Get Your Parrot On! Chowderfest 2012 Celebrates Clam Chowder in Paradise

Aug. 4, 2012 - PRLog -- The Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce is proud to present the 24th annual Chowderfest, promising more good times, great food and of course a chance to hold onto summer just a little longer. Starting at 10am on Saturday September 29 CHOWDERFEST WEEKEND kicks off with the best end of season bargain shopping ground Merchant Mart. Join over 50 vendors under the big tent on the Taylor Avenue Ball field behind Bay Village in Beach Haven for local gourmet specialties, live music, costumed characters, and the best sales in town from 10am to 4pm. This free event sets the tone for the weekend and promises something for everyone, take advantage of the fabulous finds and laid back atmosphere of this shopper's paradise.

On Sunday September 30, no shaker of salt needed for the award winning Chowder Cook Off Classic! With favorite local restaurants such as  Stefanos, Chicken or the Egg, Bistro 14, Country Kettle Chowda, Four Cs Sons, Gourmet Deli and Catering, TGIFridays, Greenhouse Cafe, Phillips  and Howard and new contenders Lefty's Tavern of Barnegat and The Maine Course of North Beach Haven competing for bragging rights with unlimited Chowder sampling all day. Every ticket holder becomes a judge, casting one vote for their favorite red and white chowder. Shriner Clowns, Costumed Characters and Hawkins Road Band will be keeping crowds entertained all day, until the award ceremony begins around 5pm. This year pick up one of a kind Chowderwear tee shirts, hats and pins. Also on sale will be limited edition Chowderfest beads made with grains of LBI sand, sweat shirts, and other mementos from the weekend.  Consider entering your chowder caddy (unique holders for the sampling cups), entering is free to all patrons who can stop by the press tent by the south gate to get a photo of your caddy for judging. Not feeling creative, don't worry; RECLAM THE BAY will be on selling their traditional caddies for purchase. We are honored once again to have Restaurant Critic Ed Hitzel back with his celebrity chefs to provide the coveted Critics Choice Award, along with the announcement of the winner of this year's Chowder Challenge happening now through September 10.

Tickets for the Sunday Sept 30 Chowder Cook Off Classic are $20 per Adult, children 12 and under are $10. VIP Tickets including Taster T Shirt and 10am entry for early sampling $50 each. Tickets are available online at chowderfest.com or at the Chamber office 265 West Ninth Street Ship Bottom 609 494 7211.