Chowder contestants needed to benefit animal rescue
Get ready for the Bridge Street Merchant’s Chowder Challenge, to be held at the Bridge Street Market Sunday, Feb. 8.
Any local home cook or restaurant is urged to enter the competition, which raises money for Moonracer No Kill Animal Rescue.
“We’re hoping to see some of the island’s favorite seafood or creative chowder from the restaurants, along with some secret family recipes from local home cooks,” said Melissa Enders, manager of the market at 107 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach.
She added, “I’d also like to challenge the north end of the island.”
The first-place winner will get a $100 gift card to use at Publix.
Marketgoers will choose the winner, donating $8 to taste the chowder entries and judge the contestants.
Proceeds from the challenge will benefit Moonracer No Kill Animal Rescue, founded by Lisa Williams, who regularly brings the nonprofit rescue animals to the market for adoption.
Williams is working to advance the no-kill campaign in Manatee County, to rescue shelter animals and to find them good homes.
Also during the market, local musician Bill Vinhage will perform.
Market hours are 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Chowder tasting will be 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
For more information and the chowder challenge entry form, go online to www.bridgestreetmerchants.com.
December’s Chili Challenge benefited the Anna Maria Island Community Center and was won by Paradise Bagel of Holmes Beach.
January’s Mac ’n’ Cheese challenge was won by Blue Marlin.
Organizers of the market encourage marketgoers to ride the fare-free island trolley to Bridge Street. Car parking options include: the city lot behind the Bridge Street Bistro, on Bridge Street, including by the Historic Bridge Street Pier, at Bradenton Beach City Hall and along the beach just south of Bridge Street.
The market is presented by the Bridge Street Merchants.
For more information, contact market manager Melissa Enders, at [email protected] or 215-906-0668.
