Dust storm brings end to salsa festival

Tents fell over and attendees ran for shelter as a dust storm moved in and led to the cancellation of the Maricopa Salsa Festival Presented by inmaricopa.com.

Clouds moved in from the south shortly before 3 p.m. bringing high winds and dust to Pacana Park. The storm forced vendors to take down their tents and displays amid reduced visibility.

“I’ve never done a magic show like this before,” said Magician Robert Stephens, who was preparing for his second act. Stephens was one of the many event participants who scrambled to take down his setup before the wind took it away.

Many vendors had hoped they could outlast the storm. Terri Kingery, Director of Maricopa Chamber of Commerce, said prior to the storm that they hoped it would pass by without disrupting activities.

After the winds picked up, many booths were blown over as vendors rapidly began to pack their displays. Attendees were leaving at the same time to try and find their vehicles in the dirt parking lot where visibility was low.

Marty McDonald, Director of Parks, Recreation and Libraries, canceled the remainder of the event and said the fireworks show will be postponed until the Great American Barbeque at Pacana Park on July 4.

McDonald said salsa winners will be announced by tomorrow, and they will be officially recognized at Tuesday’s city council meeting.

Photos by Aaron Thacker