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16th Annual Pleasure Island Chowder Cook-Off Features Area's Best Seafood Chowder, Music & Fun

March 23, 2012 - Carolina Beach, NC - One of the best ways to experience a region's culinary traditions is to participate in food festivals and events. On Saturday, April 14, visitors to Pleasure Island—home of Carolina Beach and Kure Beach—can do just that when they sample and judge local seafood chowder during the 16th Annual Pleasure Island Chowder Cook-off at Carolina Beach Lake Park.

The 2012 Pleasure Island Chowder Cook-off is a family-oriented event that is all about delicious food, good music, and fun for all ages. Chefs from Carolina Beach, Wilmington, and beyond will prepare their best seafood chowder recipes between the hours of 12:00pm and 4:00pm. Children will enjoy the park's playground and a Kidz Zone with face-painting, a giant inflatable house, and more. For an additional fee, paddleboat and surrey rides are available.

During the cook-off, enjoy live music and chowder-tasting (and voting) between 12:00pm and 4:00pm, but make sure to arrive early while the chowder is abundant. Area restaurants that are participating this year include: Havana's Fresh Island Restaurant, The Lazy Pirate, Seaside Grille at Courtyard by Marriott, SeaWitch Café & Tiki Bar, and the Veggie Wagon in Carolina Beach. Wilmington restaurants include Cape Fear Seafood Company and O'Charley's. The Grille in Shallotte is a first-year contender. The day-long chowder showcase features live entertainment by the Mark Roberts Band (variety dance band) at Carolina Beach Lake Park's Stingray Amphitheater. At approximately 5:00pm, be sure to join in the celebration of People’s and Judges' Choice awards.

Want to go? Gates open Saturday, April 14 at 11:30am. A modest admission charge of $5 for adults will provide a taste of some of the best chowder this area has to offer during a friendly culinary competition. Admission is free for children ages 12 and under. No coolers permitted, as beverages and food will be available for sale. Chairs, blankets and children are welcome, but please leave pets at home.

Festivals and events provide a fun and affordable way to experience the history, culture, and traditions of a region. This annual event is one of many presented throughout the year by the Pleasure Island Chamber of Commerce. For additional information on the 2012 Pleasure Island Chowder Cook-off and other events, please call 910-458-8434.

If savoring seafood chowder in an island beach setting fits with your idea of fun, come to the coast for the weekend and spend a day immersed in a tasty seafood tradition. For a free 2012 Official Visitors Guide for Wilmington, North Carolina’s historic river district and the island beaches of Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, and Wrightsville Beach, call 1-866-266-9690 or 910-341-4030.