Feature Story/ Photos by Larry H. Oskin
Video/photos by the SOUTH LAKE TABLET
The City of Clermont and the South Lake Chamber of Commerce (SLCC) partnered to host the third annual Clermont Sips & Salsa Festival at Waterfront Park to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. President and CEO of the South Lake Chamber of Commerce David Colby said. “Like the previous two events, this year’s Sips & Salsa Festival was a tremendous success for our entire community. We were pleased to see thousands of happy people here. We hope to continue to grow this event for years to come!”
Clermont Mayor Tim Murry kicked off the event with a Sips & Salsa welcoming message to celebrate and recognize diversity in the south Lake community. Food trucks, vendors and community organizations participated.
Pat Caracciolo, SLCC Board Chair and owner of Pat the Dog, sponsored the chihuahua contest competitions. The Chihuahua Race and the Best Dressed Chihuahua Costume Contest drew hundreds of onlookers.
Cleo was awarded the Fastest Chihuahua Race Winner, owned by Adam and Christina Martinez. The Best Dressed Chihuahua Award trophy winner went to Pedro, owned by Andrea Palka.
There were 72 teams participating at the double-elimination Sips & Salsa Dominos Tournament hosted by Maggie Cruz and Manuel Oquendo of Dominos USA. The First Place Winning Team was Karel Torres and Francisco Reyes. Torres is President of the Orlando Dominos Monstruos del 5. Domino competitors came from all across the state of Florida. A Salsa Making Contest was also held during the event.
Clermont Parks & Recreation Director Scott Davidoff shared, “Everyone was able to dance along as live Latin beats filled the park.” Waldo Ivan, Yisel Gonzalez, Awilda Hernandez and the nationally famous Mambo Lebron Orquestra from Tampa performed on the Main Stage with DJ Guerrero.
The Mariachi Oro Internacional Band of Orlando performed throughout the day in a special tent. DJ Sammy played entertaining Latin beat music at the Community Stage. The Kids Zone featured games, slides and a bounce house.
David Colby recognized Give A Day Foundation by stating, “We all really need to add special thanks to Otis Taylor and the Give a Day Foundation who were on hand with a team of volunteers to help make the entire event a big success!”
The day was all about Salsa
Next year’s Sips & Salsa Festival is already confirmed for Saturday, September 17, 2022.
