Enjoy Everything Southeastern Illinois has to Offer!

In places like New England, "chowder" means a thick soup, usually made with fish, clams or corn. But here in Southeastern Illinois it means a lot more.

Around here, "chowder" refers not only to the actual chowder that is eaten, but also to each community's social gathering at which it is made and served.

Each uses its own sometimes-secret recipe, but all start with three basic ingredients: salt pork, onions and cubed potatoes. It is usually cooked outside in 20- to 70-gallon cauldrons where the various ingredients are added to boiling water according to how long each takes to cook, so that all of the ingredients are done at the same time -- usually in about 4 hours.

The kettles are stirred almost continuously while cooking so that the chowder does not scorch. The stirring is done with an 18- to 24-inch wooden "paddle" that has several holes bored in it and is attached a handle at a right angle near the end of it.

Communities take great pride in their chowders. In fact, in 1958, Edwards County Commissioners proclaimed Edwards County as "Chowder Capital of the World".

Traditionally, "chowder time" begins when tomatoes start to ripen and ends with the first heavy frost in the fall. If you get the opportunity, go to as many as you can and enjoy all Southeastern Illinois has to Offer.

Claremont Spring Carry-out Chowder

145 West lincoln Ave at Community Center, Claremont

Hours: Begins at 11:00 AM until sold out.

March 20th 2010

(Always the 3rd Saturday in March) Sponsored by the Claremont Community Club. Carry out only. Begins at 11:00 AM until sold out. Bring your own containers. (no glass). Homemade pies available too.

Dennison Township Chowder

Main Street, Saint Francisville

September 6th, 2010

Annual “Denison Township Chowder” is always on Labor Day at the Firehouse in St. Francisville, carry out will begin at 11:00 a.m. Registration for the Horseshoe Tournament and Poker Run will be at 10:00 AM. For more information contact Fire Chief Stanley Kelsey at 618-263-7900

Lancaster Annual Chowder

Lancaster

September 11th, 2010

Lancaster Annual Chowder is held the second Saturday in September in Lancaster Community Club Park. Carry out only will be available at 11:00 AM. Serving sandwiches and chowder beginning at 4:00 PM. Entertainment at 5:00 PM. For additional details call Sara Root at: 618-299-2601.

Historic Sailor Springs Fall Chowder

Sailor Springs

September 18th 2010

Fall Chowder in Dundas

Dundas

September 11th 2010

(Always the second Saturday in September) Available at 11:00 a.m. Bulk Only - No Glass Containers. Don't be late! Our chowder goes quick. Sponsored by the Dundas Ruritan. For more information contact: Gerald Ochs, 618-395-2208

West Salem Chowder

West Salem

August 21, 2010

3rd Saturday in August

Jasper County Home-Front Chowder

707 S. Van Buren, Newton

October 16th, 2010

The Jasper County Home-Front Chowder is an annual event. Carry out only - bring your own containers with lids - no glass. Homemade pies and desserts will also be available. Proceeds go towards sending care packages to our Jasper County Troops. Additional donations will be accepted. For more information call; Janet Vahling 618-783-8469, Susan Mayer 618-783-3941, Debbie Weiler 618-754-3519 or Kathy Patterson 618-783-4531.

Spring Chowder in Dundas

Dundas

April 10th 2010

Spring Chowder - (Every year on the second Saturday in April - unless the event conflicts with Easter) beginning at 11:00 a.m. - Carry Out Plus Pies. Bulk Only - No Glass Containers. Sponsored by the Dundas Ruritan. For more information contact: Gerald Ochs 618-395-2208 or Carol Kilgore 618-754-3457.

Albion Chowder

City Park, Albion

June 12th 2010

Parkersburg Chowder

Parkersburg

July 24th, 2010

For more info call 618-442-5219

Noble Chowder & Homecoming

Village Hall, Noble

August 14th, 2010

Noble Chowder and Homecoming. For more info call 618-723-2212

Bone Gap Chowder

Bone Gap

August 14th, 2010

Second Sat in August.

Claremont Summer Chowder

145 West Lincoln Ave. Claremont Community Center, Claremont

Hours: Starts at 4:00 PM

August 28, 2010

Everyone is welcome to the Claremont Summer Chowder. Eat in or carry out. Sandwiches, deserts and drinks and of course chowder! Starts at 4:00 PM - until we run out. For more info call 618/869-2281.

Orio Chowder

38 33' 14.20" N 87 46' 28.84" W, Orio

September 4th 2010

September 4th 2010 will be the 90th annual chowder. Set in a beautiful grove of trees close to the church (Linn, IL) on the map. Carry-out starts around 8:00am and serving starts at 11:00 am. In addition to their famous chowder, fish sandwiches, hamburgers, hot dogs and a variety of homemade pies are served. Pitch washers and horseshoes and play volleyball and softball and kids can play on the playground equipment. 618/299-6731. GPS to 38 33' 14.20" N 87 46' 28.84" W

Elm River Chowder

Rinard

September 4th, 2010

(Always the Saturday before Labor Day)

Berryville Chowder

GPS 38 35' 58.9" N 87 55' 58.47" W, Berryville

September 4th, 2010

Since 1946, always held the Saturday before Labor Day. For more information call 618-456-3156. GPS 38 35' 58.9" N 87 55' 58.47" W

Mt. Carmel K of C Chowder

212 W. 5th St., Mount Carmel

August 29th, 2010

Calhoun Chowder

104 West Main, Calhoun

September 6, 2010

Labor Day - September 6, 2010 They will be making 400 -500 gallons of chowder, so come and share in the celebration!

Wynoose Chowder

Wynoose

September 11th, 2010

(Always the second Saturday in September) 6 miles South of Noble, Illinois / Chowder, BBQ Ham, Fried Chicken, Pie, Cakes, Ice Tea, Soda & Ice Cream - Chowder Carry Out by the Gallon