5th Annual Bloody Mary Festival Set for Nov 2

The Market Shops is spicing it up for the 5th Annual Bloody Mary Festival on November 2, benefiting Habitat for Humanity - Walton County.

For a $40 donation to attend, the annual event will feature unlimited tastes of South Walton’s most creative and innovative Bloody Marys made with Cathead Vodka and served by the finest restaurants and bars on the Emerald Coast from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

Restaurants will compete for the 2019 Best Bloody Mary in South Walton. Competitors include Another Broken Egg Cafe, Bijoux Restaurant + Spirits, Blue Mabel, Camille's at Crystal Beach, Emeril’s Coastal Italian, Grits & Grind, Half Shell Oyster House, The Henderson Beach Resort & Spa, Jackacuda’s Seafood & Sushi, Jim N’ Nicks Bar-B-Q, Lulu’s Destin, Mama Clemenza’s, Rockin’ Tacos, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Shades Bar and Grill, Signature Catering of 30A, Slick Lips Seafood & Oyster House, Sunset Bay Cafe, and The Surf Hut.

A panel of select food critics and local celebrities will judge each Bloody Mary to select the winners for the most delicious and most creative. There will also be a highly coveted People’s Choice Award that is selected by each guest in attendance who’s votes will be tallied by Hill Coleman, CPA.

“This is an event we look forward to hosting every year,” said Rob Duncan with The Market Shops. “We’re bringing the area’s leading restaurants together to showcase their true culinary talent and unique take on the classic Bloody Mary.”

Apart from the Bloody Marys, there will also be plenty of food from the various restaurants located directly in The Market Shops. Other treats such as local craft brews, champagne from the Bubbly Bar and “boozy” popsicles will be available for those who need less spice in their life. Come for the drinks and stay for the amenities - SEC football on the big screen, cornhole, hydration station and a lounge area are also in order for this day of drinking. Dread Clampitt will be playing on the main stage after music by DJ Dad. 

Parking will be available at The Market Shops on the day of the festival but is expected to fill up fast. There will be additional parking available at The Beach House located in Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort and a complimentary shuttle, provided by Emerald Coast Luxury Transportation courtesy of Beachworx, will travel to and from the festival from 10:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. 

For guests traveling from out of town, there are special room rates available through the festival’s official lodging sponsors including the Courtyard by Marriott Sandestin at Grand Boulevard, The Residence Inn by Marriott Sandestin at Grand Boulevard, and The Hyatt Place Sandestin.

Bijoux Restaurant + Spirts will also be hosting a New-Orleans style brunch from 10:30 a.m.- 2:30 p.m. as part of the festival, with 10 percent of proceeds benefiting Habitat for Humanity – Walton County. Brunch will also include bottomless mimosas and a full-service bar. To make reservations, call 850-622-0760. 

Tickets are currently on sale through 850Tix for the pre-sale price of $40 or can be purchased the day of the event at the door for $50. To learn more about The Market Shops Bloody Mary Festival and to buy tickets, visit www.themarketshops.com. If you would like to volunteer for Habitat for Humanity on the day of the event, please email volunteer@waltoncountyhabitat.org. 

Habitat for Humanity – Walton County is a local nonprofit housing organization that works toward building and improving homes in partnership with individuals and families in need of a decent and affordable place to live. They provide opportunities for the community to show God’s love in action, in partnership with people in need helping break the cycle of poverty by building decent affordable housing and improving the quality of life of their partner families.

“We are so grateful to be named as the beneficiary for The Market Shops Annual Bloody Mary Festival once again” said Teresa Imdieke, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity – Walton County. “The proceeds raised help us operate on a day-to-day basis and build homes for those who need it most. We are dedicated to achieving our mission to provide everyone in Walton County with a safe and stable place to live.”

The Market Shops as an upscale, neighborhood-style shopping, dining and entertainment center. Unique retailers, specialty boutiques and an array of eateries from casual to fine dining dot the landscape.