Courtesy photo.
OXNARD — Do you have a salsa recipe that everyone raves about? Here’s an opportunity to show off your creation by entering the “Great Oxnard Salsa Challenge,” taking place Sunday, July 28 during the 26th Annual Oxnard Salsa Festival.
The Salsa Challenge is open to amateur salsa chefs. Entrants will need to bring 16 ounces of their salsa to the festival on the morning of July 28. A panel of judges will blind taste test the entries and the winners will be announced on the main stage later in the day at approximately 1:00 p.m. Salsa must be dropped off at the festival’s Cantina between 8:30 a.m. and 9:15 a.m. (on the south end of Plaza Park, Fifth and B Streets in downtown Oxnard). Transport salsa entries in a cooler to keep fresh.
Categories are Best Red, Best Green, Best Fruit/Specialty, Best Mild, Best Medium, Best Hot and the Judge’s Choice Winner (for best of the best). The Judge’s Choice Winner receives $100. Other first place category winners receive a festival “goodie bag.” Space is limited to 30 salsa entries and pre?registration is required. The entry fee is $25 per salsa and includes one souvenir t-shirt per contestant. Winners are encouraged to collect their winnings at the festival’s Cantina before 2:00 p.m.
The deadline to register is Friday, July 19.
The Great Oxnard Salsa Challenge is one of the many attractions at the 26th Annual Oxnard Salsa Festival, July 27 and 28 from 11 a.m.to 7 p.m. Other event highlights include live salsa bands, salsa dancing, a salsa tasting tent, vendor marketplace, international foods, kids’ play zone, community stage and the popular, “Dancing With Our Community Stars” contest and charity fundraiser.
The Oxnard Salsa Festival is presented each year by the Oxnard Downtowners. Sponsors include Bud Light, McDonald’s, Players Casino, The Port of Hueneme, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Chevrolet, Oxnard Convention & Visitors Bureau, Geico and other community partners.
For festival information and salsa challenge entry forms, call 805?535?4060, or visit www.oxnardsalsafestival.com