Submitted by The Port of Olympia
When the votes were tallied at the 2014 Boatswap & Chowder Challenge, the People’s Choice Award for the South Sound’s Finest Chowder went to Little Creek Casino Resort, with Fatso’s Bar & Grill and Falls Terrace Restaurant taking second and third places, respectively.
Lady of the Lake Public House won the Chefs’ Choice Award. The Best Decorated Booth Award went to Falls Terrace Restaurant.
Other competing restaurants were Firecreek Grill, Lucky Eagle Casino, Paprika Catering, Red Lion Hotel, South Bay Pub & Eatery and Westside Tavern.
The 10 local restaurants served up 25 gallons of their best chowder to 1,700 tasters at the Port of Olympia event at Swantown Marina. Since the chowder this year was no longer restricted to clam, the restaurants prepared a delicious variety, including Jalapeno Corn Chowder.
Event-goers also satisfied their appetites at South Bay BBQ, Forza Coffee and All Fed Up. Festival-goers browsed and bought at the Boatswap which featured over 80 commercial and private vendors offering new and used boats, gear and wares. Kids played in the bounce house and trout pond and everyone enjoyed classic rock music by the Raucous Band.
Port Commissioners Bill McGregor, George L. Barner, Jr. and Sue Gunn thanked the community, restaurants, organizations and other businesses that participated, event sponsors and Port staff. Sponsors included Little Creek Casino Resort, Duncan Insurance, KGY/KAYO Radio, 94.5 ROXY Radio, Budd Bay Embroidery, Tom’s Outboard, Tumwater Artesian Brewfest and TwinStar Credit Union.
The Port sponsors the Boatswap & Chowder Challenge for the enjoyment of the community. It is not a fundraiser for any group.
Save the Date! 2015 Boatswap & Chowder Challenge: Saturday, May 16, Swantown Marina.
