By Becky Maxedon

Who says chowder can’t be enjoyed in the West just as much as in the East? Certainly not Soroptimist International of Lake Havasu City!

Excitement is building as Southwest Chowderfest, the new main fundraiser for the organization, draws closer. And if one of those planning the event has anything to do with it, the festival will be something special.

Soroptimist Tina Stocking said when she joined the fundraising committee, the wheels started turning.

“My husband is from Upstate New York and they have a chowderfest that draws 40,000 people. I figured I live in the most beautiful place in the world, so I should be able to draw at least 1,000 to a chowderfest here,” Stocking said.

When the traditional Soroptimist fundraiser, the Home and Garden Tour did not take place in 2021, the organization began to think out of the box to come up with a new, exciting event to energize the group and the community and Southwest Chowderfest was hatched.

Stocking approached Bobby and Shelly Keirns, of Havasu 95 Speedway, and they readily said they would support the event and would be happy to host the event at the track.

“That way, we have plenty of room and people can be outside, so there’s no COVID issues,” Stocking said.

Randy Rodney, of Riverbound Custom Storage and RV, Park, came on board as the title sponsor, and the event began to take shape.

On March 5, Lake Havasu City folks will have the opportunity to experience a myriad of types of chowder and at the same time, support Soroptimist as they support women of the community.

“Soroptimist supports and provides financial aid to heads of household – women who are working to better themselves, their family and ultimately, the community,” Stocking said.

Soroptimst provides money to women to cover their needs whatever they may be, following an application process.

“We just presented $2,000 to a woman who was just released from Faith and Grace,” Stocking said.

Southwest Chowderfest is from 1 to 5 p.m., at Havasu 95 Speedway.

Live music will be provided by Chuck E Bumps and Matt Farris. There also will be a DJ.

Tickets are $20 (or $50 VIP). Each attendee will be given a judging ticket to rate the wide variety of chowder – provided by many restaurants and home cooks. Children under 12 are admitted free.

Local and out-of-town breweries, wineries and distilleries will be on hand to provide the perfect beverage to go with the chowders.

One hundred percent of the proceeds go to women, girls and children in the Lake Havasu City community.

ORDER YOUR TICKETS BY CLICKING HERE!

(at EventBrite)

Participating restaurants include: Shugrue’s, Tavern 95, La Vita Dolce, Niko’s Grill & Pub, The Chair, Burgers by the Bridge, Jersey’s Bar & Grille, Place to Be, Lin’s Little China, Boat House Grill, Mudshark Brewery & Public House, Mario’s Italian, Angelina’s Italian Kitchen, College Street Brewhouse & Pub, Hanger 24. Turtle Grille at The Nautical Beachfront Resort, Martini Bay at London Bridge Resort, Romano’s and The Views at Lake Havasu.

Breweries, wineries and distilleries include: Barley Brothers Brewery, Mudshark Brewing Company, Hanger 24 Brewing Company, College Street Brewhouse, Four Peaks Brewing Company, Full Sail Brewing Company, SanTan Brewing Company, Stone Brewing, Rogué, Helton Brewing Company, Wilson Creek Winery and Shock Top.

Vendors and exhibits include: Western Arizona Humane Society, Mainline Welding – Medal Works by Katie, doTERRA Essential Oils with Jackie, Soothing Massage Therapy/Sam Carpenter, Damsel in Defense. Lake Havasu Book Writers Club, Soda Therapy, Scoops Ice Cream, Lake Havasu Cigars, Reina De La Muerte Tequila, Family Care Home Health, Havasu Smoke Shop, Mary K, First Mobile Lab Service, Wild Coffee, Havasu Solar, Color Street Nails, Mike Washington, S-Club, Sacred Energy, Primo’s Tacos928, J&M Outdoor Cooking, Keep Havasu Beautiful and Luciano “The Pie Guy” Ceballos.