30th LBI “Chowderfest” – Next Weekend!

Weather NJ is proud and honored, at the request of Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce, to provide a special event forecast for the 30th annual LBI Chowderfest next weekend (Saturday and Sunday, September 29-30)! This family fun festival features live music, craft vendors, 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, New Jersey surrounded by beautiful views of the bay and plenty of year-end discounted shopping.

Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce presents 30th Anniversary Chowderfest Weekend with community sponsors and 19 “in it to win it ” restaurants. For three decades, the festival has been providing unlimited tasting and crowd participation like none other, establishing LBI as the Chowder Capital of the Jersey Shore.

The Long Beach Island Region of the Jersey Shore is known for fantastic water sports, historic landmarks, thriving art scene, exceptional shopping and dining. As summer fades, Long Beach Island begins to buzz in anticipation of the iconic event that draws thousands back for their chowder pilgrimage each year. Chowderfest Weekend is a community event that brings out long standing volunteers, active sponsors and competitive restaurants. Started by Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce members in the late 1980s to extend the season for local businesses and a reason to keep merchants and restaurants open past Labor Day; it is now synonymous with the island itself. Each restaurant prepare over 200 gallons of their secret recipe to provide ticket holders with unlimited samples to earn their vote in the Red, White and Creative categories. Voters get to experience the themed booths, enthusiastic servers and a number of surprises under the big tents at they decide who will be their choice this year. Saturday, September 29 is a free event featuring dozens of merchants selling end of season bargains and services. Along with entertainment including live music, Crunchy the T Rex, hands on children’s crafts and free activities there is specialty food court, exclusive Chowdawear merchandise for sale as well as beer, hard cider and wine by the glass for purchase.

The organization of this epic two day, rain or shine event is a massive undertaking, which is the task of the Chowderfest Committee headed up by chamber’s Chowderfest Coordinator; Todd Elsasser. The Cook off Classic is where the restaurants become the stars of the show on Sunday September 30. This year’s line up is the most impressive with nineteen top competitors: New England or White chowder competitors 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  Bistro 14 and Black Whale.

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 Chowder Cook-Off Classic heats up at 11a.m with VIPs getting early access to the chowder tents to taste and view competitors’ decorative booths at 10 a.m. VIPs also receive an official Taster’s T Shirt, and access to Bud Lite Big Screen Bar with dedicated food and beverage service. The 2018 VIP advantage is brought to you by Hackensack Meridian Health Southern Ocean Medical Center.

Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce recognizes long standing sponsors who have provided unprecedented support including Sysco Foods, The Sandpaper/Beachcomber, Bud Light, Ritchie & Paige Distributors, Barefoot Wines, Westminster Bakers Company, TD Bank, Ocean County Board of Chosen Freeholders and NJ Division of Travel and Tourism. Special thank you to 2018 Volunteer T Shirt Sleeve sponsors Panzones in memory of Chowderfest Chairman Frank V Panzone Jr. & Atlantic States Group. North & South Gate Sponsors DiFeo Manahawkin Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram/DiFeo Manahawkin Kia, Double Truss Tower Sponsor G Anderson Agency, VIP Sponsor Hackensack Meridian Health Southern Ocean Medical Center, Truss Tower sponsor Atlantic States Group and Voting Tent Sponsor AtlantiCare.

For more information on the event visit, www.chowderfest.com. For up to date information, go to Official LBI Chowderfest Facebook page. Tickets can be purchased at chowderfest.com or by contacting the Southern Ocean County Chamber at 609-494-7211, at their Visitor Center at 265 West Ninth Street in Ship Bottom, or emailing info@sochamber.com.

Chowderfest 2018 Schedule

Saturday, September 29 from 10am to 5pm FREE EVENT – The legendary anniversary weekend kicks off on Saturday, Sept. 29 with a free Merchant Marketplace. Dozens of chamber members will be offering end-of-season bargains, local specialties and gourmet food. Live music from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. featuring a popular line up of local bands. Free children’s entertainment will include hands on crafts from The Learning Experience with kid friendly activities. Home Depot will be presenting a free Kids workshop. Face Painting by Sprinkles the Clown & Sarah Cannovo, Drip Paint Coaster Art presented by the Lotus Project, and Crunchie the Trex Dinosaur sightings will occur from 12-1pm & 2-3pm. The chamber has provided an anniversary play area for older teens and adults that will include Cornhole and Jenga. For the adults, a select variety beers on tap and hard ciders For the adults, a select variety beers on tap and hard ciders are available, including Bud Light, Landshark Lager, Blue Point Toasted Lager, Spaten Oktoberfest, Goose Island IPA, Stella Cidre, Strongbow and McKenzie Black Cherry. First ever wine by the glass and spritzers will be provided by Barefoot Wines. The musical line up for Saturday begins with Garage Kept, 40 North and closing with the Jimmy Brogan Band performing.

Sunday, September 30 – Ticket Event Vip entry 10am General Admission 11am – The 30th Chowder Cook-Off Classic is happening Sunday, September 30 at 11 a.m. as favorite restaurants face off for the tastiest chowder. All ticket holders can sample and place votes for the best red, white and creative chowders, with VIPs getting early access to the chowder tents to taste and view competitors’ decorative booths at 10 a.m. New England or White chowder competitors 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, Bistro 14 and Black Whale. 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. VIPs also receive access to Bud Lite Big Screen Bar with dedicated food and beverage service. Children’s activities featuring Face Painting from Sprinkles the Clown & Sarah Cannovo. Drip Paint Coaster Art by the Lotus Project will also be available throughout out the day. Crunchy the T Rex Dino sightings from 12-1pm and 2-3pm crowd pleasing live music featuring Ted Hammock and Jason Booth, The Pickles and The Impulsives. Winners will be announced at closing ceremonies, which are scheduled for 4 p.m.

Sunday’s Cook off Classic is a ticketed event. Tickets can be purchased at chowderfest.comor by contacting the Southern Ocean County Chamber at 609-494-7211, 265 W 9th St Ship Bottom or emailing info@sochamber.com. Toddlers under the age of three get free admission. Tickets for the Cook-Off cost: Children to age 4 to 12 – $10, General Admission – $30, VIP – $65 VIPs get early access to the Chowder Cook-Off Classic and an official 2018 Taster T Shirt. Free parking is available as well as a complimentary shuttle running from 10am to 6pm at these locations 42nd St , 68th Township Municipal Building, and 95th by Acme with a direct run to Taylor Avenue Ballfield

The full detailed Chowderfest weekend forecast can be found here. 

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