HIGHWOOD’S 8th ANNUAL BLOODY MARY FEST DECLARED A 'BLOODY' GOOD TIME BY ALL

HIGHWOOD, IL (JULY 30, 2017) – This year's 8th Annual Bloody Mary Fest has been announced a huge success as record crowds gathered in Everts Park on Sunday July 30th to sample a plethora of bloody Mary concoctions, enjoy live music, food and more! The annual event had 13 competitors vying for the title of the 'Best Bloody Mary' as a panel of judges chose their favorites in the categories of top three, best garnish and most creative, as well a the attendees casting a vote for their favorite for the top three 'People's Choice Awards'.

Mixologists from competing bars and restaurants shared their one-of-a-kind recipes with the public while attempting to create the ultimate Bloody Mary. Competitors were judged in the categories of ‘Best Bloody Mary,’ ‘Best Garnish,’ and a new category for ‘Most Creative Bloody Mary,' and by some of Chicago’s leading media personalities. An esteemed panel of judges was composed of Julie Chernoff, Dining Editor at Make it Better, Lee Litas, Columnist for Chicago Tribune/Pioneer Press, Andrew Nicks, President at 22nd Century Media, Sherry Thomas, Group Editor at JWC Media, and Patti Vasquez from Pretty Late with Patti Vasquez on WGN Radio.

And the Winners of the 8th Annual Bloody Mary Fest are.....

Judges Choice
1st Place Scotty's on Sheridan, first time competitor based in Highwood.
2nd Place Maevery Public House, first time competitor based in Lake Bluff.
3rd Place The Toadstool Pub, based in Highwood.

People's Choice
1st Place The Toadstool Pub, reigning title holder 5-(now 6) years running
2nd Place Maevery Public House
3rd Place Scotty's on Sheridan

Best Garnish
1st Place Scotty's on Sheridan
2nd Place Maevery Public House
3rd Place The Toadstool Pub

Most Creative – New Category this year!
1st Place la casa de isaac, based in Highland Park.
2nd Place The Toadstool Pub
3rd Place Maevery Public House

A huge thank you to all the competitors including; Alex's Washington Gardens, Ram Restaurant and Brewery, Savor & Salt Bloody Mary Mixes, Pavilion Restaurant & Lounge/ Petergof Banquet Hall, The Humble Pub, Mickey Finn's Brewery, Legendary Wooden Nickel, Lucky Fish on Sheridan, Pepper Palace Woodfield, in addition to the winners.

Bloody Mary Fest sponsors included Kings & Convicts Brewing Co., Master of Mixes and Van Gogh Vodka, who provided each competitor with a bottle of Van Gogh Vodka to concoct their creation. Live music by Zydeeco Voodoo and Project Two Music played throughout day.

ABOUT CELEBRATE HIGHWOOD:
Formerly, a collaboration between the City of Highwood and the Highwood Chamber of Commerce, the newly established 501(c)(3) Celebrate Highwood produces events that cater to the wants and needs of the citizens, businesses and visitors of Highwood. The goal is to build strong community spirit and establish Highwood as the prime entertainment destination for dining, festivals and events on the North Shore through inter-organizational collaboration, sharing resources and promoting the City as a wonderful place to live, eat and play. For more information on all of Highwood’s festivals, please visit www.CelebrateHighwood.org, www.facebook.com/celebratehighwood, or call 847-432-6000.