Red Or White - What's Your Pleasure?

Who says there’s nothing to do on Long Beach Island after Labor Day?

The Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce will kick off the 26th Annual Chowderfest in Beach Haven on Sunday, Oct. 5.

“it is all about bringing post summer business to Southern Ocean County and positive promotion to help the Long Beach Island Region attract new visitors when the traditional shore season is long over,” event coordinator Kelly Randazzo said.

The 2014 Chowderfest theme is Clamiccon - inspired by the popularity of Comic Con conventions globally.

Chowderfest takes place at Taylor Avenue and 9th Street in Panzone Park Panzone Park in Beach Haven.

The Chowderfest Cook-Off features live music by Hawkins Road and a local gourmet food tent, and will end with an ceremony for the best red and white chowder.

Restaurants vying for the best white chowder include Country Kettle Chowda, The Chicken or the Egg, TGI Friday’s Manahawkin, The Stockton Seaview, Howard’s, Phillips, Resorts, Arcadia Rehab and Nursing.

The red chowder contestents include Lefty’s, Shore Fire Grille, Sea Oaks Country Club, The Black Whale, Stefano’s, The Maine Course, Southern Smoke and Cuisine on the Green.

Tickets for unlimited tasting are $20 for adults, $10 for children 12 and under. Children three and under are admitted for free. A VIP ticket is $50 and includes 10 a.m. admission and a Taster T-shirt.

The event will run until 5 p.m. and ends with the awards ceremony at 5 p.m.

And its not just soup. The Chamberwill be offering beer and hard cider, including Bud Light, Landshark, Shock Top Pumpkin, Beachaus Pilsner and Johnny Appleseed Hard Cider.

This year a Clamiccon Costume Contest will be held, with registration from 10 a.m. to 2 pm.. at the press tent sponsored by WJRZ and WRAT with a family four pack for Frightfest. The contest is open for anyone who would like to show their most creative costumes.

The contest rules are posted www.chowderfest.com

Also featured next Saturday is the Merchant Mart, with dozens of local businesses selling items at seasonal discounts, live music and specialty food.

Go to www.chowderfest.com for tickets, shuttle and parking information or by stopping into the Southern Ocean County Chamber Visitor Center at 265 West Ninth Street in Ship Bottom 609 494 7211. Tickets will also be available for sale at the event.