Helping Hands OV volunteers at the Salsa Cook-Off. Photo courtesy of Cathy Kurtz Photography

ORANGEVALE, CA (MPG) – Orangevale brought the heat Saturday, Aug. 15, as Helping Hands OV hosted its fifth annual Salsa Cook-Off, serving up a flavorful afternoon of food, music, dancing, art and plenty of community spirit.

More than 45 salsas were tasted as local salsa makers competed for bragging rights in five categories: blended, chunky, mild, hot and community choice. From cool and mellow to seriously spicy, there was a salsa for every taste bud and plenty of reasons to go back for another sample.

The celebration featured live music from Schwamigos, dancing by Los Saguaritos and art from OVFO Arts, creating a festive atmosphere for salsa fans and community members alike.

“This event is a wonderful reflection of what makes Orangevale special,” said Helping Hands OV Volunteer Coordinator Tracy Furze. “We’re so grateful to the volunteers, salsa makers, local businesses and community members who shared their time and talents to make this year’s Salsa Cook-Off such a fun and successful celebration.” 

A special thank you also goes to celebrity guest judges Max “Pain” Griffin, MaryAnne Povey, Chrysti Tovani and Noah Wright for taking on the deliciously difficult task of judging this year’s entries. And gracias to all of our sponsors, including Fiesta Sponsor, 5th Generation Plumbing, for helping make the event possible. 

There were several winners based on different categories of salsa. Second place winners included No. 7, Dave Dunlava for blended; No. 14, Alejandra Viramontez for chunky; No. 45, Tawny Sanchez for mild and No.23, Derek Kirkman for hot salsa.

More than 45 salsas were tasted as local salsa makers competed for bragging rights in five categories: blended, chunky, mild, hot and community choice. Photo courtesy of Cathy Kurtz Photography

First place winners included No.4, BDOTY for blended; No.16, Jordan Burns for chunky; No. 17, Michelle Gomez for mild and No.9, Fix Auto Orangevale for hot salsa.

The community choice winner was No. 7, Dave Dunlava.

Congratulations to all of the winners and to every salsa maker who brought a batch to share. The competition may have been friendly, but the flavors were serious!

Helping Hands OV is more than an annual salsa celebration. The local nonprofit brings neighbors together to lend a helping hand to residents who need assistance with projects and services around their homes.

Want to get involved? There are plenty of ways to pitch in. Helping Hands OV is looking for volunteers and businesses with all kinds of skills, including gardeners, plumbers, electricians and more.

To learn more about volunteering, supporting the organization or getting involved in the community, visit helpinghandsov.org. There’s always room for another helping hand, and maybe another batch of salsa, too!