Chowderfest Weekend descends on Long Beach Island Oct 4 & 5 and its going to be EPIC

SHIP BOTTOM, N.J. - Sept. 16, 2014 - PRLog -- With ticket sales outpacing previous years, the Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce Members and its hundreds of “Souper” volunteers look forward to the biggest event to take place on Long Beach Island not to be in the height of the summer, but early fall. The 2014 theme Clamiccon, inspired by the popularity of Comic Con conventions globally, is taking this 26 year old festival to new dimensions,but the goal remains the same for the Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce. "it is all about bringing post summer business to Southern Ocean County and positive promotion to help the Long Beach Island Region attract new visitors when the traditional shore season is long over." states event coordinator Kelly Randazzo.  The Southern Ocean Chamber also promotes other events happening throughout the weekend, to encourage fall festival goers to extend their stay.

Chowderfest takes place at Taylor Avenue and 9th Street aka Panzone Park in Beach Haven. Plenty of new twists have been added for 2014 including what’s on tap, the Southern Ocean Chamber of Commerce volunteers will be offering beer and hard cider featuring Bud Light, Landshark, Shock Top Pumpkin, Beachaus Pilsner and Johnny Appleseed Hard Cider.  The kids tent will have Sand Crafted of Beach Haven making super hero masks with seashells. This year a Clamiccon Costume Contest will be held, with registration at the Press Tent sponsored by WJRZ and WRAT with a family four pack for Frightfest.  The contest is open for anyone who would like to show their most creative cosplay style. To enter, register at press tent at the south gate on Sunday Oct 5 from 10am to 2pm. The contest rules are posted www.chowderfest.com Saturday October 4, 2014 with Merchant Mart, this free event runs 10 to 4pm featuring dozens of local businesses selling unique items at end of season discounts. Along with shopping under the festive tents, live music, costumed characters, locally made specialty foods. What would a Clamiccon be without merchandise? This year specialty items have been ordered, super shirts for dogs, and a locally designed commemorative bangle bracelet with a special charm featuring LBI sand. Taster T shirts, custom sweatshirts, and chowdawear for children and babies will be available Oct 4 and 5 at the Merchandise Tent in the center of Chowderfest Field. A social media component has also been added with member Creative Click Media running the twitter and LBI Region Events feeds interacting with costume contest and festival attendees. Clamiccon social media video has been released to set the tone for this year's event http://chowderfest.com/chowderfest-2014-clamiccon/

The Chowderfest Cook Off on Sunday Oct 5 features live music by Hawkins Road, local gourmet food tent, and the souper heroes of the day the restaurants that include white chowder Country Kettle Chowda, The Chicken or the Egg, TGI Friday’s Manahawkin, The Stockton Seaview, Howard’s, Phillips, Resorts,  Arcadia Rehab & Nursing. The red chowder Lefty’s, Shore Fire Grille, Sea Oaks Country Club, The Black Whale, Stefano’s, The Maine Course, Southern Smoke and Cuisine on the Green. Sunday’s cook off is a ticketed event General Admission for Sunday Chowder Cook Off Classic includes entry at 11am unlimited tasting, $20 Children 12 and under are $10. Children three and under are free.  VIP includes 10am admission plus Taster T Shirt $50 Event runs until 5pm, when Award Ceremony will take place with winners of the day. Go to www.chowderfest.com for tickets, shuttle and parking information or by stopping into the Southern Ocean County Chamber Visitor Center at 265 West Ninth Street in Ship Bottom 609 494 7211. Tickets will also be available for sale at the event.

Other events happening to round out the weekend,

Friday October 3 Long Beach Island Foundation is hosting a Shellfish Soiree featuring oyster and clam tasting, a film screening of ShellShocked and a Q & A with local oyster farmers and Barnegat Bay experts. $25 per ticket, for details go to lbifoundation.org

Saturday October 4 Echoes of LBI Magazine is arranging A Guinness World Record Attempt at Things A Drift for largest gathering of Tie Dye. Come dressed in anything tie dye, for 2pm photo. For more information contact Things A Drift in Ship Bottom at 609 361 1668

Saturday Night, October 4 Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes will be at the Surflight Theatre for an 8pm concert in Beach Haven. Tickets are on sale now at www.surflight.org or by calling box office 609 492 9477.

For more information about the century old business organization, upcoming events and their work promoting the region businesses, contact Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce 609 494 7211 or online at www.visitLBIregion.com  on Facebook as LBI Region and Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce.