Whether they were partaking in the “One Chip Challenge” or watching competitors sweat it out, Salsa Fest patrons were enjoying themselves on Saturday night at the InMaricopa booth.
Bringing the challenge to one of Maricopa’s biggest annual events was the idea of Maricopa Realtor Brian Petersheim, a hot sauce aficionado and maker. InMaricopa hosted the event and gave out prizes to lucky survivors. To win a gift certificate to area restaurants, competitors had to down a spicy Carolina Reaper tortilla chip – or two.
The action drew onlookers to the InMaricopa tent all night long to watch competitors feel the heat. Some teared up, others mopped sweaty brows and a few sat stoically as if they’d eaten a Dorito chip instead.
The contestants competed nobly in the heat of battle.