“Clamiccon” Takes Over LBI

This year's 26th Annual Chowderfest Cookoff on Long Beach Island promises to be "out of this world."

Taking their theme from the ever-popular "Comic-Con," organizers are planning special events and contests - plus all the "souper" heroes you'd expect serving up the best the Shore has to offer.  Lori Pepenella with the Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce says there's something for everyone.

"We have live music, we have a local gourmet food tent for people who want a little more than chowder," Pepenella said.  "We have beer trucks with hard cider and beer."

But the best part is the audience participation.

"The superpower of the day is that the voter gets to select the winner," Pepenella said.  "With every attendee, they get a red chip and a white chip... they get to sample as much as they'd like, and then they get to vote."

The Chowderfest Weekend begins on Saturday, October 4, 2014 with a Merchant Mart from 10am until 4pm, featuring vendors, music and more.  But the big day is Sunday, October 5, 2014 - that's when the chefs compete for your votes at the Chowderfest Cookoff.  That's from 10am until 4pm as well.

Both events are held at Panzone Park in Beach Haven, at the intersection of Taylor Avenue and 9th Street.  For directions or to order advance tickets, just visit the official Chowderfest website.