Come to the City's first Chowder Fest!

Come, participate in the First Annual New Bedford Seaport Chowder Festival
By Kevin T. Pelland- Chairman, Downtown New Bedford, Inc.

By now word has probably reached you about Downtown New Bedford, Inc.’s efforts to put together a first class annual chowder festival in the center of the city. This will be no ordinary event. It will be an extraordinary new event that will rival similar tasting festivals in other parts of the country, with a strong annual following. Of course I am referring to the 1st Annual New Bedford Seaport Chowder Festival. The “cook-off” will take place on Sunday, September 17 from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM, rain or shine, under a large tent at Custom House Square in the middle of downtown’s Historic District.
We are anticipating 20 or more area restaurants serving their best in clam chowder, seafood chowder, and kale soup. Attendees will vote their preferred choice for the coveted People’s Choice Awards in each category. To promote a festive atmosphere, we will also recognize the restaurant/caterer with the most creative and lively booth presentation.
There is fun to be had by all at this family-oriented festival. In addition to the great tastes of some of the best chowders and soups ever, there will be children’s activities including face painting and scallop shell decorating as well as the live sounds of the popular band Shipyard Wreck. This new event is focused on strengthening the positive energy and ambiance of the New Bedford Seaport while building on our seafood heritage. The New Bedford Seaport Chowder Festival will serve as a great testament to our fishing and seafood industry, as there is no other place in America you can go to get fresher or tastier seafood. It will also showcase our fine restaurants and caterers, and it will bring hundreds, if not thousands, of people into the heart of our city to enjoy and showcase our Downtown and Historic District.
Many hours have been spent organizing this event by a very dedicated and committed group of individuals. We are now
reaching out to the restaurant and catering community for your commitment to make this a first class annual happening. Where else can you expose your products to thousands of people in a single afternoon? Where else can you walk away with cash prizes, a “Chowder Cup” Trophy to display in your restaurant and the bragging rights to further promote and advertise your business? Newport has done it successfully for many years. Boston Harborfest has also had great success for a number of years. New Bedford, the NUMBER ONE Seaport in the country will have a tremendously successful Chowder Festival as well.
Downtown New Bedford, Inc.’s mission statement is “To make the downtown district a better place to live in, work in and to visit.” This annual event will go a long way towards achieving that goal. So the next time you’re in your favorite eatery let them know about the festival. Let them know how good their chowder or kale soup is, and challenge them to win the 1st Annual New Bedford Seaport Chowder Festival Chowder Cup trophy. Oh, and don’t forget to tell them that you’ll be there at the event to support them!
Call (508) 990-2777 for information about participating, sponsoring or buying tickets or e-mail dnb@downtownnewbedford.com.

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