Community

Salsa chef winners declared, event photos

Apr 30, 2007

Nearly 700 ballots were cast to determine the winners of the 3rd annual Maricopa Salsa Festival presented by inmaricopa.com at Pacana Park Saturday.

The winners will be recognized and presented with their awards at the city council meeting Tuesday night.

“The weather events from yesterday afternoon really put a damper on things,” said Maricopa Parks, Recreation and Libraries Director Marty McDonald. “We were close to breaking the 4,000-people mark for attendance and would have eclipsed 5,000 had the weather remained calm.”

The event ended suddenly after sandy winds from the south moved in, knocking over vendor tents and reducing visibility.

Despite the abrupt ending, which cancelled the fireworks show, McDonald said the turnout and participation made the event a success.

Musical acts The Big Zephyr and Neoprimitive were able to play as well as a combined dance performance by Maricopa’s two dance schools: Desert Sun Performing Arts and Maricopa Dance.

McDonald said that Maricopa will host a fireworks show at the Great American Barbeque at Pacana Park July 4.

Salsa chef winners are as follows:

Best Bean Dip ($300 prize):

Carolyn Haight – Team Carolyn

Best Guacamole ($300 prize):

April Herrera – Team Herrera

Most Unusual Salsa ($500 prize):

Jack & Minerva Hendrix – The Hendrix Experience

Best Mild Salsa ($500 prize):

Amada Landeros – Team Landeros

Best Hot Salsa ($500 prize):

David Sheparad – MBA Salsa