Vodka® to make their competition recipes with, and is responsible for bringing their own ingredients to mix, concoct, and perfect enough for the Bloody Mary judges.  The judging will begin at 2pm and the top three Bloody Marys will be announced at 4:30pm. The winner of Bloody Mary Fest will be rewarded with a trophy, recognition throughout the local media, and bragging rights for the year! The competition fee is $25 to be a contestant only, or $100 to be a Bloody Mary vendor/contestant.  Application forms are available at www.celebratehighwood.com or calling Highwood City Hall at 847.432.1924. 

Bloody Mary Fest Live Music Line Up

11:00am to 12:00pm - The Welcome (Pop/Rock)

12:30 - 1:30pm - Jeannie Tanner (Jazz)

2:00 - 3:00pm - The Bottle Poets (Rock)

3:30 - 4:30pm - Jen Porter -  (Singer/Songwriter)