SANTA CRUZ, CA (March 4, 2010) – The 29th Annual Santa Cruz Clam Chowder Cook Off & Festival was another clamtastic success. The one day event raised $65,0000 for City of Santa Cruz Parks and Recreation Department programs. The Clam Chowder Cook Off is an important fundraiser for Parks and Recreation, bringing in more than $900,000 for the organization since 1981.

A record 77 teams competed in the 2010 cook off, 25 judges helped rate the winning chowders. The Boardwalk hosts the big event, coordinating all onsite logistics for participants and judges, producing TV, radio, print, and web advertising and working with other event sponsors such as KWAV, Comcast, and Berkeley Farms.

“We have a great relationship with City of Santa Cruz Parks and Recreation and we enjoy working with them to support programs that benefit our local community,” said Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk community relations director Kris Reyes. “We know that the Clam Chowder Festival makes a difference, and it’s a lot of fun,” he said.

This year’s big winner was Severino’s Grill in Aptos, winning both the Boston and Manhattan professional categories. Out-of-towners edged out the locals in the individual competitor categories: Brad Winding from Castro Valley took the best Manhattan and Darin Wallace from Oak Grove took the best Boston.

The Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing Company cooked up a great chowder and entertained the crowd, winning “Most Original Team” for their elaborate Willy Wonka theme.

The next Clam Chowder Cook Off and Festival is scheduled for February 26, 2011.

For more information visit http://www.beachboardwalk.com/clamchowder

About the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
The historic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk features both modern and classic thrill rides, restaurants, miniature golf, video game arcades, and family bowling located on a mile of sandy beach. Named the world's Best Seaside Amusement Park by industry experts, the Boardwalk is home to 2 National Historic Landmarks.

The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is located at 400 Beach Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

For general information, call (831) 426-7433 or (831) 423-5590, email guest.services@beachboardwalk.com or visit www.beachboardwalk.com

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