The Market Shops will host its 10th Annual Bloody Mary Festival on Saturday, Oct. 11, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., with proceeds benefiting Habitat for Humanity – Walton County.
- The event, powered by Step One Automotive Group, will feature unlimited tastes of 18 bloody marys crafted with Distillery 98’s Half Shell Vodka and served by area restaurants, bars, catering companies and a grocery store. Participants will compete for the title of “Best Bloody Mary.”
Confirmed participants include Aja 30A, Bayside Cafe, Big Bad Breakfast, Cafe Nola, Cajun Corner, Cantina Laredo, Down Island Gulf Seafood Restaurant, Island Wing Company, Jackacuda’s Seafood & Sushi, Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa, Louis Louis, Ovide, Ruby Slipper Cafe, Sandos, Signature Catering 30A, The Gulf Club, The Perfect Pig, The Red Bar, and Winn Dixie.
“It’s remarkable to see how the Bloody Mary Festival has grown and evolved over the past ten years,” said Bob Duncan, managing partner of The Market Shops. “What began as a fun way to bring people together has become a signature event that draws both residents and visitors from near and far, all while making a meaningful impact in our community through Habitat for Humanity.”
Guests will vote for first-, second- and third-place People’s Choice Awards, with votes tallied by Hill Coleman, CPA. A panel of local celebrities will judge each bloody mary for the “Judge’s Choice” award and most creative “Best Bloody Accoutrement” award. Awards will be handmade by local artist Maxine Orange.
- Food will be available from Market Shops restaurants including Ben and Jerry’s, Hunter’s Chicken and Burgers, Jon Smith Subs, Maple Street Biscuit Company, Parlor Doughnuts, Pizza by the Sea, and Tuscany Italian Bistro.
For non-bloody mary drinkers, craft beer, spiked seltzer, wine and mocktails will be available.
Entertainment includes country music by Saltwater Revival on the main stage. SEC football games will stream live on a big screen, and DJ Dad will perform in the courtyard.
Additional activities include an interactive photobooth, cigars, and custom trucker hat design with a complimentary bloody mary patch commemorating the festival’s 10th year.
Over nine years, the annual event has raised more than $199,000 for local charities.
“We are deeply honored to be the beneficiary of this year’s Bloody Mary Festival,” said Teresa Jones, CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Walton County, FL., Inc. “The Market Shops and the incredible community that gathers for this event help make the dream of homeownership a reality for hardworking families in Walton County.”
Tickets are available through Eventbrite for $60 in advance or $75 at the door. Special room rates are available for out-of-town guests. Parking will be available at The Market Shops and additional locations. A complimentary shuttle will run from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
For more information about tickets, volunteer opportunities and sponsorship, visit www.themarketshops.com/bloody-mary-festival.
