The Sea Isle City Chamber of Commerce and Revitalization will host its annual Harborfest on Sept. 30 from 11am to 4pm. The event will be held in Marina Park at 42nd Place & the bay in celebration of Sea Isle City’s best catch — a life by the sea, giving the town its rightful name and an abundance of fresh fish, crab, clams and more. The festival will feature live music, delicious seafood and a variety of craft and specialty vendors.
“This event is held overlooking the bay and helps kick off a number of special events that the Chamber of Commerce and Revitalization hosts during the off-season,” said Barbara Steele, the event coordinator. “The Daisy Jug Band is set to perform and we will host the clam-eating and chowder contests again this year which usually draw a crowd. It’s a fun weekend in Sea Isle City and we’re looking forward to it.”
With the beautiful September weather in full swing, the nautical displays and fresh goods will complement the change of seasons on the shorefront. The day will feature food and market vendors in front of The Lobster Loft, games for the entire family, and the popular contests.
The Harborfest Chowder Contest kicks off at 1pm, featuring chowders from area restaurants. For $5, guests will “blind” taste test their way through the entries, sampling each restaurant’s chowder and then placing a vote for their favorite. Will Doc Magrogan’s Oyster House defend its 2016 title or will there be a new winner for 2017? Past champions include Casino Pizza, Braca Café, and DeNunzio’s Brick Oven Pizza & Grille.
Local religious leaders will participate in the Blessing of the Fleet ceremony at 2pm. The ecumenical service will be held along the fishing docks at 42nd Place and will feature traditional bagpipe music.
Following the ceremony, the raw clam-eating contest is scheduled for 3pm. Participants will race to eat the largest number of raw bivalves in the shortest amount of time. This year’s winner will receive a trophy and a gift certificate to The Lobster Loft. There is a $20 entry fee; the proceeds will benefit the Mike’s Seafood Polar Bear Run/Walk for Autism.
Join the Sea Isle City Chamber of Commerce and Revitalization on Saturday, Sept. 30 to enjoy the seafood event of the year! The event will be held rain or shine. For more information, go to SeaIsleChamber.com.
