The Cherokee Clay Food Alliance is a nonprofit organization whose aim is to improve access to locally grown food in Cherokee and Clay counties by strengthening our farmers’ markets and local food system through education, entrepreneurship and sustainable practices within our community of growers and consumers.
Our second annual Tomato Fest & Bloody Mary Contest is being held in conjunction with the Murphy’s Farmers Market, 4 Railroad St. downtown, on Saturday, July 27.
The Bloody Mary contest challenges local Cherokee and Clay restaurants against one other to see who can make the best Bloody Mary in Southwest North Carolina. The goal of this event is to promote traffic to our local restaurants while also encouraging them to purchase more from local farmers.
There are two components to the contest: a judged blind taste test in which each beverage will be scored based on garnish, uniqueness of presentation and taste.
Following the judging, the People’s Choice voting will take place under the Bloody Mary Tent. Anyone with an ID can donate $10 to taste test all of the drinks and cast their vote for their favorite. Each restaurant will have a serving table to advertise their establishment and patrons will be aware of which eateries they are voting for.
Two restaurants will be winners, the People’s Choice and judged section. Throughout August, restaurants will serve their Bloody Marys so patrons can purchase an entire cocktail.
The competing restaurants signed up so far are Epic Catering and Eatery, Nocturnal Brewing Co., Chevelles 69 of Hayesville, The Crown of Brasstown, Legends Steakhouse,The Mason Bar, Chevelles 66 of Murphy and the Tattered Tartan Pub of Andrews. Come vote for your favorite. The Farmers Market opens at 9 a.m.
Local tomato growers will be offering taste samples and selling a full assortment of tomatoes throughout the event. At the Murphy River Walk, 99 Railroad St., below the Hackney Building is where the cooking demos, the Bloody Mary tent, kids’ activities, food trucks, Fern Crest Winery and live music will be located. Food vendors will be selling items including tomato pie, BLTs, salads and sandwiches. There will be a tomato cooking demonstration at the pavilion at 9:30 a.m.
The Bloody Mary contest will be held soon after at 10:30 a.m. The People’s tasting will start around 11 a.m. Wyatt Espalin and Zach Kilmer will provide live entertainment from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The winners will be announced around 1:30 p.m. The event ends at 2 p.m.
This event is in support of all area farmers, and Cherokee and Clay county restaurants.
We’re hoping that the public will show up and support the small businesses in our area. Please contact us if you have any questions or if you own a nearby food or farm related business.
Susan Ward is a local resident and events coordinator for the Cherokee Clay Food Alliance. Email sward1550@gmail.com or call 828-508-0812.