MIRAMAR BEACH, Fla. — The Market Shops 10th Annual Bloody Mary Festival, powered by Step One Automotive Group, was held Saturday, October 11, and raised $28,000 for Habitat for Humanity – Walton County, The Market Shops announced.
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The shopping center was transformed into a festival venue with more than 800 attendees and a range of local vendors. Tomato-themed balloon décor from Mingle and The Good Grit Agency filled the courtyard and grand lawn, which featured restaurants and participating merchants.
Guests sampled inventive Bloody Mary creations from each tent in custom cups sponsored by Compass Builders of Florida.
The sold-out event showcased a record number of competitors serving unlimited tastes made with Distillery 98’s Half Shell Vodka.
Eighteen local eateries, bars, and a grocery store participated, including Bayside Cafe, Big Bad Breakfast, Cafe Nola, Cajun Corner, Cantina Laredo, Down Island, Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort and Spa, Island Wing Company, Jackacudas, Lola, Ovide, Red Bar and Louis Louis, Ruby Slipper, Sandos Beachside, The Perfect Pig, and Winn Dixie.
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Upon check-in, guests received a token to vote for the People’s Choice Awards for “Best Bloody Mary.” Votes were tabulated by Hill Coleman, CPA. Winners were: first place, Café Nola; second place, Down Island; third place, The Gulf Club.
A panel of select food critics and regional media judged each Bloody Mary and selected The Perfect Pig as Judge’s Choice and Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort and Spa for “Best Accoutrement.” All awards were custom made by local artist Maxine Orange.
In addition to Bloody Marys, guests sipped local craft brews from Idyll Hounds Brewing Company, sponsored by Winn Dixie, along with spiked seltzer from Palm Folly and champagne from Good Clean Wine at the Bubbly Bar, courtesy of Courtyard by Marriott Sandestin at Grand Boulevard, Hyatt Place Sandestin at Grand Boulevard, and Residence Inn by Marriott Sandestin at Grand Boulevard.
A Hydration Station with cold water was provided by BankPlus.
Festival-goers also enjoyed food from on-site restaurants Ben & Jerry’s, Clean Juice, Hunter’s Chicken and Burgers, Maple Street Biscuit Company, Parlor Doughnuts, Pizza by the Sea, and Tuscany Italian Bistro. Shopping pop-ups on the lawn included Fit2Run, Favori Boutique, Foil + Pin Parlour, and Naples Soap Company, with vendor booths from Edward Jones, Sun, Surf, Sand Insurance, and Zen Companies.
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The grand lawn became a tailgating zone with lounge seating and a jumbo screen live-streaming college football, courtesy of Jake’s Beach Service and Shofar Productions, sponsored by Eventure. Guests sampled cigars from Shore Thing Cigars, took photos in an interactive photobooth sponsored by Legendary Marine, and crafted personalized trucker hats at the Hawley Hat Bar, including a complimentary Bloody Mary patch for the 10th anniversary.
Entertainment included Saltwater Revival on the main stage, sponsored by Action Audio Video, and DJ Dad in the courtyard, sponsored by Esteem Wealth Partners.
“Our 10th anniversary festival was the best one yet,” said Bob Duncan, managing partner of The Market Shops.
“We were thrilled to see such an incredible turnout of neighbors, visitors, and local businesses all coming together to celebrate and support the meaningful work of Habitat for Humanity in Walton County.”
Since its inception, The Market Shops Bloody Mary Festival has raised more than $278,600 for local charities. For the past eight years, Habitat for Humanity – Walton County has been the beneficiary.
“We are so grateful to benefit from this festival,” said Teresa Jones, CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Walton County.
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“The funds raised will go directly to support our next Habitat development of nine affordable homes. Events like this not only bring people together for a great time, but they also make a lasting impact in the lives of children and families right here in Walton County. We’re thankful to The Market Shops and everyone who came out to sip, support, and make a difference.”
The Market Shops thanked Habitat volunteers and additional sponsors who helped make the event possible.
