Underwriting support from:
/Courtesy of the Downtown Market
If you’re looking for a spicy way to spend your Saturday, the Grand Rapids Downtown Market is hosting a brand new event on July 29, 2017 from 12 p.m. - 9 p.m. that you won’t want to miss. Salsa Celebración brings together summer’s hot weather and Michigan’s fiery hot produce with activities like salsa sampling, ice cold drinks, kids crafts, spicy specials from Market Hall tenants and more.
Salsas will be available for sampling from about 10 Grand Rapids area restaurants, including Downtown Market’s own Blue Spoon and the Incubator Kitchen’s Vault Catering. Those in attendance will be able to vote for “Best Salsa in GR.” From refreshing pico de gallo to the spiciest of spicy, guests can anticipate tasting a wide variety of flavors while making their choice.
A mechanical bull will be set up in the parking lot along with several kids make-and-take crafts like maracas to decorate. Salsa dancing and demos will be held in the second-floor Downtown Market banquet room along with the Market margarita bar and even a multiple-round pepper eating contest for the bravest in attendance.
“It depends on how “hot” hot is for you, but this is the perfect opportunity to test your spice limit,” says Amanda Gielczyk, Director of Marketing and Special Events with the Downtown Market. “The person who can withstand the most heat will walk away with a trophy, $25 Downtown Market gift card and major bragging rights.”
A full schedule of public events is listed below:
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Salsa sampling: Noon – 3 p.m.
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Kids activities: Noon – 6 p.m.
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Hot pepper eating contest (adults only!): 4 p.m.
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Piñata smash (kids only!): 5 p.m.
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Salsa dancing: 6-9 p.m. - Demonstrations of Cuban and LA-style salsa dancing with Moveir Dance Studio and salsa music with DJ Tony Banks
- Market Margarita Bar: Noon-3 p.m., 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
More information can be found here.
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