Salsa Fiesta 2008
The Fourth Annual Salsa Fiesta in Albuquerque's Old Town 
is slated for Saturday, August 16th from 2:00 - 7:00 p.m., with entertainment continuing until 9:00 p.m.
Three categories of entrants – ”Hot,” “Medium,” and “Specialty” – will be judged for prizes and bragging rights. First-place winners in all three categories will receive artist-designed molcajetes, and all winning entries will receive ribbons and certificates suitable for display.
Some of Albuquerque’s biggest salsa manufacturers, stores and restaurants will participate in the competition. This year the entire “Best Salsa” competition will be held in a large tent in the parking lot behind La Hacienda Restaurant. In an environment that will feature live music and a celebratory atmosphere, the crowds will gather to taste-test the city’s best salsas and vote for their favorites.
Also this year, entering companies are invited to also display their hotsauces and chile sauces for consumer testing, as well as to sell their products.
How to Enter
Exhibit and Enter Competition - $100 for 10’ x 10’ covered space with table and 2 chairs
Entrants to Provide: Approximately 5 gallons of salsa for public tasting (product may be packaged for sale); 1 pint of salsa for official judging panel; packaged samples of chile sauce and hot sauce for taste-testing and sales, if applicable; signage, booth décor, print materials for handout; items required for sales, if applicable.
Exhibit Only - $100 for 10’ x 10’ covered space with table and 2 chairs
Exhibitors to Provide: Packaged product - salsas, hot sauces, chile sauces for taste-testing and sales; signage, booth décor, print materials for handout; items required for sales, if applicable.
Entry-Only Participation - $100 entry fee for up to 3 products – one in each category
No sale of product allowed. (This option is for organizations unable to set up and staff their own booths due to shortage of personnel. Their entries will be grouped in one area and staffed with volunteers.)
Entrants to Provide: Approximately 5 gallons of salsa for public tasting (packaged product preferred); 1 pint of salsa for official judging panel.
Note: Electricity is not provided. If electrical is required, please contact Isabelle Zamora; a charge will apply.
JUDGING: The public will purchase wristbands for $5.00 per person prior to entering the tent, and after tasting the many entries will cast their votes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners in each of the three categories. A select panel of judges will taste-test and evaluate all entries in a private area. The scores will be combined and winners announced following the competition.
Schedule of Events
Activities
Live Salsa music was presented throughout the day and evening. There will be lots of fun activities for children and the opportunity to stroll and shop throughout the entire Old Town area.
Sponsors
The Fourth Annual Salsa Fiesta is presented by the City of Albuquerque's Cultural Services Department and these sponsors.
