CALLING ALL BARTENDERS!

The Art of the Bloody Mary Build & Taste contest will be held at Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts on Sunday, February 15th, 2026. (IMPORTANT NOTE:  THIS EVENT TAKES PLACE DURING STURGEON SPECTACULAR AND IS THE SUNDAY AFTER SUPER BOWL SUNDAY).  Contest/competition will be between licensed bartenders from participating locations. A $500 prize will be awarded in three categories: Most Creative, Best Taste, and People’s Choice.  No alcohol will be allowed to be carried in for this event.

REGISTRATION IS CAPPED TO 22 LICENSED BARTENDERS FROM AN AFFILIATED BAR OR RESTAURANT, AND IT WILL CLOSE ON MONDAY, JANUARY 19TH.  OPEN TO LOCAL TAVERNS/RESTAURANTS IN FOND DU LAC AND OUTLYING COMMUNITIES (THE LAKE WINNEBAGO REGION) ONLY.  MORE INFORMATION ON LOGISTICS AND TIMING WILL BE SENT TO YOU AT THAT TIME.  

TO REGISTER, CLICK HERE AND FILL OUT THE ONLINE FORM

Event will determine three winning categories, please see below…

Most Creative:

You will create a Bloody Mary display that will be judged by a panel of third party judges on uniqueness and visual appeal (presentation, color, garnishes). NO ONE WILL BE DRINKING/EATING YOUR BLOODY MARY. IT IS FOR DISPLAY ONLY. Bloody Marys will be on display for a period of approximately 2 hours. Winner will be announced at the completion of the event and on this page, through social media, and awarded a $500 prize along with the Most Creative Travelling Trophy.

Best Taste:

You will create a Bloody Mary mix that will be judged by a panel of third party judges on achieving a harmonious mix that’s refreshing and has a preferred balance in consistency and umami.  Each judge will be tasting a non-labeled 1 oz pour of your mix only (No alcohol or ice will be added). Winner will be announced at the completion of the event and on this page, through social media, and awarded a $500 prize along with the Best Tasting Travelling Trophy.

People’s Choice:

You will be judged by the attendees of the event on both creativity and taste, so tell all your friends to come be a part of this event.  We ask that you bring 2 gallons of your mix only (No alcohol or ice will be added) to be distributed into 1 oz cups. Event attendees will each receive one entry and will choose only one top choice.  Winner will be announced at the completion of the event and on this page, through social media, and awarded a $500 prize along with the coveted People’s Choice Award.

Sunday, February 15th you will need to arrive at THELMA by 9:30am (more Thelma details to come). You will have time to set up with a half an hour to build your Bloody Mary starting at 11:00am. Destination Lake Winnebago Region will provide a $200 stipend to each registered participant/owner to help cover cost of supplies.

Have all products that you will be using for your one Bloody Mary build prepared before you arrive at THELMA. You are simply doing the “build” at Thelma.

As mentioned above, you will need to bring two gallons of your specialty Bloody Mary mix in a container that is easy to pour. Your mix will be judged by event attendees on taste as well as creativity of your build.

Your Bloody Mary will also be judged by the community for People’s Choice, so make sure to encourage your customers to attend and vote!

Stick around after the competition to enjoy live music from 5 Card Studs and we look forward to seeing you on Sunday, February 15, 2026!

FOR QUESTIONS, PLEASE CALL/TEXT DARCIE AT 920-979-8315