SalsaFest 2009 is Saturday at Greenacres Community Park
GREENACRES - More than 12,000 people are expected to celebrate Hispanic culture this weekend at the Palms West Chamber of Commerce's third annual SalsaFest from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. at the Greenacres Community Park, 2095 Jog Road. Admission is $10, children younger than 7 are admitted free, and parking is free.
"It's a great event. We have activities happening all day," said Jaene Miranda, CEO of the Palms West Chamber of Commerce. The inaugural SalsaFest two years ago attracted more than 4,000 people. But that paled in comparison to the 12,000 that attended last year. Despite the economy the event continues to grow. Miranda said, "It's affordable to go the event. It's inexpensive entertainment considering you get international recording artists that are very well known. You get three artists and a bunch of other entertainment for $8."
While admission is $10 advance tickets for $8 can be purchased until Friday at SalsaFest's website, Havana Restaurant and El Bodegon. In addition they're selling a family four-pack for $30.
Back again this year is the popular chihuahua races, competitions by young chefs from the school district and salsa cooking demonstrations. The mayors of Wellington, Royal Palm Beach, Greenacres, Loxahatchee Groves and the president of Indian Trail Improvement District will compete in a salsa showdown. Last year Loxahatchee Mayor David Browning took the top prize of “Best Salsa” in the cook-off. He'll be back again to defend his title.
The major entertainment acts this year include three world renowned salsa musical acts including headliner Rey Ruiz and Puerto Rican international sensations Lalo Rodriquez and Anthony Cruz.
This year they're also placing more focus on the children's entertainment by bringing in costume characters, bounce houses, and other activities. They'll have a safety fair where they Red Cross with teach children about safety.
Also again this year a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Greenacres Department of Leisure Services for the purpose of expanding its award-winning youth programs to underprivileged children in the community.
If You Go Box
What: 3rd Annual SalsaFest presented by The Palms West Chamber of Commerce
Where: Greenacres Community Park 2095 Jog Road; Park is located on Jog Road, one block north of 10th Ave.
When: Saturday, Nov 21
Time: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Admission: $10; children under 7 free; free parking
Mini Schedule: Noon salsa showdown with mayors; 1 p.m. salsa showdown with fire rescue and domino competition; 3:00 p.m. Chihuahua Race; 4:30 p.m. Anthony Cruz; 5:30 p.m. dance competition; 6:30 p.m. Lalo Rodriguez; 8:30 p.m. Rey Ruiz.
Contact: 561-790-6200
Web site: www.salsafest.net
Permalink | Share:
Comments
1.We assisted at the Salsa Fest event in West Palm Beach. They do this event every year right when the weather is perfect for outdoor activities. It is delicious to be at the park walking around surrounded by music, full families enjoin themselves with kids running around and couples sharing a dance or just watching a live show and the smell of the grills of the best restaurants in town competing to serve you the best meal of the day.
Lucky enough they also hosted a Salsa dance competition and we have the opportunity to share the floor with other 15 couples and a very warm crowd of hundreds of peoples that tided around us on the pavilion floor to enjoy the contest and ultimately granted us with their approval.
They were giving away $200.00 for first place and $100.00 for the second. There were no judges this year other than the public so it was all this time about the popular vote.
Once again I’m very proud of my partner performance and her willingness to follow my lead not only on the technicality of the dance, but on the enjoyment of the moment and the connection with the public.
Perfect weather, beautiful crowd, good dancers, live show with top singers, a selection of food exciting to your taste-buds while easy to your pocket, and going home with the trophy after receiving so much love from so many peoples. What else could you ask for?
Looking forward to the Salsa Fest 2010 I want to thanks Palms West Chamber of Commerce, Club Ibiza, Salsa Caliente Dance Studio for organizing this event that provide for a day of healthy family entertainment to the West Palm Beach area. The event also has a charitable component where a portion of the proceeds is donated to the City of Greenacres Department of Leisure Services for the purpose of expanding its award-winning youth programs to underprivileged children in the community.
Posted by: Hector Higuera | December 5, 2009 2:07 AM