Steam from crockpots full of chowder filled the high ceilings at Stone Path Malt during Fishing for the Mission 22’s third annual Chowdah Fest on March 8.

Family and restaurant recipes alike vied to gather the most votes from attendees on Saturday while dueling pianists, Flying Ivories, battled in the background.

Proceeds from ticket sales from the event as well money raised from raffles and merchandise benefited Fishing for the Mission 22, an organization dedicated to supporting veterans and combating the epidemic of veteran suicides.

To help address veteran suicide, which occurs 22 times a day in the United States, the organization provides a range of support services focused on rehabilitation and career development.

According to board member Jonathan Tyrrell, the organization takes veterans fishing to promote relaxation and connection while introducing them to resources and training. It also offers other programs to support their transition to civilian life.

Chowdah Fest was split into two time slots, the first, from 12 to 3 p.m. saw at least 200 people turn up in support of the organization.

The second, from 4 to 8 p.m. saw a few more, including State Senator Kelley Dooner, who made her way to each chowder station.

“I can’t pick a winner yet,” Dooner said. “I have to try them all.”

Chowder competitors ranged from professionals like restaurant Mezza Luna’s Chef Derrick, who has made the same chowder for 30 years, to Bourne resident Jennifer Martin.

“My family tells me I make a pretty good chowder so I said I’m in,” Martin said.

For the past two years Stomping Ground’s Grille’s chowder has gained the most votes from attendees and gone home with the bragging rights.

This year they came with their signature chowder and a little humor to go along with it. Included at their station was a picture of Helene Rodgers covered in chowder, after she fell while cleaning a counter and knocked a full pot of the chowder onto herself.

“She was a great sport about it,” said fellow Stomping Grounds Grille employee Lianne Landry.

Last year the Chowdah Fest raised $40,000 for Fishing for the Mission 22, according to Tyrrell.

He said this year they hope to raise $50,000, after generating nearly $15,000 from ticket sales alone by 6 p.m. Saturday. 

“We’re trying to do bigger and better than last year, but we’ll see,” Tyrrell said.