Some like it hot: Vendors vie for awards in salsa day competition at WF Farmers Market

Hot weather and hot salsas were on the menu as the Wichita Falls Farmers Market hosted its Salsa Day Showdown on Saturday.

Several competitors entered homemade and unique salsa recipes that ranged from mild, hot, to even hottest of the hot, including but not limited to, tomatoes, onions and lots of peppers.

Shoppers line up to taste test different salsa recipes during the Wichita Falls Farmers Market Salsa Day Showdown on Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024.
Shoppers line up to taste test different salsa recipes during the Wichita Falls Farmers Market Salsa Day Showdown on Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024.

Competition rules also had to be followed or it could have resulted in disqualification for the competitors and taste testers.

Guests could only enter the salsa zone with a wrist-band and had to wait in an orderly line. Once testers had gone through the line they could cast their votes.

Salsa day directions are displayed during the Wichita Falls Farmers Market Salsa Day Showdown on Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024.
Salsa day directions are displayed during the Wichita Falls Farmers Market Salsa Day Showdown on Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024.

There were five award categories with three finalists in each division.

Here are the first prize winners:

  • Judges Choice Award: Owl and Spice Co.

  • Red Community Choice Award: CC’s Sizzlin Sauce

  • Verde Community Choice Award: Tacos Don Pepe

  • Fruit Community Choice Award: Becky The Crazy Canning Lady

  • Scorching Hot Award: Behind Bars Salsa Co.

Pepper shaped trophies wait to be handed out during the Wichita Falls Farmers Market Salsa Day Showdown on Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024.
Pepper shaped trophies wait to be handed out during the Wichita Falls Farmers Market Salsa Day Showdown on Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024.

Each winner received a pepper-shaped trophy and photo with a local community leader.

This coming Saturday, the Wichita Falls Farmers Market at 807 Austin St. will be closed for the Hotter'N Hell Hundred.

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This article originally appeared on Wichita Falls Times Record News: Wichita Falls Farmers Market hosts Salsa Day competition