Chowderfest 2019 was a party for 13,506 people with the “lobsta” bisque flowing from a copper kettle along with 15 other creative and traditional chowders competing for the vote, plus bands and beer to top it off.

The 31st annual Chowder Cook-OffOct. 6 was stirred by “perfect fall chowder weather, high-energy restaurants, enthusiastic crowds and passionate volunteers,” summed up the Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce.