SAFFORD — The first champion of the 19th annual NatureSweet SalsaFest — Year of the Mariachi has been crowned.
Judges picked Brooklyn Isham’s recipe as having the best taste at the Michelada Contest during the Valley Telecom Sponsor Dinner Thursday at The Venue on Main.
A michelada is a mixed cocktail with beer and either tomato or clamato juice. Then it’s up to the mixologists to put their unique spin with other additions, such as hot sauce, soy sauce and citrus. Isham, who bartends at Frontier Steak and Spirits, said one of the secrets to her recipe was pickle juice.
“I tried it after, when they were still judging, and I thought it tasted pretty good,” Isham said. “Still, I’m surprised, honestly.”
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central
Also participating was Caylee Hanna, owner of Miss Bell’s Mobile Bar and Bartender; Chelsea Sargent, bartender at Trailhead Hideaway Bar and Grill, and winner of the Michelada contest in 2023; and Katie Parks with the Ranch Restaurant and Dirty Cowboy Saloon, who was awarded best presentation.
Judges were Blake Eager with the Southern Arizona Sports, Tourism and Film Authority; Tom Snodderley with Graham County Search and Rescue; Corina Pino-Reyes with Valley Telecom; and Peggy Hollowell with Rowdy Crowd Clothing.
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central
SalsaFest continues Friday and Saturday in Safford’s Downtown.
Opening ceremonies start things Friday at 5 p.m., followed by performances by Mariachi Luz de Luna, and the Heart and Soul band. Friday’s salsa competition is the Taste of the Trail, for the restaurants on the Salsa Trail.
Saturday will feature the Chihuahua races at 9 a.m.; a classic car show; two salsa competitions — the first for the professionals who make and sell out of their homes and the second for amateurs — and musical performances by Raymond Gomez, Heart and Soul, Our Island Style, and the headliner, a tribute to Selena.
Entrance is free; cost to taste the salsas in competition is $10 per competition.
