Are You A Chowderhead? Then Read This

BEACH HAVEN, N.J. - Chowderhead alert.

The Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce is already prepping for one of the biggest events of the year. The 30th anniversary of the popular Chowderfest is coming up at the end of September and it's not too early to start celebrating.

The main attraction - the Chowder Cook-Off classic on Sept. 30 - starts at 11 a.m. and features samples of all kinds of chowder from a number of area restaurants. Visitors vote on the best "red" or "white" or creative chowder samples. The winners are selected at the end of the day. For a list of participants, click here.

The two-day event is held at the Taylor Avenue and 9th Street waterfront. It kicks off on Saturday, Sept. 29 with a "Merchant Marketplace." It's your chance to pick up end end-of-season bargains, local specialties and gourmet food.

Although Saturday is a free event, Sunday's Cook-Off Classic is a ticketed event. Tickets can be purchased at chowderfest.com or by contacting the Southern Ocean County Chamber at 609-494-7211, visiting their Visitor Center at 265 West Ninth Street in Ship Bottom, or emailing info@sochamber.com.

Tickets for the event are $30 for adults and $10 for children ages 4 to 10. Children under 3 are admitted free. VIP tickets are $65, which gets you early admission and a Chowderfest T-shirt.

The event will feature live music both days. Children's entertainment will include hands-on crafts and a command performance of Crunchy the T-Rex.

Adults will be able to choose from a variety of beers on tap and hard ciders. They include Bud Light, Landshark Lager, Blue Point Toasted Lager, Spaten Oktoberfest, Goose Island IPA, Stella Cidre, Strongbow and McKenzie Black Cherry.

The competitors include Country Kettle, Chicken or the Egg, Howard's, Tucker's Tavern, Wally's and Polly's Dock. Manhattan or Red competitors include Lefty's Tavern, Buckalew's, Stefano's, Ocean County College Hospitality Program, Creative Category which is seafood inspired offerings include: Delaware Ave Oyster House, La Bamba, Sunny Rae's , The Woo Hoo, Blue Water Café, Cuisine on the Green and the first international competitor Nancy's Barn of Ballyliffen Ireland.

The winners will be announced at the 4 p.m. closing ceremonies on Sunday.

Last year's restaurants voted for a qualifying non profit to receive the proceeds from the 30th anniversary. The charity is David's Dream & Believe Cancer Foundation. The organization will have signature Chowderfest resuable bags and a September Dine to Donate event.

Tickets for the Sept. 30 Cook-Off can be purchased online at www.chowderfest.com or at the Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center at 265 West Ninth Street Ship Bottom NJ 609-494-7211.

Photo: Patricia A. Miller