SHUCKERS & CHOWDER CHEFS: KEYPORT WANTS YOU

Can you wield a mean shucking knife? Think you’re the fastest shucker in town? Does your seafood chowder always keep them clamoring for more?

If you answered yes to those questions, put your talents to the test by joining other professionals at the Keyport Americana Festival of Sails and Oyster/Seafood Festival on Saturday and Sunday, July 6 and 7, at Beach Park overlooking Keyport Harbor in Keyport.

The Keyport Business Alliance, which is hosting the event, is seeking entrants for the clam and oyster shucking competition and seafood chowder cook-off that will be taking place both days of the festival, which will run from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. July 6 and from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. July 7.

Local chefs, seafood retailers and restaurateurs are eligible to compete and also are being sought to present shucking demonstrations in conjunction with the New Jersey Department of Agriculture’s Fish and Seafood Development Program.

Chowder Cook-off contestants may prepare red or white seafood chowders. The winners will be chosen by popular vote, said Chef Murray G. Dychtwald, a certified culinary instructor, author and restaurant consultant who is working with representatives of the state program and festival organizers, including Keyport Business Alliance board member and Chef Michael Norris, to establish guidelines for both competitions.

To register as a contestant or demonstrator or for additional information on the festival, which is free and will feature music, entertainment, fireworks, handcrafts, and a parade of sailboats in the harbor, call Allen Consulting at 732-946-2711.