Chow(der) Down in Beach Haven
I’ve never been to Long Beach Island but that changes this Sunday. In my quest to expand my Southern New Jersey festival-going beyond my annual trek to the Chatsworth Cranberry Festival, I’m headed to Beach Haven this Sunday to check out that city’s 20th annual Chowderfest. Since the Eagles are playing the Redskins in the early game, I’m hoping to find a TV somewhere during the course of the event.
Produced by the Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce, Chowderfest begins on Saturday, Oct. 4, with a Merchant’s Mart from 10am-4pm, followed by the festival’s Chowder Cook-off Competition on Sunday, Oct. 5, from 11am-4pm. The festival is held rain or shine under large tents at Beach Haven’s Ninth St. and Taylor Ave. ball field.
The Merchant’s Mart features end-of-the-season sales on shirts, shorts, hats and more, along with the sale of cups of a special clam chowder by US Foodservice, live music and children’s entertainment. Admission on Saturday is free.
The Chowderfest Cook-off Competition, Sunday, October 5, offers unlimited chowder tasting from nearly 20 restaurants and organizations that compete for the “King of the Clams” title, along with live music and children’s entertainment. All who attend becoming official tasters, casting ballots for their favorite savory red (Manhattan) and white (New England) clam chowder. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children ages 4 to 12; VIP Tickets, which include a Chowderfest T-shirt and early admission, are $50. Tickets can be purchased in advance online here and on site Chowderfest weekend. (Pictured is last year’s Chowderfest; photo by Ryan Morril)
