The Port Washington Chamber of Commerce has announced plans for the town's 1st annual SOUPer Bowl to be held on Saturday, Feb. 2, from noon to 3 p.m. By no coincidence, the date is the Saturday before Super Bowl Sunday. The event will take place at the Port Washington Senior Citizens Center at 80 Manorhaven Boulevard.

Port's wonderful local restaurants have been invited to donate their best soups for the contest and to vie for the chance to be voted Port Washington's 2008 SOUPer Bowl Champ.

The public is invited to "Buy A Spoon" and become tasters. Upon paying the admission fee, each person is given a spoon, a hand stamp and a ballot. The hand stamp allows them to receive cups with at least 2 ounces of each of the soups donated by the restaurants. The tasters then vote for their favorite soup, and when all the ballots are tallied, the 2008 SOUPer Bowl Champ is determined. The winner will receive the "People's Choice Award." There will also be a select Judges' Panel. The winner as determined by a vote of the panel is given the prestigious "Judges' Choice Award." The participating restaurants also provide bread and crackers free to the tasters.

While the tasters are sampling the best soups in Port Washington, they can enjoy viewing an art exhibit by members of the Senior Citizens Center and organized by The Art Guild. To add to the fun of the event, there will be a raffle of sports memorabilia and items.

To become a taster and get a chance to vote for the 2008 SOUPer Bowl Champ, just pay a $7 "touchdown" fee for adults and a $3 "field goal" fee for children under 12. There is plenty of free parking. For more information, call the PW Chamber of Commerce at 883-6566.