Island cooks are busy planning their best soups for the Clam Chowder Cook-off Saturday, April 15, 2017, from 11:30am to 2pm in the Ocracoke Community Center.

All—individuals, businesses, restaurants and professional cooks—are invited to create their best version of traditional and/or non-traditional Ocracoke clam chowder. 

This will be the third year for this popular event that benefits Ocracoke Child Care, Inc.

One-of-a-kind trophies created by artist Susan Dodd will be the prizes.

Proceeds of entry fees by the cooks and admission from attendees will benefit Ocracoke Child Care.

Chowder entry fee is $25 and admission to taste the chowders will be $10 per person.

Tasting will end at 1:30pm when the peoples’ choice ballots will be counted.

This year’s contenders will have the chance to beat last year’s winners Debbie Wells for WOVV, who won best non-traditional, and Corkey’s Store for best traditional.

Last year there were nine soup entries and more than 150 tasters.

Mandi Cochran and Jenny Mason of Corkey's Store with their Traditional Golden Clammy from last year's competition.

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 helps organize the event.

Details will be on flyers circulated throughout the island.