A second Southwest Chowderfest is set to return to Lake Havasu City next month. And while there may be chowder for all tastes, local residents may prefer something a little stronger to wash it down.
The Mojave County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday approved a special event liquor license for this year’s Southwest Chowderfest event in Windsor Beach. The $25 per day license was requested by event organizers including Parker and Soroptimist International of Lake Havasu City.
For Soroptimist organizations, this event is an opportunity to raise awareness and motivate the community while serving the women and girls in our community. Admission to the event is expected to increase from $20 per person for her last year to $35 per person for next month’s event for him, with free admission for children under 12.
Event Coordinator Tina Stocking explained this week’s price increase.
“Last year’s Chowderfest raised $42,000 and we hope to surpass that at our new location. We have to pay to be there, so there’s an additional overhead cost…but we’re paying back a little bit to our local restaurants this year as well.”
As a restaurant owner himself, Mr. Stocking sympathized with the efforts of the participating restaurants and chowder enthusiasts expected at this year’s event.
“Hopefully we won’t run out any time soon this year…I know how much it costs restaurants to make 15 gallons of chowder for this event.”
According to the Soroptimist organization, all proceeds from the event will go to grants and initiatives to empower women, girls and children in the Parker and Havasu communities.
Southwest Chowderfest showcases unique recipes from restaurants and home chefs. What these recipes have in common is the rich, creamy texture that characterizes chowders found throughout America.
Clam chowder, corn chowder, potato, seafood, chicken chowder, and more may be just what Havasu’s gourmands celebrate. The best selections will be judged and the winner will be awarded the event’s honor, the “Golden Ladle”. With the addition of live music, vendors and exhibitors, Chowderfest is set to draw crowds at Lake Havasu State Park next month.
But organizers say that in addition to showcasing participating chefs and restaurants, the event can also sell breweries and alcohol and provide opportunities to engage with the community.
Chowderfest will be held on March 11th from 1pm to 5pm at Windsor Beach. For more information on the event, or to purchase tickets, please visit: Southwestchowderfest.com.
Tickets for the event are also available at Arizona Financial and Credit Union, College Street Brewhouse, Desert Rose, Expressions Lighting, Keller Williams Arizona Realty, Michael Allan Furniture & Design, Mud Shark Brewery, Oasis Floor at Havasu.
