ClamFest: A seafood lover's delight

By CAROLYN KESSEL

Essex County Newspapers

ESSEX _ Throughout the summer traffic slows to a crawl along the Essex causeway as tourists line up at local restaurants for a taste of Essex's most famous food _ the clam.

To celebrate the bounty of the local flats, residents 19 years ago started an annual tradition called the ClamFest.

Savory smells and local recipes make the Essex ClamFest delicious, while the Essex residents and musicians make it unique.

ClamFest 2001 will be held Saturday, Sept. 22, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Memorial Park behind Town Hall on Martin Street.

Essex, which is known for its soft-shell clams, attracts about 1,000 people for this event each year. The money raised supports projects of the Essex division of the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce.

The ClamFest used to be a part of Essex Pride Week in November, but organizers have pushed up the date to more appropriate "clam chowder weather" _ what they hope will be a crisp September afternoon.

"It should be a great day, and great food," said Michael Costello, executive director of the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce.

Over the years the event has also been stretched into a day-long activity, rather than just a tasting contest.

For $4, visitors can taste a dozen different clam chowders donated by local restaurants such as Periwinkles, J.T. Farnhams, the Blue Marlin Grille and Jack Rabbit Flats.

Woodman's Restaurant has won the competitions so many times they do not compete anymore, but they do sell their own chowder.

Each restaurant donates 25 gallons of clam chowder for the event. Visitors receive a small cup of each chowder. Local restaurants have also been invited to come and sell any seafood dishes they like, for profit, said Costello. Tasting will take place from noon to 2 p.m.

Everyone who tries the chowders can vote for his or her favorite, and the most popular is awarded a People's Choice Award.

Local politicians will also vote for the best clam chowder for the Judge's Award.

While visitors sate their taste for clams and clam chowder, the Cape Ann Jazz Band, and singer Kim Lufkin of Essex and Joe Militello will perform.

Some families make picnics on blankets in the park and many come from neighboring towns to taste the chowder.

A raffle will be held for a clambake catered by Woodman's Restaurant, the proceeds of which will benefit the Essex eighth-grade class.

The Rowley Lions Club sells fried clams every year and the Essex Lions Club provides hot dogs, hamburgers and soda.

More than 30 craft vendors will set up their wares at the park and there will be pony rides, and an inflated moonbounce and a slide for children.

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