SEARCY, Ark. – The winners of the first ever Searcy Salsa Standoff have been announced as Daisy’s Lunchbox and Elena Wilson.
The salsa competition was held in conjunction with Beats & Eats in downtown Searcy last Saturday evening, and featured a taste-testing contest with professional and amateur categories.
In the professional category, Daisy’s Lunchbox’s entr,y called The Spicy Daisy’s, took first place. Owner Suzanne Raiford accepted the first place trophy and certificate for her salsa from Ruth Simpson, executive director of El Puente. Daisy’s will maintain bragging rights for Searcy’s best salsa until next year’s contest.
Taking first place in the amateur contest was Elena Wilson with Mama Elena’s Salsa, which came with a trophy and a $100 gift card courtesy of The Pruitt Agency. Second place went to Maria Rivera, accompanied by a $50 gift card provided by The Pruitt Agency. Third place went to Carla Fuller’s Monterey Jack Salsa, which came with a $25 Sonic gift card.
Elena Wilson shows off the trophy she won for her Mama Elena’s Salsa.
“This event was so much fun for all the participants!” Simpson said. “We will be back next year and anticipate that interest in the event will continue to grow. Our goal is to make more and more connections with the local Hispanic community.”
Proceeds benefited El Puente Hispanic Services Center, a new Searcy-based nonprofit organization providing services to local Spanish speaking individuals.