SANTA CRUZ, CA (February 7, 2008) – A record number of teams from around Northern California are set to compete in the 26th Annual Santa Cruz Clam Chowder Cook Off and Festival at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk on Saturday, February 23, 2008, rain or shine.

Sixty-three teams will compete for the Best Manhattan and Best Boston Clam Chowders and other awards. Prizes include cash, and free airline tickets from Continental Airlines. Team categories include individuals, professionals, and corporate. Much more than just a culinary competition, teams compete wearing wacky costumes in a bid for the Most Original Team award. Past contestants have included mermaids, scuba divers, and giant clams.

This year’s judges include Doug McConnell, host of TV’s Bay Area Backroads, and Santa Cruz Mayor, Ryan Coonerty. Team names are as creative as ever. Crowd pleasers are sure to include “Silence of the Clams,” “Clamma Lamma Ding Dongs,” “Rack of Clams,” and “The Manhatten Transfers.” Participating restaurants include Café Rio, Ideal Bar & Grill, Severino’s Grill, Carmona’s BBQ, and Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing.

Out-of-town competitors include teams from Reno, Sacramento, Roseville, Stockton, Ione, Fremont, Castro Valley, Belmont, San Jose, Los Gatos, and Hollister.

The Santa Cruz Clam Chowder Cook Off and Festival is an important fund-raiser for the City of Santa Cruz Parks and Recreation Department, last year the event raised nearly $40,000.

Admission to the “rain or shine” event is free. Visitors can watch chefs prepare their special chowders, and for $7.00 taste up to five different clam chowders as well as vote for the People’s Choice winner. Preparation and cooking begin at 10:00 a.m., tasting starts at 1:00 p.m., and winners are announced at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 23, 2008.

Boardwalk rides are scheduled to open from 11am to 6pm on the day of the event.

For more information please call 831-426-7433 or visit www.beachboardwalk.com

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Note: Photographs from last year’s event are available upon request .

About the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is the most popular seaside amusement park on the west coast. Located at 400 Beach Street in Santa Cruz, the park features rides, games, restaurants, and free summer beach concerts.  For further information please visit www.beachboardwalk.com or call 831-426-7433.

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