Celebrate Highwood's Annual Bloody Mary Fest

Celebrate Highwood is proud to announce its Annual Bloody Mary Fest will be held on Sunday, August 18 from 10 AM-5 PM in Everts Park (111 North Ave) when the traditional Bloody Mary takes on a new spirit as over a dozen vendors from near and far shake up their unique concoctions as they compete for the ‘Proud Mary’ Award.

As the Bloody Mary has evolved, so has Celebrate Highwood’s beloved Fest and for the second year, they’ve added a twist to their annual Bloody Mary Fest and paired the traditional Bloody Mary with a variety of spirits, including tequila, rum, gin, and beer. Mixologists from competing bars and restaurants will have the opportunity to share their one-of-a-kind recipes while attempting to create the ultimate tomato-based cocktail. 

The public are encouraged to vote for their favorite tomato-based beverage in the People’s Choice ‘Proud Mary’ Competition. Attendees can cast their vote using the QR code ballot sponsored by Highland Park Bank & Trust/Bank of Highwood-Fort Sheridan until 4 PM. The winner will be announced from the main stage at 4:30 PM, and rewarded with a trophy, mass recognition throughout the local media, and bragging rights for the entire year! The contestants will be throwing a hail mary with their drinks to try to win this distinguished award.

“Highwood's Annual Bloody Mary Fest brings the entire community together and attracts thousands of visitors from all over Chicagoland, Wisconsin and Indiana," says Eric Falberg, President of Celebrate Highwood and Highwood Alderman. “This twist on our annual Bloody Mary Fest will offer new combinations of spirits and garnishes, and participating vendors will bring on their A game in a hail mary pass!”

The original Bloody Mary started as a simple concoction of vodka and tomato juice, and then became a spectacle including garnishes ranging from just celery, to meats, cheeses, seafood, and sandwiches! As the popularity of the Bloody Mary grew and the public’s pallet has expanded to other favorite spirits, the 2024 Bloody Mary Fest will again feature a plethora of custom drinks stemming from the Green Mary, made with tomatillos, the Michelada, which switches the typical vodka out for beer, the Bloody Maria, made with tequila, and the Red Snapper, made with gin.

Aside from a variety of Bloody Mary-style beverages, attendees will enjoy plenty of food, drink, artisan vendors, and live music by Stevie Craig from 11 AM-1:30 PM and  Simply Wally Duo from 2:30-5 PM.    

For those that may not be Bloody Mary fans, don't fret, the Fest will also offer plenty of other beverages for attendees of all ages. Making it easily accessible, Highwood is a stop on the Union Pacific North Metra line and is only a short walk to the Fest grounds at Evert’s Park.

Special thanks to the Celebrate Highwood Bloody Mary Fest Sponsors: Breckenridge Distillery, Famous Barry’s Virgin Mary’s, Highland Park Bank & Trust/Bank of Highwood-Fort Sheridan, and Hive2o.

For more information on all of Celebrate Highwood’s 2024 series of family friendly festivals and events, please visit http://www.celebratehighwood.org or http://www.facebook.com/celebratehighwood.