Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce Logo
Nothing can be more relaxing than a fall day spent in the beautiful Long Beach Island region where warm ocean breezes and blue skies are the perfect backdrop to the vibrant colors of fall. Any season you visit the area is a memorable experience, but the first weekend in October, is truly exceptional. That weekend brings the dedicated, the curious and families by the thousand to say goodbye to summer and welcome in the fall. For twenty years, the Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce has been hosting Chowderfest Weekend, this year’s winner of the New Jersey’s Governor’s Award for Tourism Excellence. This family friendly festival features live music, activities and unlimited Chowder tasting with the opportunity for each ticket holder to vote for their favorite red and white chowder. The event is nestled in Beach Haven surrounded by beautiful views of the bay and plenty of year end discounted shopping. It has become a tradition for family and friends to gather together to celebrate all that is good about the Jersey Shore and share their plans for the year ahead.
Chowderfest Weekend kicks off on Saturday, October 4 for the fabulous Merchant Mart, where local vendors offer the best deals of the season, and will culminate October 5 for the 20th Anniversary Chowder Cook Off. These rain or shine events have something for everyone. Saturday’s Merchant Mart is a free outdoor market that has become the premiere “too good to pass up” bargain hunt for back to school necessities, holiday shopping, or got to have merchandise on the Jersey Shore. Over 125 vendors will be selling their wares from 10 am to 4 pm under the big top, while live music, children’s entertainment and the specialty food court adds to the shopper’s paradise. On Sunday, get your palates ready for a one of a kind taste test. The phenomenal Chowder Cook Off has captured world wide attention and has created hundreds of thousands of chowder connoisseurs. Sample the area’s best restaurants all day long, the event runs from 11 am to 4 pm with the exception of the VIP ticket holders who get a preview tasting an hour before the general public. The VIP ticket, which includes a 2008 commemorative 20th anniversary tee shirt, costs $50.00 per person, General Admission $20, Children from ages 4-12 are $10 each and children under 4 are free. To order tickets online visit www.moreattheshore.com or by phone call the chamber office at (609) 494-7211.
Chowderfest Weekend has become a fixture in the lives of many, so much so, that in 2007 the Chowder Cook off served as the location for a wedding ceremony and reception; bride, groom and guests mingled with the rest of the festival goers enjoying a wedding feast like none other. The Chowderfest wedding was certainly unique, but choosing the Long Beach Island Region as a destination for weddings is not. Each year brides throughout the Northeast are choosing the scenic beauty, casual elegance and classic charm of the region. To meet the high demand, and to accommodate destination brides, The Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce has recently launched the Long Beach Island Region Official Online Wedding Guide. This comprehensive website provides information on preferred wedding professionals, ceremony locations, marriage license requirements and details to help make this special day complete.
If there is a wedding, renewal of vows or other special occasion on the horizon, the chamber invites you to visit www.weddingsonlbi.com and begin a new tradition at the Long Beach Island Region of the Jersey Shore.
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