Mixologists [bartenders] will create delicious winter cocktail concoctions, while adding their own enticing flare during the third annual Barton Foundation “Signature” Cocktail Contest, Thursday, Sept. 13 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Riva Grill.
The contest, sponsored by Riva Grill and Tahoe Blue Vodka, is the official “kick off” to the annual Festival of Trees & Lights, held November 29 – December 2, at Montbleu Resort Casino & Spa.
Open to attendees 21 years-of-age and older, the contest will feature local bartenders from Cantina, Edgewood Tahoe, Embassy Suites, Heavenly, Lakeside Inn, LewMar Nels, MontBleu, Naked Fish and Riva Grill.
Attendees can expect delicious appetizers from Riva Grill, fabulous live music by Jesse Kalin, and emcee Dreu Murin to keep the party going. This year, everybody gets a vote for "Best Cocktail," and be sure to cast your “dollars” for "Most Congenial Bartender."
The proceeds from this year’s Cocktail Contest and the Festival of Trees & Lights will allow Barton to evaluate, assess and treat more trauma patients, who might otherwise be flown to a designated trauma center outside the area. The $200,000 initiative is an onerous process – it will take more than a year of consultation, oversight, education and reporting to achieve this designation, but the benefit to the community and to those who travel here far outweigh the costs.
Last year's event drew 150 attendees and grossed more than $5,400, a 35 percent increase from 2010 for the expansion and renovation of the Barton Community Clinic, now under construction.
Tickets are $25 through Sept. 12 and $30 at the door. They can be purchased online at
festivaloftreeslaketahoe.com