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Salsa chefs have until March 9 to sign up to compete in the 13th annual Salsa Festival, Maricopa’s largest event. The festival drew more than 10,000 people last year.

Salsa Fest is March 25 from 2 to 8 p.m. at Copper Sky Regional Park.

They are competing for top prize of $1,000. Other prizes range from $50 to $500.

Besides the title of Best Overall, which is the People’s Choice Award, salsa chefs can compete in three categories: hot, mild and unusual. Registration is free for the first entry and $5 for each additional category. Each category has cash awards for first, second and third. There is also a $250 award presented by celebrity judges.

Salsa chefs get a 12-by-12 grassy area for setting up a booth. Chefs are responsible for their own tables, chairs, prep materials and decor.

Register online at www.regonline.com/salsa2017, which includes the Pinal County Health Department form to download, required for all Salsa Chefs. Contact the Pinal County Health Department at 520-866-6864 or 1-866-960-0633 for questions or more information. Chefs need to submit a temporary food booth permit.

Setup is a 9 a.m. to noon on March 25. Contestants turn in 32 ounces of their salsa to the judges at 2 p.m. People’s Choice tasting runs from 2 to 6 p.m. Awards will be presented on the main stage at 7:30 p.m.

March 9 is also the early deadline for vendors to participate in Salsa Fest. Food vendors pay $275. Business vendors pay $75. Nonprofit vendors pay $50. Any registrations after March 9 are subject to at $100 late fee.

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