Mark your calendars for Sunday, September 2nd as the Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance (SAACA) proudly partners with the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona to present the 8th Annual Salsa, Tequila & Taco Challenge at La Encantada Shopping Center. Over 40 of the region's finest restaurants will compete for the title of best taco, best tequila cocktail, and best salsa, with attendees weighing in on their favorite tastes of the evening.

This year, a new VIP ticketing option will be available, and will include a one-hour early entry to the event at 6:00 PM, valet parking, a tequila toast compliments of Three Wells Distilling and commemorative shot glass plus all general admission access. The early entry will provide a more intimate setting to interact with restaurants, chefs and mixologists, with only 300 VIP tickets available.

The event is a vibrant celebration of the creative community of Southern Arizona and will highlight the rich and diverse culture that make our region unique. In addition to food and drink tastings, there will be live arts experiences throughout the evening, on stage and throughout the event. Music and dancing from a variety of performers will include Ballet Folklorico Tapatio, Mariachi Herradura, Cool Breeze and Zona Libre. Local artists and live painters will also showcase their work at the celebration.

COMMUNITY IMPACT

The Southern Arizona Salsa, Tequila & Taco Challenge is a fundraising event to benefit the presenting nonprofit organizations. All proceeds that are raised through ticket sales are invested into programs that provide foundational support to the communities' well-being.

"81% of the Community Food Bank budget is supplied through donations which enable us to provide nearly 200,000 individuals with emergency food assistance throughout the year," said Michael McDonald, Chief Executive Officer of the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona. "This event is an opportunity to build awareness and support for the incredible work that is being done in our region."

"The core of SAACA's work is centered around building stronger and healthier communities through a variety of arts-based programming, including groundbreaking arts therapy and education programs and dynamic community engagements like the Salsa, Tequila and Taco Challenge," said SAACA Executive Director, Kate Marquez. "This event is an expression and celebration of everything that is unique and creative about where we live, while also raising funds for much needed programs and services. " The partnership between the Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance and the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona began nearly 9 years ago in a collaborative fundraising effort, aimed at partnering to create a signature community event.

The partnership between the Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance and the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona began nearly nine years ago in a collaborative fundraising effort aimed at partnering to create a signature community event.

The Salsa, Tequila & Taco Challenge also promotes local businesses in a lively environment by connecting attendees with local restaurants. Guests will have access to taste samples from many restaurants in one location while personally interacting with the chefs and mixologists that create the recipes they are tasting. At the end of the evening, awards will be presented to the event champions in over 15 categories.

Tortilla chips that are provided to all guests at ticketing are being graciously donated by Guadalajara Grill, and the tequila toast during the VIP hour is courtesy of donation by Three Wells Distilling Company.

Tickets are on sale now at www.SAACA.org.

2018 Southern Arizona Salsa, Tequila & Taco Challenge
When: Sunday Sept. 3 at 7:00 p.m.
Where: La Encantada Shopping Center, northwest corner of Skyline Dr and Campbell Ave
Cost: VIP - $100, General Admission - $60 (21+ Event)
Online: www.SAACA.org
Phone: (520) 797-3959 x 105
About Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance
The Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance (SAACA) is a not-for-profit organization that exists to ensure that, through engagement in arts and culture, our communities produce strong, inspired citizens. SAACA enlists artists, businesses, governments, and individuals to expand artistic and cultural opportunities in their respective communities. To enhance access to the arts and to promote cultural awareness in the communities it serves, SAACA presents large-scale festivals, events and other programs. The Alliance also promotes educational opportunities in the arts and culture for all ages.
 
For more information about programs and events produced by the Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance, go to www.SAACA.org.

For the 13th year, the World Margarita Championship impressed attendees with a feast for the senses. Creative and flavorful food and drink were served to a record-breaking audience on Friday night at the El Conquistador Tucson, A Hilton Resort, highlighted by live performances by Ballet Folklorico Tapatio and Aztral Folk, in addition to live painting by artist Victor Navarro. Eight final winners were selected to take home awards for their outstanding contributions by a panel of judges as well as votes submitted by attendees.

The restaurants weren't the only winners on Friday evening. The event is a collaborative fundraiser for both the Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance (SAACA) and Tucson Original Restaurants, and all proceeds benefit programs of their respective organizations. This year nearly $20,000 was raised through admission and raffle tickets and will be invested into SAACA's groundbreaking programs like Music & Memory and Veterans Art Therapy, and Tucson Originals Restaurants dynamic support of locally owned restaurants.

The winners of this year's competition are:

Judges Choice for Margarita

1st Place: The Tequila Factory @ Casino Del Sol -- Hielo Verde Margarita
2nd Place: Fresco Pizzeria -- Bitter Orange Margarita
3rd Place: Lodge on the Desert Restaurant-- "Kiss Me Through the Foam" Margarita

People's Choice for Margarita

1st Place: Rigo's Restaurant -- Dragon Margarita
2nd Place: Chef Chic -- Purple Blossom Margarita
3rd Place: Guadalajara Mexican Grill -- Spicy Mango Margarita

Best Menu Sample

Judges Choice: The Tequila Factory @ Casino Del Sol -- Chiltepin & White Sonoran Wheat Salad
People's Choice: Rigo's Restaurant -- Barbacoa

The judging panel was comprised of professionals who are well-versed in the Tucson culinary culture including: Matt Russell, public relations executive and host of 104.1 KQTH's On the Menu Live; Melissa Stihl, writer for Tucson Foodie; and Sandra Cannett, writer and owner of Fat Tucson.

Note to Media: Photos Available

Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance
The Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance (SAACA) is a not-for-profit organization that exists to ensure that, through engagement in arts and culture, our communities produce strong, inspired citizens. SAACA enlists artists, businesses, governments, and individuals to expand artistic and cultural opportunities in their respective communities. To enhance access to the arts and to promote cultural awareness in the communities it serves, SAACA presents large-scale festivals, events and other programs. The Alliance also promotes educational opportunities in the arts and culture for all ages. For more information about programs and events produced by the Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance, go to www.saaca.org.

Tucson Originals Restaurants
Tucson Originals Restaurants exemplify the independent spirit and the rich culinary heritage that is Tucson. Formed in 1999, the Tucson Originals have been the driving force and model for similar groups all across America who are working to preserve the culinary spirit of their communities. With the rapid rise of chain eateries, this alliance has helped many of Tucson’s signature restaurants survive and thrive. They are your neighbors and friends who contribute endlessly to the betterment of our community. You will find them represented at countless charitable events and outreach efforts throughout the year. They are the first to give when there is a need. We hope you will give them your support and enjoy their offerings in return.