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.
Our photographers captured the action:
Lupe Huante of Maricopa mops her sweaty brow after eating a Carolina Reaper-infused tortilla chip at the InMaricopa tent. InMaricopa partnered with Brian Petersheim, a Realtor with HomeSmart who was the brainchild of the event. Photo by Bob McGovernContestants begin to get a warm feeling all over after eating a hot chip on Saturday night. Photo by Kyle NorbyPeople watch the One Chip Challenge at the InMaricopa tent at Saturday’s Salsa Fest Night Market. Photo by Kyle NorbyA contestant feels the effects of the “One Chip Challenge.” She had lots of company. Photo by Bob McGovernFour contestants prepare to down the Carolina Reaper-infused tortilla chip at the “One Chip Challenge.” Photo by Bob McGovernA “One Chip Challenge” contestant feels the burn. Photo by Bob McGovernAshley Hubbard of Maricopa, right, chomps on a hot chip while her husband, Shawn Hubbard, prepares to taste the heat during the One Chip Challenge. Photo by Bob McGovernContestants in the “One Chip Challenge” talk about the experience at the InMaricopa tent. Photo by Bob McGovernInMaricopa Publisher Scott Bartle and Maricopa Realtor Brian Petersheim observe the action at the One Chip Challenge. Photo by Bob McGovernState Rep. Bret Roberts points at the action at the InMaricopa tent to his three-year-old daughter, Olivia. Photo by Bob McGovernVince Manfredi, center, advertising director for InMaricopa, has some fun with contestants in the “One Chip Challenge.”
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