Salsa and Onion Recipe Contest at Onion Fest open to the public

Weslaco’s Onion Festival is spicing up the festivities and will host two recipe contests – the annual Onion Recipe Contest sponsored by the Payne Auto Group and a Salsa Recipe Contest sponsored by Taco Cabana. Be amazed by what you can dish up with an onion!

Participants entering the Onion Recipe Contest can choose to enter appetizers, main dishes, or desserts, in one of four age categories, including student, youth, adult, and professional.

The Taco Cabana Salsa Recipe Contest, a new feature to Onion Fest, requires participants to include a ½ cup of jalapenos, in honor of the Mild Jalapeno developed in Weslaco by Dr. Ben Villalon, aka Dr. Pepper. Come find out if your homemade salsa deserves some recognition!

Onion Fest will host both recipe contests on Thursday, April 3^rd. Winners will receive trophies and have their recipes published on the Onion Fest website. The winning salsa may also be featured in a Taco Cabana Salsa Bar in 2008 (see guidelines in application).

To enter either contest, visit www.weslaco.com or pick up an application at the Weslaco Area Chamber of Commerce.  All entries must be submitted by April 1, 2008.

Festival admission is $5 for adults; $4 for seniors; and $2 for children. Purchase advance tickets and save $1 on Adult Admission at the Weslaco Business Visitors Center located at 301 W. Railroad St. in Weslaco. Parking is free and will be offered north of the park at Paseo Del Norte and Pike Blvd.

If you are planning to attend Onion Fest, brace yourself for the Onion Eating Contest. It’s a time for festival guests to take on the Texas 1015 Onion. All ages are encouraged to participate.

The competing categories include youth, adult, senior, and celebrity. Winners will receive great prizes provided by area sponsors. Anyone interested in participating should sign-up in advance at the Weslaco Chamber or the Festival Information Booth on Saturday, April 5^th.

For more information, call the Weslaco Area Chamber of Commerce at (956) 968-2102.