South Shore’s best bartenders have been charged with creating a unique, wintry concoction using Ketel One Vodka as the main ingredient. These chilly drinks will be served up during the inaugural Signature Cocktail Contest on Sept. 8 from 6-8pm at the Riva Grill in South lake Tahoe.

Bartenders will present their creations to a panel of judges and attendee, who can cast a vote for “most congenial” bartender, decided by tips from the evening’s event. A panel of judges will decide which cocktail will be served at the Barton Foundation’s 19th annual Gala on Dec. 4.

Tickets are $20, if purchased by Sept. 5, or $25 at the door. Admission includes one sample serving of every drink and appetizer. For more information or tickets, call (530) 543.5909.

The Cocktail Contest is the kickoff event to the Festival of Trees and Lights. The festival is a three-day event, Dec. 3-5, at MontBleu. Proceeds from this year’s Festival of Trees and Lights will help fund an $800,000 expansion of the Barton Community Clinic. The expansion will allow for a larger waiting room, more patient exam rooms, and allow us to meet the growing needs of our community.