Sherbrooke Readies for Chowderfest, Shindig

Folks around Sherbrooke know that nothing beats a bowl of steaming hot seafood chowder. But who makes the best chowder in the community? Which restaurant has the tastiest chowder in the Antigonish Eastern Shore Tourism area?

Those questions will be answered on Aug. 23-24. as Sherbrooke Village hosts the third annual St. Mary's Chowderfest and Sherbrooke Shindig. This year's event has grown to two days and organizers expect even more family fun. And, or course, there will be plenty of seafood chowder to be judged and tasted.

From noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, a community farmers/crafters market and yard sale will be held at the Sherbrooke Village Performance Centre. The domestic category of the seafood chowder competition will begin at 4 p.m.

Also this year, there will be Hands on Crafts and face painting from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and games from 4 p.m. to 7:30. The Historic Sherbrooke Village Development Society will sell mussels and corn, with proceeds supporting improvements for the historic site. At 5:30 p.m., there will be a pie-eating contest open to the public.

An old-fashioned Shindig will start at 6 p.m., featuring a variety of entertainment.

Food concessions, amusements and other activities are planned throughout the day. The festivities will be capped off with a fireworks display at dusk.

Sunday activities will begin with a gospel concert at St. James Presbyterian Church followed by the restaurant category of the chowder competition. A panel of guest judges and the new peoples choice category will pick the winners. This will be followed by a free concert featuring Frank Lowe and Side Kixx.

To book a craft/farmers yard-sale table ($5) or enter the Chowderfest competition, contact Lynn Hayne at Sherbrooke Village toll-free, 1-888-743-7845.

For further information about the St. Mary's Chowderfest and Sherbrooke Shindig, including online registration, competition rules and regulations, and a complete schedule, visit www.sherbrookevillage.ca .