Chowdafest has become the Chowder Capital of New England since award winning restaurants from all over New England converge on Westport Connecticut annually compete in Chowdafest each fall. As a result of the growing success of Chowdafest, the State of Connecticut has asked them to be part of the popular Avenue of States section at the Big E, inside the Connecticut Building. Approximately 1.5 million people will attend this year's Big E, making it the 5th largest state fair in the country. The annual event starts this Friday, Sept. 14th and continues until Sept. 30th
Chowdafest, presented by Stop & Shop, will be opening a cafe, offering 8 ounce cups of chowder, soup and bisque giving the crowd a little taste of what to expect at Chowdafest on Sunday Sept. 30th at Sherwood Island State Park in Westport. Chowdafest features five separate categories in their annual competition. “Because you can't compare a New England clam chowder to a lobster bisque to a cheddar & ale soup” says Jim Keenan, executive director. For each of the 17 days of the Big E, the Chowdafest Cafe will feature five different choices, representing one from their New England clam chowder category, “traditional” clam chowder category reserved just for Rhode Island, Manhattan and blended clam chowders, creative chowder category, soup or bisque category and their vegetarian category.
“The past two years, we promoted Chowdafest at the Big E with much success” said Keenan. “We were surpised as to how many people from all over New England, bought tickets right then and there. Now being part of the immense food scene that is the Big E, we're hoping for an even better response. Foodies are well known for traveling far and wide for a unique food experience like Chowdafest”. The cafe will be neighbors to the popular Lenny's & Joe lobster roll booth, giving the CT State Building a shoreline/seafood section. The cafe is the first retail experience for Chowdafest and they estimate tens of thousands of cups will be sold.
Tickets are now on sale for the 11th Annual Chowdafest that will be held at Sherwood Island State Park in Westport Connecticut on Sunday, Sept. 30, 2018 from 11am – 3pm. Advanced ticket sales are already ahead of their record breaking 2018 pace and the event informs everyone to come early and come hungry.
For additional information about Chowdafest, please visit www.chowdafest.org or email executive director, Jim Keenan at chowdafest@gmail.com.