NEWPORT, RI, May 20, 2010 – The titles of “Best Clam”, ‘Best Seafood”, and Best Creative” chowder have been enjoyed by competitors from California, Florida and North Carolina for almost a year but more than a dozen-and-a-half restaurants from New England (see complete list attached) will soon have their chance to bring the titles home at the ever-popular Knorr® Great Chowder Cook-Off, to be held on Saturday, June 5th, 2010 from 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. at the Newport Yachting Center on America’s Cup Avenue in Newport.  Celebrating its 29th year, the event features all-you-can-eat "chowda", live music and a variety of entertainment for all ages.

The highly anticipated competition boasts 3,000 gallons of delicious chowder prepared by the nation's best chefs who serve samples of their sumptuous creations to the thousands of chowder loving festival attendees who double as judges.  Chefs compete for the coveted titles of "Best Clam," "Best Seafood," and "Best Creative" chowder with prize money being awarded to the top three winners in each category.  The ultimate Clam Cake Competition will be back this year as well with restaurants vying for the most delicious clam cakes in New England designated by local celebrity judges.

“We’re going to have all our 2009 winners from throughout the country coming back for this year’s competition which we think is a testament to the quality and prestige of our event,” said Mike Martin, Festival Director for the Newport Yachting Center.  “One thing’s for certain, there are a lot of local competitors who want to make sure the titles stay in New England this time around!”  Martin added that there will also be some experienced rookies new to the competition this year and looking to stir things up, including the Mud City Crab House from New Jersey and Tracy’s King Crab Shack coming all the way from Juneau, Alaska.“

After a close competition, last year's chowder winners were "Best Clam" – Tony’s Seafood Restaurant, Cedar Key, FL; "Best Seafood" – Michael’s Seafood, Carolina Beach, NC; and "Best Creative"-The Blue Mermaid Chowder House, San Francisco, CA.  The “Best Clamcake” winner was Harmon’s Clam Cakes located in Kennebunkport, ME.

But it’s not all about the “chowda.”  Three stages of musical entertainment, featuring the popular bands The Ravers, Bobby Fleet Band, Rebel Heat, Kim and Matt, Buddy’s Beach House and the Foreverly Brothers, will keep the toes tapping.  For the shoppers in the crowd, a Marketplace with a variety of crafts and specialty items available for purchase and an extensive silent auction to benefit McAuley House are planned.

A variety of kidSTOPs throughout the festival grounds will provide fun diversions for children, including face painting, and take-away crafts like coloring sheets and the “Clam I Am” make your own pet clam activity.  If that’s not enough, the Clear Channel Family Tent will feature fun summer prizes like PawSox tickets and golf foursomes, and a dinosaur fossil dig to win “Walking with the Dinosaurs” tickets!  Then see what’s in store at the Amica Family Fun Area.  Get ready for the Amica 19.7 Newport Triathlon this September by visiting the triathlon training area and “picture” yourself as a competitor!  In addition, children will have a chance to get in the culinary spirit by decorating chefs’ hats.  Adding to the festive atmosphere of the Great Chowder Cook-Off will be Ron the Balloon Man twisting his creations, Clyde the Clam looking to come out of his shell, and pirates Captain William Kidd & The Freemen of the Sea patrolling the shores.

Knorr, the festival's new title sponsor, invites you to stop by the “Knorr Kitchen”.  After you indulge in all the chowder you can eat, join Chef Timothy as he cooks up Knorr recipes, featuring Knorr Granulated Bouillon, Knorr Sauces and Knorr Dips. Additionally, Barefoot Wines will be back with the popular "Barefoot Beach" where attendees can sample different wine varietals and play games to win prizes.  Or, you can relax at the Amstel Light Beer Garden and enjoy a libation from the authentic Amstel Light Beer Bike from Amsterdam.  Other sponsors of the event include Amica Insurance, Sovereign Bank, Schweppes, Cardi's Furniture, Sea Watch International, Pepsi, Sprint, Green Mountain Coffee, SVEDKA, B101, Coast 93.3, and WPRI 12.

This year, the gates will open at 11:00 a.m. and the celebration will continue until 6:00 p.m. when the winners in each major category will be announced.  Ticket prices for the Knorr® Great Chowder Cook-Off are $20.00 for adults if ordered by Friday, May 28th (more than a week in advance of the show) and $25.00 thereafter including day of event.  Children under the age of 12 are admitted for FREE with a paying adult.

For more information on the Knorr® Great Chowder Cook-Off and tickets, please visit HYPERLINK "http://www.newportwaterfrontevents.com"newportwaterfrontevents.com or contact the Newport Yachting Center at (401) 846-1600.  For advance tickets and special discounts please visit HYPERLINK "http://www.newportwaterfrontevents.com"newportwaterfrontevents.com.  Tickets can also be purchased as walk ups at the Newport Yachting Center Box Office, Monday through Friday, starting in late-May on 4 Commercial Wharf (off America’s Cup Avenue) in downtown Newport.

There’s something for everyone at the Newport Yachting Center’s Newport Waterfront Events (NWE).  A Division of the Newport Yachting Center, Newport Waterfront Events produces the four core Newport Waterfront Festivals, the Sunset Music Series, and is host, event and venue management for the Newport Summer Comedy Series and other entertainment and business events throughout the season.

The 2010 line-up produced by Newport Yachting Center includes: the Knorr® Great Chowder Cook-Off (June 5; the Nantucket Nectars Sunset Music Series (held throughout the summer); the Newport Waterfront Irish Festival (September 4 -6); the Newport International Boat Show (September 16-19); the Stop & Shop Tastes of Rhode Island (October 2-3); and the International Oktoberfest (October 9-11).  In addition, the events hosted by the Newport Yachting Center are: the Newport Summer Comedy Series (held throughout the summer); B.B. King Live in Newport to Benefit the International Tennis Hall of Fame (July 11); Newport Bridgefest, a local music spotlight brought to you by the Arts & Cultural Alliance of Newport County (August 2-5); Newport WineFest (August 20-22); and the Newport Arts Festival (August 28-29).

All NWE are held at the Newport Yachting Center where all events meet the waterfront and downtown Newport activities are often a part of the pre- or post-event.  Visit us at newportwaterfrontevents.com, become a fan on Facebook at facebook.com/waterfrontevents, or follow Newport Waterfront Events on Twitter for the latest news, announcements, contests, and exclusive discounts and offers.