Ryan Felgenhauer

Staff Writer

Sycamore | Discover Sycamore held a Salsa Making Contest at the Sycamore’s Farmers Market Sunday.

The event was based around the contestants using the freshest ingredients to make their original salsa recipes.

“We hold it at the Farmer’s Market to encourage people to use fresh, local ingredients,” said Lauren Diehl, Director of Discover Sycamore.

Many of the ingredients were purchased at the market itself.

“They [Discover Sycamore] bought two big bags of tomatoes for the contest this morning,” said Scott Srail of Windy Acres Farm, located in Geneva.

The contestants themselves came from diverse backgrounds. Laura Henry made her salsa with her two daughters.

“Everyone at home loves my salsa, so my daughter suggested we enter it,” Henry said.

Contestant Rick Jones has been making his salsa for many years.

“I’ve been making it since I was a Navy Cook in 1981,” Jones said.

Kayilae Barber’s salsa was competing for the first time.

“I’ve been making it for years, but this is my first contest,” Barber said.

A panel of four judges awarded two prizes, along with a crowd favorite that was voted on by those in attendance. Henry’s salsa won the judge’s prize.

“It’s like pico de gallo, chunky and spicy, but not too spicy,” said her daughter, Katie Henry.

The crowd favorite prize went to Jeff Brust’s “Fiesta Salsa Mexicana.”

“It is a cross between salsa and pico de gallo; I chop all the ingredients very finely for the best flavor,” Brust said.

The runner-up prize went to Dale Luker.

“I am intrigued by the radishes in his [Luker’s] salsa,” said Sycamore resident Lorri Addison.

Event sponsor Jesus Romero said the competition was fierce.

“People take their salsa very seriously,” Romero said.