4th Annual SalsaFest 2010 is September 24-25!
The 3rd Annual SalsaFest Was A Success!!
September 25 & 26, 2009
Click here to see the rest of the photos from the 2009 SalsaFest!!

The 2009 SalsaFest was a successful weekend! There were activities to satisfy every member of the family.
This year the SalsaFest had prizes, multiple salsa making contests, a festival marketplace, salsa music & dancing, food demonstrations, a kids area, jalapeño & salsa eating competitions, Balloon Glow, and hot air balloon lift off.
If you think this year's SalsaFest was awesome, make sure you keep checking back for details on the 2010 SalsaFest! Each year the annual SalsaFest gets bigger and better! You will not want to miss the 2010 SalsaFest!
SalsaFest '09 Statistics
Approximately 2,000 people attended SalsaFest Friday evening and 4,000 on Saturday. $5,100, 65% more than last year, was raised from the Salsa Tent entry and sales. The Salsa making challenge had 25 entries. Approximately 600 bowls of chips were sold.
For a Good Cause
The Safford Lions Club with the Rotary Club organized and coordinated the SalsaFest as a community service fundraiser and all the proceeds will be donated to charity. The Lions Club uses the proceeds to do eye screenings at local schools and donate eyeglasses to individuals who can not afford to buy them. Last year they were able to give 120 people the gift of sight with new glasses. Dave Green of the Lions Club commented, "a man told me he was very, very greatful for the glasses and it had really increased the quality and enjoyment of his life because of the glasses."


HOT Air Balloons!!
This year the weather was perfect for balloon rides! Nine hot air balloons participated in the SalsaGlow on Friday night and then took off from Safford High School the next morning!
Contest Winners!!!
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Judge's Choice Salsa Competition Winners
In this Photo: Barbra Haralson, Moses Ochoa, Patricia Baca & Laura Slattary |
People's Choice Salsa Competition Winners
In this photo: Ruth Gowin, Amelia Sainz,Voda Evans |
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Salsa Eating Contest Winners
In this Photo: Vicky Martinez, Shawn Turley, Peter Judge, Ken Gowin |
Jalapeño Eating Contest Winners
In this photo: Roman Loya, Shawn Turley, Victor Pacheco |
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Professional Salsa Making Contest: Manor House
In this Photo: Mary Lou Krieg |
Raffle Winner: Mexico Resort Prize
In this photo: Diane Deiter |
Stay at a Resort in MEXICO!!!!
Congrats to the winners: Diane Deiter and Ruth Gowin
Thank you to our Mexico Resort Prize Sponsors!
• Puerto Vallarta provided by the Westin Resort & Spa
• Mazatlan by the Royal Villas Resort
2nd Annual Salsa Walk
the 3.25 mile walkathon to benefit the Gila Valley Boys & Girls Club of Safford. There were 60 participants who generated $2,000 this year!
Sisters on the Fly
Sisters on the Fly attended Salsafest 2009! Sisters on the Fly is a unique organization focused on seeking adventure and having fun. This sisterhood has grown to over 1,000 members from all walks of life. Sisters on the Fly were just featured in the June issue of Sunset Magazine.
These women travel all over the country fly-fishing, running the river, and socializing over a glass of wine, holding true to their motto "We have more fun than anyone!!"
Check out their Cowgirl Caravan comprised of vintage trailers that reflect each sister's personality. Each is decorated inside and out and has a theme unique to its owner.
For more information on Sisters on the Fly visit www.sistersonthefly.com
Schedule!
Friday, September 25
5:00 pm - Opening Ceremonies
5:00 pm- Tethered balloon rides start
5:30 pm - Taste of Salsa Trail Tent
5:30 pm- 9:00 pm - Live Entertainment
includes....
Music
• Current and former Gila Valley Idols will be singing
Shows
• DePalma's Team USA Martial Arts- Karate show
7:00 pm- Balloon Salsa Glow on Main Street
All Night - Kids Corner
Saturday, September 26
6:15 am - Balloon lift off at Safford high school
8:00 am- Salsa Walk begins at Discovery Park
8:30 am - Salsa Challenge cooks meeting
9:00 am - Salsa Challenge begins
9:00 am - 4:00 pm-
• Salsa Challenge Tent is open for tasting & voting
• Jalapeño Eating Contest
• Salsa Eating Contest
• Festival Marketplace
Live entertainment
Includes.......
Music
• Mariachi band
• Country bands
• Mexican music
• Current and former Gila Valley Idols
• Desert Sons
Shows
• Tropical Vibes Show- Salsa Dancers
• Safford Dance Academy
• Demonstrations by chefs
All Day - Kids Corner
Sponsors:
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Event Hosted By:
Safford Lion's Club
Gila Valley Rotary Club
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Graham County Chamber of Commerce
1111 Thatcher Blvd. (Hwy 70) Safford, AZ 85546 Toll Free: 1.888.837.1841 (p): 928.428.2511 (f): 928.428.0744
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