Going Places with Dina Guzzardo
It’s that time of year again! There’s a crispness in the air and an undeniable feeling that pumpkin lattes, sweaters and boots are just around the corner. If you are like many of us, then you know it’s the time of year when our area’s beloved Seafood Festival makes its highly anticipated return. Festival-goers look forward every year to diving into the freshest seafood around, cracking open a cold brew and enjoying some of the very best live music in our area. This year, the newly branded “Downbeach Seafood Festival” is going to be epic.
Formerly known as the “Atlantic City” Seafood Festival, this year’s “Downbeach” Seafood Festival will be held on September 7 from 11am to 7pm. This acclaimed event will relocate about a mile “downbeach” to Ventnor’s waterfront Ski Beach located at Dorset and Burk Ave in Ventnor. It somehow seems more appropriate to host a seafood festival by the waterfront where seafood lovers will not only get the opportunity to meet and sample dozens of our area’s very best seafood restaurants serving their most popular dishes, but will also get the chance to take in some of the most breathtaking views that the Jersey Shore has to offer. With live music, shopping, free seminars and demos, kid’s amusements, a craft beer tasting tent, eating competitions and more, this festival offers the very best of everything! “I had an amazing time at the Seafood Festival Saturday,” says Joe C about last year’s festival in a Facebook review. “For just $5, sample 14 chowders and 3 chances to vote for the winner of the chowder cook off. A free crab cake eating contest, several live bands, great cooking demonstrations, some amazing shrimp tacos, extremely friendly vendors, some grilled shrimp kabobs that were off the charts good and even a 15 minute chair massage.” This is the kind of “off the charts” experience that has festival-goers coming back year after year. As always, this year will also offer a vast selection of the freshest and tastiest seafood you can get your hands on including clams, calamari, ahi, oysters, shellfish, and alligator. Yes, you read it right: alligator! The restaurants that will be serving up their morsels of yumminess include Kuro, Guy Fieri’s Chophouse, The Iron Room, Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall, Okatshe, Jay’s Crab Shack, Harry’s Oyster Bar and much more! It’s a wonderful opportunity to try out some awesome grub from multiple restaurants all in one place. The shopping will be equally as incredible. Vendors like Cortez Cigars, Made Chocolate, Kona Ice, Sand Jewels, The Bacon Jams and more will be selling their quality items. Of course, no festival is complete without some great brews, and Good Time Tricycle Productions is no stranger to the brew scene. Good Time Tricycle Productions, the masterminds of this event, holds the title as producing the largest beer festival on the east coast. The craft beer tasting tent will have several breweries on hand, and will be sure to blow you away.
The executive producer and president of Good Time Tricycle Productions, Jon Henderson is not only passionate about delivering an unforgettable experience to everyone who attends his festivals, but he is equally passionate about doing his part to give back to our community. One of the causes Henderson is committed to is stamping out hunger. Having supported worthy organizations like the Community Food Bank in the past, this year will be no different. This year’s Seafood Festival falls during National Hunger Action Month, and 100% of all proceeds raised in the hugely popular Chowder Cook Off Contest will directly benefit the Food Bank. This year’s goal is to raise $5000, which would provide 15,000 meals to families in need.
The 2019 Downbeach Seafood Festival entry fee is only $10 and children 12 or under are free, so it will be a very affordable day out for the entire family. There will be an ample amount of parking available at the Ventnor Plaza Shopping Center on Wellington Avenue with complimentary shuttle service to and from the festival. Also, this event is pet-friendly! Bring a leash for your best furry friend, and then you are free to explore the festival together. There is no reason to not attend this much-anticipated event.
For more information, checkout www.downbeachseafoodfest.com.
Dina Guzzardo is the President and Executive Promoter of Dina Media Group LLC. Dina Media Group is an innovative cutting edge media and marketing company that produces and promotes events including; concerts, benefits, festivals, fairs and outdoor markets.
