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El Centro de la Raza is offering cooking classes this summer, starting with a July 12 enchilada and salsa making class. Other courses will focus on tamales, knife skills, and frying homemade chips. Tickets are available via Brown Paper Tickets.

Capitol Cider is hosting a release party for Dragon’s Head Cider, based on Vashon Island, tonight from 6 to 9 p.m. Dragon’s Head is releasing their Wild Fermented Cider, which you can taste at the event. The party coincides with the Capitol Hill Art Walk, so Capitol Cider is also hosting their Drink and Draw event with a Gage Academy of Art teacher, live model, and drawing materials provided.

A Fourth of July hotdog-eating contest came to a grim ending when a competitor choked to death. The next day’s pie-eating contest was subsequently canceled.