Hilton Head Seafood Fest

April 24th Event to Support Cancer Research, Island Recreation

Coligny Plaza and The David M. Carmines Memorial Foundation announced that they will sponsor the third annual Hilton Head Island Seafood and Arts Festival, April 24. After a 20 year hiatus, the festival resurfaced in 2008 hosting record crowds. The event serves as the David M. Carmines Foundation’s annual fundraiser, and will take place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Shelter Cover Community Park. Admission is $5 for adults. Kids under 12 are FREE. Proceeds will benefit the American Cancer Society, the M. D. Anderson Cancer Research Center, and the Island Recreation Scholarship Fund.

At this year’s Seafood Festival over a dozen island restaurants will dish up their local and regional seafood specialties. There will also be an “Iron Chef” competition, local artists showcasing their talents, live entertainment, and a silent auction.

Food and more food …

Participating restaurants include, Black Marlin Bayside Grill, Bluffton Oyster Company, Kenny B’s French Quarter Bistro, Hudson’s, Le Bistro, Street Meet, Lwoods, among others.

Up to six local chefs will compete in the “Iron Chef” event, modeled after the TV show of the same name. Competing chefs will be presented with identical “mystery baskets” containing various ingredients including two local seafood ingredients. Each will be allotted one hour to create an appetizer and an entrée. Finished plates will be judged on creativity, composition, taste, and presentation. Prizes and trophies will be awarded.

Ron Andrews, President of the Low Country Chapter of the American Culinary Federation is assisting with competition logistics and organization. Ron has competed in numerous Iron Chef Competitions, and will serve as one of the event judges.

And fun…

Custom Audio Video is sponsoring this year’s performances, with Trillium kicking off the day before the featured band, The Headliners, take the stage.

There will also be a large “Kids Zone” with inflatable bounce houses and games for the kids. The Famous Crab Races will return this year, which is always fun and exciting to watch.

And fundraising.

Sponsors say the Silent Auction, which has become one of the foundation’s most popular events, will be “even bigger and better” this year. Last year, winning bidders had a chef prepare a four-course meal for their friends, took a wine tour in Sonoma County, experienced a guided turkey hunt on one of the regions premier private hunting properties, and went on a deep sea fishing expedition – to name just a few of the many prizes.

All beverage sales, restaurant purveyor fees, artists’ fees and auction funds will benefit the M. D. Anderson Cancer Research Center, the American Cancer Society, and the Island Recreation Scholarship Fund.

For more information visit www.davidmcarmines.org or call (310)903-7755.