The Origin Bank RiverMarket will host their annual 'Ritas on the River' margarita competition and festival Saturday, April 21.
The day will feature margarita tastings from participating bars and restaurants as they compete for the title of Best Classic Margarita, Most Creative Margarita, Best Dressed Booth, and People's Choice. The competitors this year are Braiz'n Bar & Grill, Copeland's of New Orleans, Don Tomas, El Chile Verde West Monroe, Iron Cactus, Maui Tacos, Restaurant Cotton, Warehouse No. 1 and Waterfront Grill.
There will be food trucks along "food truck row" with a variety of meals for participants to purchase at the festival. Food is available for purchase form Krayolla Snacks, Kona Ice, Étouffée Lady, Cheezie Rider, Cajun Will's Corndog and Hot Diggity Dog. The beer garden will be offering an assortment of hand-crafted brews and other adult beverages.
In addition to food and drinks, participants can enjoy the RiverMarket's handmade and healthy shopping from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The selection of products includes handmade jewelry, whipped and bar soaps, bath bombs, sugar scrubs, salt soaks, embroidered items, birdhouses, photography, wreaths, handmade baby clothes, boutiques, and a Jeep giveaway by Chennault Aviation Museum.
Tastings begin at 11 a.m and are offered through 3 p.m. Voting for People's Choice will be open to the public until 3 p.m. and winners will be announced at 3:30 p.m. Tickets gain attendees access to samples of each bartender’s best margarita.
Tickets for this event are $25 when purchased online at ritasontheriver2018.eventzilla.net. If additional tickets are available, they can be purchased at the event for $35. Tickets can be purchased and claimed from the white information tent located in the parking lot in front of the clock tower. The purchase of a ticket includes one sample margarita from each participating bar or restaurant and salsa tasting from over 10 local makers. All ticket-holders must be of legal drinking age.