Chowderfest to Celebrate 20th Anniversary “Chowda! – Yell it Louda!”

Souther Ocean County Chowderfest

Beach Haven, NJ, August 13, 2008 – Chowderfest, Southern Ocean County’s award-winning chowder extravaganza, has been an unforgettable experience at the New Jersey shore for two decades.

The festival, which recently was honored with a 2008 Governor’s Award for Excellence in Tourism, is scheduled again on Long Beach Island (LBI) the weekend of October 4-5, 2008, for its 20th Anniversary celebration. Festival goers can anticipate a spectacular showcase of southern New Jersey’s finest attributes, especially its clam chowder and fabulous family entertainment.

“For its 20th Anniversary, Chowderfest 2008 will be more spectacular than ever and overflowing with fun and excitement. You can say that people will be ‘clam-oring’ to go!” said Rick Reynolds, executive director of Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce, which produces Chowderfest. “Chowderfest is much more than simply a fun family festival; it represents all that is best about Southern Ocean County, and the true character of our quality of life here at the Jersey shore.”

The highlight of the event’s savory delights is the festival’s Chowder Cook-off Competition on Sunday, October 5. More than 100 restaurants and organizations have entered the competition over the years, vying to become known as the purveyor of the region’s best Manhattan or New England clam chowder. For a nominal admission ticket, the public can enjoy unlimited chowder tasting, live music and children’s entertainment. A food court and music also add to the festivities.

Restaurants interested in competing in this year’s Chowder Cook-off Classic are invited to call or visit the Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce Office and request a registration packet. There is a $300 entry fee. Participants will receive a $3,000 rebate to cover costs of making the 180 gallons of chowder required to participate in the competition. Chamber member participants receive a rebate of both the $3,000 for expenses and the $300 entry fee.

Chowderfest features four different facets for the public to enjoy:

Chowderfest Challenge – Now through Saturday, October 4

A key feature taking place all summer long leading up to the festival is the Chowderfest Challenge Contest, in which members of the public dine at 15 participating restaurants in the LBI area. Contestants are given Chowderfest Challenge Maps to be stamped at the end of each meal. The completed maps are then submitted to the Chamber of Commerce in exchange for a ticket to Chowderfest and the opportunity to be entered into a Chowderfest Challenge Grand Prize Drawing. The winner of the drawing will receive $50 gift certificates from each participating restaurant and four VIP Tickets (includes a T-shirt and exclusive early admission) to the 2009 Chowderfest. Maps are available at the Chamber office, 265 West 9th Street, Ship Bottom, or online at www.discoversouthernocean.com.

For more information on Chowderfest, the Merchant’s Mart, the Chowderfest Challenge, the “Be Immortal” commemorative brick pathway campaign or tickets to the festival, contact the Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce at (609) 494-7211 or visit www.discoversouthernocean.com.