Albuquerque, NM—Mayor Martin J. Chávez, and the City of Albuquerque’s Cultural Services Department, in cooperation with the Old Town Merchants Association, today announced that the “Hot Time in Old Town” Third Annual Salsa Fiesta will be held on Saturday, August 11, 2007.
 
The popular event features a “heated” competition among vendors for the “Best Salsa,” a full day of live music and other entertainment, fun activities for all ages, and this year’s addition, a salsa-making competition among members of the general public.
 
Mayor Chávez confirmed his support for this event as part of his Old Town Initiative. “Old Town is one of Albuquerque’s most valuable resources.  I strongly support events and activities that bring large numbers of residents and visitors to the area, and the Third Annual Salsa Fiesta is an important summer event for accomplishing that goal.”
 
“This event, which started small and grew considerably in 2006, is expected to continue growing each year and become the warm-weather counterpart to our highly popular Annual Holiday Stroll,” reported Sonja Martens, owner of Blissful Bath and newly-elected President of the Old Town Merchant’s Association. “We are already heavily into planning this year’s event and look forward to more competitors, larger crowds and a truly ‘hot’ time in Old Town on August 11th.”
 
The City Cultural Services Department’s manager for Old Town, Chuy Martinez, added, “We are pleased to work with the Old Town Merchant’s Association to bring additional resources to the event. We will be involved in the planning and coordination, and are bringing a full day of live entertainment that will be presented throughout Old Town.”  He added, “This year the San Felipe de Neri Church will participate with a chile roast and delicious foods served in their courtyard. Booths for the competition will move onto the Plaza, as well as on Church Street, to allow for expansion, and the entire Old Town area will have music and activities for all ages.”
 
The day-long event will feature salsa tasting competitions for both commercially-produced and homemade salsas. Attendees may purchase a wristband for $5.00 to taste all of the salsas during the official competition, which will run from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.  Commercial vendors will also be selling their salsas on-site.
 
Details on the public homemade salsa competition will be released in May. Individuals who are “famous” for their salsas among family and friends should sign up early for the chance to be awarded the “Best Salsa”-maker prize. Those entering will be required to take a special class in preparing and serving food to the public that is offered by the City.
 
Sponsors are being sought for the event with details to be announced shortly.  Commercial salsa manufacturers are encouraged to enter the competition soon as booths are expected to sell out early.
 
For more information on sponsorships and exhibiting, contact Marti Wolf at 505-822-1662 or martiewolf@msn.com