The World Margarita Championship returns to Southern Arizona, highlighting local businesses and investment in community arts and culture

Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance and Tucson Originals partner to showcase the culinary assets of Tucson and contribute to cultural development 

Local chefs and restaurants will put their best foot forward on August 10, 2018 at the El Conquistador Tucson, a Hilton Resort in Oro Valley, AZ to compete for this year’s first place at the 13th World Margarita Championship. A partnership between Tucson Originals Restaurants and the Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance (SAACA), the event provides a unique experience for attendees to sample outstanding libation and food pairings from local, independent restaurants and vote for their favorite flavors.

Several community partners have come together to collaborate to make this event possible. The Tucson Originals Restaurants, who began the project over 13 years ago, partnered with the Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance to present the event. In addition, El Conquistador Tucson, a Hilton Resort in Oro Valley, AZ as well as the Town of Oro Valley have come in to support the community project. The event’s purpose goes beyond entertainment, contributing event proceeds to their organizations’ guiding missions.

“The World Margarita Championship is an opportunity for attendees to experience our region’s rich culinary heritage, while funding programming that helps foster our sense of place,” said SAACA Executive Director Kate Marquez. “The money raised by ticket sales are reinvested into programs that promote creativity and innovation right here in Southern Arizona.” The proceeds raised by SAACA will go toward programs such as visual and musical arts therapy for veterans and the Music and Memory Program.

The event is a venue for participating restaurants to interact with an expected 800 attendees, serving a personal experience along with their menu offerings. Over 20 independent Tucson restaurants are expected to be represented.

Tickets for the 13th Annual World Margarita Championship are $55 and include libation and menu samplings from participating restaurants and purveyors and are on sale now at www.SAACA.org

World Margarita Championship
When: Friday, August 10th at 6 p.m.
Where: El Conquistador Tucson, a Hilton Resort 10000 North Oracle Rd, Tucson AZ 85737
Tickets: $55 and $70 day of the event
Online: http://www.saaca.org/World_Margarita_Championshi.php
Phone: (520) 797-3959 x 105

NOTE TO MEDIA: Photos available 

Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance
The Southern Arizona Arts and 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 both the young and the old. 

Tucson Originals
Formed in 1999, the Tucson Originals Restaurants are the independently owned, fine dining, casual and neighborhood eateries that make up our vibrant culinary community. They promote the value of Tucson’s independent restaurants and support Tucson’s culinary diversity. By spotlighting local restaurants, distilleries, and breweries, Tucson Originals has been a driving force for protecting Tucson’s sense of place and preserving the culinary spirit of our community. With the rapid rise of chain eateries, this alliance has helped many of Tucson’s signature restaurants survive and thrive