Now Making Salsa: West Palm Mayors

A A A Comments (0) By Erica K. Landau Thursday, Nov 19 2009

Hispanic Heritage Month may have ended in October but the festivities will continue through November at Greenacres Community Park (2095 Jog Road, Greenacres) with SalsaFest, a cultural event celebrating some of the music and flavors of the Hispanic community. In its third year, SalsaFest will feature tunes from international recording artists like Puerto Rican-born, two-time Grammy winner Lalo Rodriguez, New Jersey salsa vocalist Anthony Cruz, and Cuban-born Rey Ruiz. Geographically, these three represent important hubs of the musical genre’s evolution since salsa originated in Cuba but developed stylistically as Cuban immigrants settled in New York City and Puerto Rico in the ’60s and ’70s.

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In addition to music and surely some kick-ass salsa dancers, there will be a “Salsa Cooking Lineup” pitting young chefs from the Palm Beach County School district against each other. Other foodie events include salsa cooking demonstrations and a “Best Salsa” contest featuring dishes from the mayors of Wellington, Royal Palm Beach, Greenacres, Loxahatchee Groves, and Indian Trail. The chihuahua races are also popular, and involve a person standing at one end to release the dog and another person at the other end beckoning the pooch. Mostly the dogs just chase each other, but the first three dogs to make it to his or her human partner wins a prize. Those who want to race their chihuahuas will receive free entry into the festival, though they must fill out an application ahead of time. Tickets cost $10, and the festivities begin at 11 a.m. Visit salsafest.net, or call 561-790-6200.
Sat., Nov. 21, 11 a.m., 2009