Thirsty? You're in luck.

Highwood kicks off its third annual Bloody Mary Festival from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. today (June 24) at Everts Park, 130 Highwood Ave., in Highwood.

Just as in the last two years, the festival delivers 40 vendors that will mix up specialty Bloody Marys, food and live music throughout the day.

The event begins with a Bloody Buddy 5K Challenge that starts at 9 a.m. and benefits the Huntington's Disease Society of America. Registration for the race is still open.

And what would a Bloody Mary Festival be without someone judging the Bloody Marys? Well, Patch is fortunate enough to have columnist Ed Brill participating as one of the judges at this year's festival. Look out for him throughout the day, though if you have a question or comment for him about Fort Sheridan.

As Brill summed up last year when writing about the event:

The event is not as boozy as it sounds, though there were 30 (30!) vendors on hand making their own versions of the classic cocktail. More than the drinks, Bloody Mary Fest featured restaurants and snacks from Highwood and the North Shore, live music, bouncy houses and even a sprinkler for the kids to cool off in the heat.

I have no idea how many thousands of visitors came through Highwood this week as a result of Bloody Mary Fest. They came by train, car and bike to check it out. They left happier, even with a slightly lighter wallet. That is what summer festivals should be all about.

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