Break out the chips; it’s nearly time for the Salsa Festival

Whatever you do, don’t fill up today on chips and salsa; you’ll likely want to save room to down plenty tomorrow at Maricopa’s Fourth Annual Salsa Festival Presented by inmaricopa.com.

The event this year will start at high noon and continue until 6 p.m., with park-and-ride shuttle service to and from Pacana Park from three local schools (see “Free shuttle service available to and from Salsa Festival“).

“Salsa Festival is one of the few signature events of the city,” said Marty McDonald, acting Community Services director for the city.

Maricopans will have the opportunity to come out for a day of food, fun and festivities, complete with a salsa contest, Kid’s Zone, helicopter rides and a host of bands.

Here is a brief outline of events:

Main Stage
Noon – Live Music: The Big Zephyr
1:30 p.m. – Tropical Vibes- Salsa Dancing Demo
3 p.m. – Live Music- Havana Soul
4:15 p.m. – Salsa Dance Contest
4:30 p.m. – Live Music: Eastonashe
5:30 p.m. – Salsa Contest Ends
6 p.m. – Salsa Contest Winners Announced/lie music continues

Kids Zone
12:30 p.m. Maricopa Black Belt Demo
1:30 p.m. – Desert Sun Performing Arts Performance
2 p.m. – Desert Star Gymnastic Performance
2:30 p.m. -Robert Stephens Magic Show
3 p.m. – Maricopa Dance Academy
3:30 p.m. – Desert Sun Performing Arts Performance
4 p.m. – Desert Star Gymnastic Performance
4:30 p.m. – Maricopa Black Belt Demo
5 p.m.- Dust in the Wind Closing Act

If you go
What: Salsa Festival
Where: Pacana Park, 19000 Porter Rd.
When: noon-6 p.m., April 26
Cost: Free admission

File photo