This cook-off on the Santa Cruz Boardwalk rewards those who make a mean clam chowder, Boston (creamy) or Manhattan (brothy) style. Competitors are known to come dressed up as scuba divers, mermaids or the Clam Fairy. And $9 gets you free samples of five chowders and a chance to vote for a People's Choice winner. Proceeds benefit the city's parks department. Info: &lt;a href=&quot;http://beachboardwalk.com/clamchowder/&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Santa Cruz Clam Chowder Cook-Off &amp; Festival,&lt;/a&gt; (831) 420-5273