Preparations under way for second annual Salsa Festival

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The City of Maricopa Parks, Recreation and Libraries (PRL) Department is gearing up for the Second Annual Maricopa Salsa Festival. Last year’s inaugural event drew 22 entrants and over 650 people. This year’s event will be held on Saturday, April 29, 2006, on the football field at Maricopa High School.

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Over 650 people attended the first Salsa Festival; this year’s event should attract an even larger crowd.

This FREE event is designed to bring the community together in a fun and festive atmosphere and serves as a complement to the PRL Department’s motto of creating community through people, parks and programs.

“The Maricopa Salsa Festival is a wonderful event to bring the entire family to,” commented PRL Director Marty McDonald. “We offered a $100 cash prize last year, and we’ve upped the ante to $500 for the Best Overall Salsa this year. Our goal is to eventually create the largest Salsa Festival in the western United States.”

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Lucia Rodriguez took home $100 for Best Overall Salsa last year; this year’s winner will get a $500 cash prize.

inmaricopa.com has been named as the presenting sponsor for the festival along with Curves and MaricopasRealtor.com as major supporters. The City of Maricopa’s PRL Department is seeking additional sponsors for this event. If your company is interested in sponsoring, please contact PRL Director McDonald at (520) 568-9098, Ext. 204 or by email.

The event is a traditional salsa competition with contestants battling for a $500 cash prize for Best Overall Salsa. Contestants will also have the opportunity to win awards for Best Mild Salsa, Best Hot Salsa, Most Unusual Salsa (e.g. fruit or seafood salsa) and the Council’s Choice. The City of Maricopa’s City Council will vote on their favorite salsa for this prestigious award. Everyone attending the event will receive a free bag of tortilla chips and have a chance to vote for their own favorite salsa.

Stay tuned for more exciting details about the event. Registration starts on January 10. You can read more about this year’s event, and last year’s event as well, by visiting www.maricopasalsafestival.com.