Salsa Cook Off contestants pose for a photo at last year’s festival. Photo courtesy of Helping Hands OV

ORANGEVALE, CA (MPG) - Helping Hands OV is bringing the flavor and inviting you to the fun with their fourth annual Salsa Cook Off from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 16 at the Orangevale Grange, 5807 Walnut Ave.

The event promises a lively day of community connection, salsa tastings, music, local vendors, beer and margarita garden, and more, all to support a great cause.

Proceeds from the event will directly benefit Helping Hands OV’s newest program, Scholarships for Trade School, as well as several of the nonprofit organization’s long-standing efforts serving low-income, elderly and disabled residents in the Orangevale–Fair Oaks area.

The Salsa Cook Off on Aug. 16 promises a lively day of community connection, salsa tastings, music, local vendors, beer and margarita garden, and more, all to support a great cause at the Orangevale Grange. Photo courtesy of Helping Hands OV

“This isn’t just a cook off; it’s a chance to gather with neighbors, celebrate local talent and support the next generation of skilled workers,” said Sydnie Anderson, Helping Hands OV president. “We believe there’s no better way to lend a helping hand than empowering people to use theirs, especially in high-demand trades that keep our communities running.”

In addition to raising funds for scholarships, the event will highlight Helping Hands OV’s other impactful programs. That includes Valentines for Seniors, which distributed 10,400-plus handmade cards to care homes across the region; Easter Baskets for Kids in Need, where 157 local children received personalized baskets from community donors; and Spring Food Drive, collecting 4,000-plus pounds of food for the Orangevale-Fair Oaks Food Bank. It also includes helping elderly and low-income residents with ongoing household help for lawn care, minor repairs and safety tasks.

Grupo Folklorico Los Saguaritos dance at last year’s Salsa Cook Off. Photo courtesy of Helping Hands OV

Celebrity judges ABC 10’s Mark S Allen, Mix 96/ Now 100.5 radio host Doug Lazy, Pro MMA Fighter Max “Pain” Griffin, Fair Oaks Honorary Mayor Katie Yount, Orangevale Live’s MaryAnne Povey and Lane Gonick from the office of Josh Hoover will vote for their favorite salsas in categories of Hot, Mild, Blended and Chunky, and all attendees will choose the Community Choice Award- the best in town.

The day will also include live music, performances, youth activities and a wide variety of local makers and food vendors.

Helping Hands OV extends special thanks to its Fiesta Sponsors: Creative Corner Preschool, El Tapatio Citrus Heights and the Rubitsky family, in loving memory of Lisa Rubitsky for bringing the party to this beloved community event.

Pictured are some of the winners from last year’s Salsa Cook Off. Photo courtesy of Helping Hands OV