Long Beach Island's annual Chowderfest is set to kick off this weekend, with thousands of people expected to be in attendance this year. The event is held rain or shine at the Taylor Avenue ball field, and given the weather forecast attendees should come prepared for possible rain this time out.
The event kicks off on Saturday, October 3rd at 10:00am, when the Merchant Mart opens for business. The actual chowder tasting is scheduled to commence on Sunday the 4th at 11am. Forecasts are currently calling for an 80 to 90% chance of rain over the weekend, however, and while rain won't cancel the event it may cause some of the live music performances and outdoor activities to be delayed or rescheduled.
A Storm Brewing?
It should be noted that the weekend rain is a part of the tropical storm Joaquin that is currently moving through the Bahamas. The track of this storm and its ultimate strength are still unknown at this point, but if the storm does end up taking a track toward New Jersey it would not be expected to make landfall until Sunday at the earliest. Heavy flooding is possible if the storm moves in this direction, so visitors are urged to keep an eye on the news for the latest weather reports, especially if attending the main event on Sunday.
If the weather is expected to be bad enough on Sunday, the event could be postponed to a later date. Event organizers and Borough of Beach Haven officials are keeping a constant eye on the weather but have made no announcement of event rescheduling at this time. So far, Chowderfest is still a "go" for both scheduled days, but car service is definitely something to consider given that the weather is almost definitely going to be wet.
27th Annual Chowderfest
This year will mark the 27th anniversary of Chowderfest, which is always held the weekend before Columbus Day weekend. The main draw of the event is always the unlimited chowder tasting that accompanies each admission ticket, but there's also a schedule of live music, and activities for both kids and adults.
Admission to the Merchant Mart on Saturday is totally free. Over 65 vendors are scheduled to be on hand, including Sophisticated Hippie, Bunkerfish LLC and Mod Hatter among other regular vendors. All vendors are members of the Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce. Live music (weather permitting) accompanies the shopping, as well as a variety of foods and cold beer for the grown-ups.
The chowder tasting begins Sunday, with prizes going to the best entries in both the red and white categories. The best newcomer to the competition also takes home a prize.
Those who want to debut their creative Halloween costumes early might also be interested in CLAMICCON, the annual costume competition held on Sunday at the Press Tent. PG costumes are required. There are no age restrictions for entry, but participants under the age of 18 need the consent of a parent or guardian. Stay up to date with the Official Chowderfest Facebook Page
Sources:
App.com
News 12
The event kicks off on Saturday, October 3rd at 10:00am, when the Merchant Mart opens for business. The actual chowder tasting is scheduled to commence on Sunday the 4th at 11am. Forecasts are currently calling for an 80 to 90% chance of rain over the weekend, however, and while rain won't cancel the event it may cause some of the live music performances and outdoor activities to be delayed or rescheduled.
A Storm Brewing?
It should be noted that the weekend rain is a part of the tropical storm Joaquin that is currently moving through the Bahamas. The track of this storm and its ultimate strength are still unknown at this point, but if the storm does end up taking a track toward New Jersey it would not be expected to make landfall until Sunday at the earliest. Heavy flooding is possible if the storm moves in this direction, so visitors are urged to keep an eye on the news for the latest weather reports, especially if attending the main event on Sunday.
If the weather is expected to be bad enough on Sunday, the event could be postponed to a later date. Event organizers and Borough of Beach Haven officials are keeping a constant eye on the weather but have made no announcement of event rescheduling at this time. So far, Chowderfest is still a "go" for both scheduled days, but car service is definitely something to consider given that the weather is almost definitely going to be wet.
27th Annual Chowderfest
This year will mark the 27th anniversary of Chowderfest, which is always held the weekend before Columbus Day weekend. The main draw of the event is always the unlimited chowder tasting that accompanies each admission ticket, but there's also a schedule of live music, and activities for both kids and adults.
Admission to the Merchant Mart on Saturday is totally free. Over 65 vendors are scheduled to be on hand, including Sophisticated Hippie, Bunkerfish LLC and Mod Hatter among other regular vendors. All vendors are members of the Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce. Live music (weather permitting) accompanies the shopping, as well as a variety of foods and cold beer for the grown-ups.
The chowder tasting begins Sunday, with prizes going to the best entries in both the red and white categories. The best newcomer to the competition also takes home a prize.
Those who want to debut their creative Halloween costumes early might also be interested in CLAMICCON, the annual costume competition held on Sunday at the Press Tent. PG costumes are required. There are no age restrictions for entry, but participants under the age of 18 need the consent of a parent or guardian. Stay up to date with the Official Chowderfest Facebook Page
Sources:
App.com
News 12