The Market Shops Eighth Annual Bloody Mary Festival Raises $41,000 for Habitat for Humanity – Walton County

The Market Shops Eighth Annual Bloody Mary Festival, powered by Step One Automotive Group, was held on Saturday, October 14 and raised $41,000 for Habitat for Humanity – Walton County.

The shopping center was once again transformed into a bustling festival ground to host and welcome over 1,000 attendees. Festive tomato-themed balloon décor, courtesy of Mingle and the Good Grit Agency, greeted guests as they entered the lively courtyard and grand lawn, each full of restaurants, vendors, and merchants from The Market Shops. Event goers made their way around the tents sampling each Bloody Mary, complete with over-the-top accoutrements, and served in specialty cups sponsored by Compass Builders of Florida.

The sold-out event showcased 15 of the finest restaurants and bars on the Emerald Coast, each serving unlimited tastes of their most creative and innovative bloody marys, made with Distillery 98’s local Half Shell Vodka. Participating restaurants included Auston’s on 98, The Beach House, Big Bad Breakfast, Brotula’s Seafood House and Steamer, Camille’s at Crystal Beach, Chanticleer Eatery, Chef’s Bistro 30A, Chiringo, The Henderson, Louis Louis/ The Red Bar, Outcast Bar and Grill, Ovide, Ruby Slipper Café, The Shrimp Basket, and Soleil.

Upon check-in, guests received a token to vote for the coveted People’s Choice Awards for the “Best Bloody Mary.” At the end of the event, votes were counted by Hill Coleman, CPA and the following local restaurants were chosen as the winners:

1st Place People’s Choice Award – The Shrimp Basket 2nd Place People’s Choice Award – Ruby Slipper Cafe 3rd Place People’s Choice Award – Chiringo

A panel of select food critics and regional media also judged each Bloody Mary and selected the following winner as the most delicious and most creative. Along with their pick for the “Best Accoutrement” award. This year, there was a first-ever tie for their ultimate overall choice.

Judge’s Choice Award – The Red Bar/Louis Louis Judge’s Choice Award – The Beach House Best Accoutrement – Ovide

All awards were custom made by local artist, Maxine Orange.

In addition to the Bloody Marys, guests sipped on local craft brews served by Idyll Hounds Brewing Company, spiked seltzer from Palm Folly, and champagne from Gulf Water Wines 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. There was also a Hydration Station serving cold water throughout the afternoon, courtesy of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices PenFed Realty.

Guests also had the opportunity to enjoy numerous food options throughout the festival from the various restaurants located directly within The Market Shops, including Ben & Jerrys, Chicago Hot Dogs & More, Hunter’s Chicken and Burgers, Maple Street Biscuit Company, Parlor Doughnuts, and Pizza by the Sea. There were also shopping opportunities on the lawn, courtesy of Escapology and Fit2Run, the Runner’s Superstore.

Vacayzen and Shofar Productions transformed the Grand Lawn into the ultimate tailgating experience with lounge seating and a jumbo screen live-streaming college football, sponsored by Abora Insurance Group. Throughout the event, guests sampled cigars from Shore Thing Cigars, took photos in the interactive photobooth sponsored by Legendary Marine, and danced to 80’s rock band, Catalyst, on the main stage, sponsored by The Market Shops.

Since its inception, The Market Shops Bloody Mary Festival has raised over $200,000 for various local charities. For the past six years, Habitat for Humanity – Walton County has been the beneficiary of the annual event. The money raised through ticket sales, donations, and sponsorship from this year’s festival will go directly toward Habitat for Humanity – Walton County’s efforts to build and provide homes for working families in the area.

“This was the best Bloody Mary Festival yet,” said Bob Duncan, managing partner of The Market Shops. “We were proud to host and see the community, participating restaurants, sponsors, and volunteers come together for such a fun event to raise funds to advance Habitat’s mission.”

The Market Shops would like to thank all of the volunteers from Habitat for Humanity as well as the additional sponsors who helped make this event possible, including 30A, 30A Beach Guide, 30AEats, 30A Girls Who Eat, 850 Business Magazine, Bay Life, Beachworx, Blush Boutique, Brenna Kneiss, Chef’s Bistro 30A, Cumulus Broadcasting, DestinFlorida.com, Destin Life, DJ Dad, Emerald Coast Luxury Transportation, Emerald Coast Magazine, Frill Seekers Gifts, Good Grit Magazine, Gulf Coast Restaurants, Gulf Coast Food and Wine, Hand Arendall Harrison Sale, Proffitt PR, Resort Resale, Scarlett Magazine, South Walton Life, SoWal.com, Tallahassee Magazine, UPS Santa Rosa Beach and Grand Boulevard, VIP 30A Magazine, VIP Destin Magazine, Vacayzen, and Visit South Walton.

About The Market Shops Located at the entrance of Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, The Market Shops is an upscale, neighborhood-style shopping, dining, and entertainment center. The Market Shops is the Emerald Coast’s premier location for local and unique retailers, specialty boutiques and an array of eateries from casual to fine dining. For more information, visit www.themarketshops.com or find The Market Shops on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Habitat for Humanity – Walton County Habitat for Humanity – Walton County partners with people in the community to help them build or improve a place they can call home. Habitat homeowners help build their own homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage. With your support, Habitat homeowners achieve the strength, stability, and independence they need to build a better life for themselves and for their families.

Bloody Mary Festival Raises $41,000 for Habitat for Humanity