Salsa contest adds new ingredient - charity

There will be a new twist on the trademark salsa taste-off at Fiesta Salsa this year. On Saturday, July 17, Salsa Challenge for Social Good will pair up salsa makers with local nonprofit organizations to compete for prize money that will benefit those most in need.

The $1,000 first prize was incentive enough to encourage more than one dozen different salsa entries. Although Fiesta Salsa will be from noon to 10 p.m., you can only taste salsa until 3 p.m.

Salsa makers will compete on behalf of their social service agency partners in a professionally judged competition for first prize. They also will have a chance to impress attendees of the festival, which could mean taking home the People's Choice Award and a little extra cash for the agency.

Visit Fiesta Salsa, try a little salsa and help the nonprofits win prize money for their agencies and bragging rights for area restaurants as they compete for the best-tasting salsa.

In addition to the Salsa Challenge for Social Good, Fiesta Salsa features food for purchase, live entertainment and activities for children at the Civic Center Plaza, 150 Dexter Court in downtown Elgin. The opening ceremony starts at noon, with food booths opening at 12:30 p.m. Fiesta Salsa is hosted by the Hispanic Heritage Coalition. For details, visit FiestaSalsa.org.