Sultry weather added to the spicy heat available at Highwood's sixth annual Bloody Mary Fest on July 26 at Everts Park in Highwood that successfully quenched the thirst and/or expectations of more than 4,000 attendees.

A group of celebrity experts, including Pioneer Press columnist Lee Litas, tasted and judged the libations created by 13 competitors but the festgoers also got to weigh in to designate the People's Choice winners.

For the fourth year in a row, the Toadstool Pub of Highwood won the People's Choice Award but was defeated for first place in Judges' Choice by newcomer Miss Mary's Morning Elixir out of Prescott, Wis. Hardly lamb-like, Miss Mary's also took first place in Garnish and second place in People's Choice.

Second Place in Judge's Choice went to Highwood's Toadstool Pub, and third to Vintage Vine of Chicago. And crowd favorite,La Casa de Isaac of Highland Park, returned to collect accolades as the second place winner in Garnish while the Toadstool Pub took third.

The day benefited Jordan's Corner, a not-for-profit organization which aims to positively affect special needs children through boxing and fitness activities, raising more than $1,260.