Visitors to Sunday’s Saucon Valley Farmers Market enjoyed flavors from south of the border as part of the market’s 2nd annual Salsa Fest.

The event featured a salsa tasting contest, with three entries provided by market vendors:

Red Apple Salsa by Bechdolt’s Orchard
Corn Salsa by Epic Acre Farm
Fire Roasted Salsa by Bon Petit Marche

Market-goers judged Bechdolt’s sweet salsa made with apples to be the best, but all three of the recipes were popular with guests, who were able to judge by donating $5 or a nonperishable food item to the Hellertown Lower Saucon Blessing Boxes organization. Proceeds from a salsa-themed raffle held at the market’s information booth also benefited the Blessing Boxes, which are small pantries stocked with canned goods and other foods located throughout Hellertown borough and Lower Saucon Township. Learn more about how to support them here.

Bechdolt Orchard Saucon Valley Farmers Market — Saucon Valley Farmers Market manager Maria Schaller presents Bechdolt’s Orchard employee Gabe Grant with a certificate in honor of the orchard’s Red Apple Salsa, which won first prize in the market’s Salsa Fest salsa-tasting contest. Located in Lower Saucon Township, Bechdolt’s is a favorite destination for many market shoppers who visit their stand to purchase peaches, apples, corn and much more.

Another highlight of the day was a salsa dancing demonstration and free salsa lessons provided by Lehigh Valley Salsa Social.

If you missed Salsa Fest, there’s plenty more on the calendar at this year’s market, which runs through Sunday, Nov. 22.

Upcoming events include the annual Sunflower Contest, which will be judged Sept. 13; Halloween at the Market Oct. 25; and Art in the Park, which features local artisans selling handmade wares such as jewelry, candles, glassware, woodcrafts, ceramics, clothing, home decor and more. Art in the Park will be held Sunday, Sept. 27 and throughout October and November. Learn more about these events at Svfmpa.com.

Each week, the market also hosts live musical performances and an Art Zone kids tent, where little ones can make a craft while parents shop.

The market is held next to the Hellertown Area Library at 409 Constitution Ave., Hellertown, Sundays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., rain or shine. It features more than two dozen vendors selling locally grown produce, dairy products, eggs, meat, flowers, honey, baked goods, prepared foods, lemonade, tea, coffee, wine and dog treats. As a producer-only market, all of the SVFM’s vendors produce or grow what they sell.

Information about sponsorships and volunteer opportunities is available on the website, where shoppers can also subscribe to the market’s weekly newsletter, which features the vendor lineup for the upcoming weekend, recipes and more. Follow the market on Instagram and Facebook for regular updates on those platforms.