The Chowder Cook-Off

Presented by Bimbo Bakeries USA 

benefiting the Community Food Bank of NJ

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One of the highlights of the Downbeach Seafood Festival is the Chowder Cook-Off. Attendees will have the opportunity to sample and determine what restaurant's chowder deserves the title of the 2021  Seafood Festival Chowder Cook-Off Champion. 

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In honor of September being National Hunger Action Month, The Atlantic City Seafood Festival will once again partner with the Community Food Bank of New Jersey by donating the proceeds to this important organization. Hunger Action Month, a nationwide Feeding America campaign, challenges the public to take action by promoting ways for individuals everywhere to get involved with the movement to help solve the issue of hunger in America! In 2019, through the Chowder Cook-Off, the Festival and restaurant's goal is to raise $5,000 which is the equivalent of $100,000 in food distributed throughout the Garden State! This year, we plan on increasing that donation with the support of our participating restaurants and festival attendees, one cup of chowder at a time!

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To participate, attendees can pre-purchase their Chowder Cook-Off tickets at www.downbeachseafoodfest.com for $10 (tickets will only be available at the event if they do not sell out online) Participants will be given tickets to try each chowder presented and they will also get 3 votes to cast for their favorite chowder. 

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Chowder Cook off times: Saturday, September 18th from 1pm to 5pm,  and Sunday, September 19th, 12pm - 4pm.

Great Brews of NJ

Tasting Tent

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Over the years, the Great Brews of NJ tent has grown to become a mini Beer Festival within the Seafood Festival. This area will include 14 of NJ's favorite breweries for your sipping pleasure! Tasting tickets are 10 for $10! Tasting Tent opens at Noon. Must be 21 to enter.

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Pet Costume Contest

Presented by the Kibble Cupboard

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Furry family members are ALWAYS welcome at The Downbeach Seafood Fest, and our pet costume contest taking place on the main stage on Saturday, 9/18 at 3:00pm, always brings some really fun times! 100% of the proceeds will benefit the Funny Farm Rescue! To enter, visit the Funny Farm Rescue booth the day of the event by 2:30pm for a minimum donation of $10.

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Pets will be judged on the following categories:
- Most Original
- Best Sea Creature Theme
- People’s Choice
- Owner/Pet look-alike.

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Start brainstorming now and remember that creativity is a plus! 

"Playing in the Street" Kids Zone

Presented by Fievel & Louise

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Our event is about family, just as much as it's about seafood...which is why we are happy to bring back the Kids @ Play Zone for The 2021 Downbeach Seafood Festival on September 18th & 19th, sponsored by Fievel & Louise of Linwood!

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Bounce amusements. Sidewalk chalk. Giant Jenga & more! This component is a super fun way for kids to let off some steam (and energy)! Wanna keep the little ones entertained? This is your saving grace, right here!

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South Pacific Island Dancers

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Be sure to check out the live performances from the South Pacific Island Dancers. As the Tri-State Area's largest and longest running Polynesian Entertainment Group, the South Pacific Island Dancers have been the leaders in Live Luau Entertainment and Polynesian Dance education for over 25 consecutive years!

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The South Pacific Island Dancers will be performing throughout the day by the sand sculpture, Saturday, September 18th & 19th. You don't want to miss out on this unique entertainment! 

Crab Cake Eating Contest

Presented by Jay's Crab Shack

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The return of our ever-popular Crab Cake Eating Contest is happening again this year at 2:30pm on September 18th & 19th! Sponsored by our friends at Jay's Crab Shack

Sign-ups are at the Jays Crab Shack tent prior to the schedule time of the contest each day, and it's FREE to enter!

(This is NOT a professional eating competition, anyone is welcome to sign up but space is VERY limited!) 

SUP Paddle Board & Kayak Rentals

Brought to you by Newport Marina

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See the lovely sites, sounds and smells of the back bays of Ventnor by cruising around on a Stand Up Paddle Board or a Kayak! The folks from Newport Marina will be on-site with paddle boards and kayaks for rent! 

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$20 per 1/2 hour rental.*

*Weather Permitting