Southport Magazine

People’s choice-Southport Wooden Boat Show Seafood Chowder Contest
The Southport Wooden Boat Show, in conjunction with Brunswick Catch, will be sponsoring the Seafood Chowder Cook -off, during the Southport Wooden Boat Show-Saturday, September 26, at the Old Yacht Basin in Southport.  The Seafood Chowder Cook-off will be held from 11am to 2pm.

This is the sixth year of the Southport Wooden Boat Show, “the fastest growing venue in Brunswick county,” touts event organizers and Chairpersons of this year’s SWBS Seafood Chowder Contest; husband and wife team-Robert and Jeanne Potter. The Potters, with longstanding family ties to Southport’s commercial fishing industry, are founding members of the wooden boat show. Southport is rich in coastal history and the Old Yacht Basin provides the rustic seafaring backdrop to “celebrate the heritage of a working commercial fishing village-while highlighting the past history (and craftsmanship) of wooden boats, ” explains Robert. During the third year organizers introduced the Seafood Chowder Cook-off, and it “was an overwhelming success,” says Jeanne. “We wanted to raise money to support the boat show- but didn’t want to take away from local restaurants- and-we wanted something to highlight local seafood,” adds Robert.

This year the event has done away with the $25 entry fee. “We realize the expense that goes into making the chowder and manning the booth-and we don’t want to deter groups from participating”, explains the Potter’s. This  year the committee is reaching out to civic organizations, churches, clubs, fire and police departments- organizers hope the no entry fee will prompt business’s and groups to participate- “maybe working up some friendly competition between departments,” adds Robert-in the spirit of fun.

Entry will be limited to the first twelve teams. First place winning team will receive $500, a unique Chowder trophy and the priceless “bragging rights” to the SWBS Chowder Champion for 2015. Second place receives $200, and a chowder trophy and third place receives $100 and a chowder trophy. The vote is by people’s choice. There is also a $50 prize for Best Booth Theme, also People’s Choice. Tickets cost $5- tables will be set up under a tent in a horseshoe fashion. Participants will sample chowder from table to table as well as check out their favorite themed booth, turning in the entry cards when completed to committee members to count up the votes.

2014 winners were first place: Ports of Call of Southport, second place: Flights of Southport and third place: the Pirate’s Deck of Oak Island.  The 2014 theme award also went to Flights.

What to expect?  “Seafood Chowder” for the contest must contain one or more types of seafood- the contest does not restrict to just clam or fish chowder- but does encourage contestants to use local seafood- “shrimp, clams or fish: spot, mullet or mackerel,” explain the Potter’s. This is authentic chowder; no mixes or canned soups allowed.

Robert recalls the chowder of his fishing family; a clear broth, “Flavorful with no tomatoes or cream, basically clams, onions and clam broth; or stewed fish chowder: onions, potatoes and broth.” Jeanne, with long local roots, agrees. Her Uncle’s winning recipe in Wrightsville Beach years ago, consisted “of onions, clams, clam broth, and crushed up saltine crackers…”

“There’ll be all kinds of different chowders,” says Potter, “people grew up having it various ways; red, white, clam, fish; crab and corn; lobster and green chili; shrimp and she-crab…”  Just to name a few….which one will be your favorite?

For more information: website www.southportwoodenboatshow

Interested in competing with a winning team, booth and Chowder recipe? Applications for 2016 Southport Wooden Boat Show seafood Chowder Cook -off will be accepted after the Fourth of July, 2016.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF: JEANNE POTTER