Host a Salsa Challenge

We have a lot of fun, social activities in our neighborhood that are often sponsored by a variety of business owners within the community.  The most recent one was a Salsa Challenge that our friend Melanie Nemetz of Nemetz Homes sponsored.  This column is to give you a high level “how to” in case you are interested in throwing a salsa challenge in your own neighborhood – or even with a group of friends.

The invitation went out to the community a few weeks before the event, this was held on a Saturday evening from 7:00 – 10:00 p.m. in one of the community club houses and was limited to attendees 21 years or older. 

Guests were encouraged to enter a salsa into the challenge, but it wasn’t required.   Melanie charged a fee of $4 per person and registration was done through our community’s site.  This could easily be done through Evite as well.    Included in the fee was the salsa taste testing and chips, frozen margaritas, beer, water, and churros were provided by Melanie. 

A few days before the event, Melanie contacted the registered guests and asked them to confirm the category for their salsa (medium, hot, unique) along with a name for their salsa and asked everyone to bring two quarts to the event.

Upon arrival, we were checked in and saw the taste testing table covered with bowls ready to be filled with everyone’s salsa – alongside each bowl was a sign with the name provided to Melanie.  Along with the plates and the chips, guests filled small dipping cups with salsas to avoid double dipping – this is a must!  Melanie served chips from Arriba Mexican Grill, purchased churros from Costco – they were $1 each and she cut them in half.   From both places, she was able to pre-order and schedule a pick up time.  She also rented a frozen margarita machine from Mr. Margarita.

Power Ranch Salsa Challenge - Photo by Carter Event Photos | The Bubbly Hostess

Power Ranch Salsa Challenge - Photo by Carter Event Photos | The Bubbly Hostess

Power Ranch Salsa Challenge - Photo by Carter Event Photos | The Bubbly Hostess

Power Ranch Salsa Challenge - Photo by Carter Event Photos | The Bubbly Hostess

To help alleviate some of the work off of her, she hired a few assistants to manage the check-ins, serve the margaritas, clean up along the way, etc. 

Once the taste testing was complete, guests completed their voting card to choose their favorite medium, hot, and unique salsas.  There was also a “best overall” category to decide.  

Power Ranch Salsa Challenge - Photo by Carter Event Photos | The Bubbly Hostess After the votes had been tabulated, the winners were announced around 8:30 p.m.  Melanie had some cute trophies made to give as prizes.  Unfortunately, neither one of my salsas entered were chosen, but I’ll still get the recipes on the blog soon! 

Throughout the evening, guests were able to have their photos taken by Carter Event Photos in a photo booth area complete with hats, a piñata, big sunglasses, moustaches, etc.  Kristen also took photos of the event throughout the evening.  To see all of the photos, you can visit the Nemetz Homes Facebook Page here to view the Salsa Challenge album.  

Power Ranch Salsa Challenge - Photo by Carter Event Photos | The Bubbly Hostess

Power Ranch Salsa Challenge - Photo by Carter Event Photos | The Bubbly Hostess

Power Ranch Salsa Challenge - Photo by Carter Event Photos | The Bubbly Hostess

This was a very fun evening and I’m hoping it becomes an annual event!  Thanks to Melanie Nemetz for sponsoring such a fantastic time and to Kristen Carter for taking great photos throughout the night. 

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