08/16/2026
I came prepared to judge salsa. I did not realize I might need salsa first aid. 🌶️😂
Yesterday, I had the honor of judging the Orangevale–Fair Oaks Helping Hands Salsa Cook-Off, and what a day!
There were so many creative salsas, from bright lime flavors to an avocado salsa so refreshing I could have drunk it straight from the cup. And honestly, by the end, I pretty much was. Who needs chips when you’re a professional salsa judge? 😉
Then I tasted one that was delicious but HOT. Out came my emergency milk, followed by horchata and pretzels from the salsa maker while I tried to recover. He offered me an even hotter one next.
Absolutely not, sir. I had reached my limit. 😂
His salsa went on to be one of the winners, so apparently setting the judges on fire is a winning strategy!
The entire event was wonderful: beautiful weather, a great band, folklórico dancers, local vendors, incredible volunteers, and people filling the grounds. I was so proud of Sydnie Anderson and everything she has built through Orangevale–Fair Oaks Helping Hands to support local seniors.
This day was personal for me, too. Since recently losing my husband, this was my first real day back out in the community. I walked everywhere, talked with so many people, laughed, listened to music, and spent time among my people again.
I needed this day more than I realized. ❤️
I didn’t take many pictures because I was too busy being in the moment, so thank you to Mary Ann for letting me borrow this one.
Congratulations, Sydnie, and thank you to everyone who made this beautiful community event possible.
Now I need to find the woman who made that avocado salsa and convince her to start bottling it. 🥑
