Annual Southwest Chowderfest Serves Up For A Great Cause

By Janet Cruz
Sponsored content by Anderson Toyota

More than 23 restaurants gathered at the third Annual Southwest Chowderfest at Havasu State Park Saturday, for the chance to win “Best Chowder” and earn the “Golden Ladle.” In the end, Niko’s Pub and Grill took the title for not only the best Chowder, but also for “Best Booth.” And it was all for a great cause.

“The turn out was fantastic,” said Chowderfest Fundraising Chair, Tina Stocking. There are double the restaurants this year,” Stocking said.

Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Stocking, along with Soroptimist International of Lake Havasu City, a local chapter and non profit, organized the third annual event, along with the help of community sponsors such as Title Sponsor Anderson Toyota, Arizona Credit Union of Arizona, UniSource Energy Services and State Farm Insurance -Cindy Cabanas Agency.

The goal is to raise funds for grants and scholarships for women in the community with the proceeds of ticket sales and sponsors at events.

Spectators also enjoyed some brew from local breweries, wine tastings from wineries, and samples from local distilleries. Spectators were also treated to live music by The 64’s Band, and the sounds of Chuck E Bumps.

But the main event was tasting all the different versions of chowder prepared by local eateries and restaurants.

Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

“This year, we cooked up our lobster clam shrimp chowder, topped with a cheddar bacon onion biscuit. It is really fun. It is one of my favorite events to do every year,” said Vicent Desisto, Place To Be owner and chef.

All proceeds from Chowderfest will benefit local women and girls in the local and international community.

Winners of the 2024 Golden Ladle Award, Niko’s Grill and Pub, and Tina Stocking pose for a photo. Photo courtesy Tina Stocking.

“I think its fantastic, how the community came together. We are very, very ecstatic we are raising a lot of money for our local women,” Stocking said.

For more information on the non profit Soroptimist International of Lake Havasu City, visit https://silh.clubexpress.com/