Montauk - The Montauk Chamber of Commerce will hold its two-day Annual Fall Festival on Saturday, October 8 and Sunday, October 9, 2011 "On the Green" in the Center of downtown Montauk. This year will mark the 30th anniversary of the annual event.

On Saturday the Chamber-sponsored family-friendly festival will kick off at 10:30 a.m. with its Famous Clam Chowder contest. Food personality judges from the local newspapers will award best New England and Manhattan chowders. You can judge this contest in the People's Choice Award. Winners will be announced at 3 p.m. and on the Chamber's website.

Both days will include many activities for children, such as a free 30 horse Carousel, inflatable rides, face painting, pumpkin decorating, crab races and more. For adults there will be live music a wheel of chance, a farmers market and plant sales, raffles, October-fest style food, clams and oysters on the half, wine and beer. New this year will be a wheel of chance to win great prizes and other surprise events.

On Sunday the Festival continues with additional activities under the tent including the Annual Chinese Auction by the Montauk Playhouse.

At the conclusion of the festival, the Cash Catch (over $29,000 in cash prize money could be given out) winners will be announced along with the winners of other raffle prizes.

Almost 70 volunteers are needed each year to run this event. Over 30 local restaurants contribute gallons of their best chowder. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Pat Shea or executive director Laraine Creegan at 631-668-2428.

The festival is the annual fundraiser sponsored by the Montauk Chamber of Commerce to be used for the Frank Cappozola Scholarship Fund, Montauk Fireworks Sponsored by the Chamber, the Montauk Food Pantry, the Montauk Historical Society for Lighting of the Lighthouse and other local needs.