Among the activities Saturday (April 4) at the Ocracoke Child Care Clam Chowder Cook-Off will be the mobile museum of the Croatoan Archaeological Project (CAP).
The group conducts an ongoing archaeological research project on Hatteras Island by Dr. Mark Horton, professor of Archaeology from the University of Bristol, England, in conjunction with the Croatoan Archaeological Society (CAS) in the Smithsonian designated area of 31DR1.
The purpose of this project is to learn as much as possible about the history of Croatoan, which is modern day Hatteras Island, and the inhabitants of said island, through archaeology.
Almost a dozen “traditional” and “non-traditional” chowders , made by individuals, groups and restaurants, will be available for tasting and voting on from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Community Center, 999 Irvin Garrish Highway.
Top vote-getters in the “peoples’ choice” judging in the two categories will receive a Golden Clamshell Trophy, or “Clammy,” created by island artist Susan Dodd. Runners-up will receive recognition as well.
Attendees will be charged $10 to taste all of the chowder entrees. After that, tasters will cast their votes for the best.
After 2 p.m., leftover chowders will be available for take-out until 2:30.
Traditional means the only ingredients allowed are clams and their juice, water, potatoes, onions, salt pork or bacon, salt and pepper. Pepper vinegar and hot sauce may be used as condiments.
“The inclusion of any other ingredients is considered non-traditional,” said Ruth Toth, who is organizing the cook-off.
Also for consumption will be hot dogs and bake-sale items. A special performance by children of the day care center will begin at 1 p.m.
Then, that night, come on back for a dance party with the Ocracoke Rockers. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the band will start around 8 p.m. and continue until 11 p.m.
Admission is by donation as is having a beer or water.
That evening, attendees are asked to bring a snack or hors d’ouevre to share. Three island-made cakes will be raffled: a Hummingbird cake, a chocolate layer cake and a fig cake.
In addition to the main band, band leader Martin Garrish said there will be some guest musicians sitting in.
“We’re looking forward to it,” Martin said.
If you can’t attend, your financial support is greatly needed so that the Child Care Center can continue to provide this crucial community service.
Information about the archaeological group can be found here:
