SAFFORD — The Graham County Chamber of Commerce wants to know who makes the best salsa.
The Chamber announced registrations are now being accepted for both the Taste of the Trail and the amateur salsa-making competitions at this year’s NatureSweet SalsaFest — Year of the Chimichanga.
The Taste of the Trail competition is open to professionals and restaurants in the Salsa Trail, and competition will take place Friday, Sept. 27. Makers must prepare a minimum of five gallons onsite, which will be placed in 300 two-ounce containers for SalsaFest attendees to taste with a purchased bag of chips.
Makers have a chance at five different cash prizes:
- $1,000 for Best Overall Salsa, sponsored by Velocity Builders
- $500 for Best Red Salsa
- $500 for Best Green Salsa, sponsored by Country Financial
- $500 for Best Specialty Salsa
- $200 for Best Table Display
There is no cost to participate for Chamber members. To register for the Taste of the Trail competition, click here.
The CMI SalsaFest Challenge amateur competition takes place Saturday, Sept. 28. Cost to enter is $10 and makers must also prepare a minimum of five gallons to be placed in 300 two-ounce cups.
The amateurs will also be eligible for cash prizes:
- $1,000 for Best Overall Salsa
- $500 for Best Red Salsa
- $500 for Best Green Salsa
- $500 for Best Specialty Salsa
- $200 for Best Table Display
All winners will be determined by a combination of judge’s scoring and fan votes. The judging criteria is taste, texture and “wow” factor.
All participants must be pre-registered before the day of the event. To register for the CMI SalsaFest Challenge amateur competition, click here.
Event Schedule:
Friday Taste of the Trail salsa competition
10 a.m.: Competitors can begin setting up their booths
4:45 p.m.: All booths must be fully set up
Saturday amateur salsa competition:
7 a.m.: Check-in begins
7:30 a.m.: Mandatory food safety meeting
8 a.m.: Salsa preparation
10: Salsa Packaging and cleanup
11 a.m.: Red salsa chip sales begin
8 p.m.: Awards show
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