By Jon Johnson
SAFFORD – The 18th annual SalsaFest is in the books and the winning amateur entry can be found at a local watering hole.
Leiako Kin and her “Not Your Nana’s Salsa” took home best overall amateur honors.
“I’ve been doing Taco Tuesday for Sarah (Sarah’s Bull Pen) for about four years now and I make this salsa every single Tuesday,” Kin said.
So, if you missed SalsaFest and would like to see what the fuss is all about and try out Kin’s salsa for yourself just head down to Sarah’s Bull Pen on Taco Tuesday and have a bite.
Sandra Ramirez took home honors for best amateur specialty salsa for her pico de gayo and was also awarded best table display.
U.S. Representative Juan Ciscomani and his family were on hand for the event and Juan served as one of the celebrity judges.
“Judging the SalsaFest is one of the best things that we can do,” Ciscomani said. “It’s delicious. Seeing a lot of the community come together for something that matters and we’re promoting economic development . . . I’m happy to be here, and I’ll keep showing up.”
Restaurant Awards
Best Table Display: Isabel’s South of the Border, Willcox
Best Restaurant Specialty Salsa: Isa Bey Mediterranean Salsa, Mesa
Best Restaurant Green Salsa: Mechy’s, Safford
Best Restaurant Red Salsa: Mechy’s, Safford
Best Overall Restaurant Salsa: Isabel’s South of the Border, Willcox
Amateur Awards
Best Table Display: Sandra Ramirez
Best Amateur Specialty Salsa Sandra Ramirez
Best Amateur Green Salsa: Armando Oporto
Best Amateur Red Salsa: Kendra Naboor
Best Overall Amateur Salsa: Leiako Kin “Not Your Nana’s Salsa”
Safford Lions Club Awards
Hot Cars on the Salsa Trail Best of Show: Frank Fox – 1956 Fort Thunderbird
Chihuahua Race First Place – Leeloo – owned by Matt and Adi Scott
