By Lulu

WOW that is what needs to be said about the first Oyster & Chowder event at First Turn Steakhouse and Lounge in Port Orange. The huge parking lot was spilling over on the streets! Combining the seafood festival with a tribute to our veterans was genius! The events of the day included Big Engine rocking the stage. Patriotic events including the Pledge of Allegiance, Taps, Color Guard presentation of colors by Embry Riddle, recognition of veterans from our past conflicts, tattoo contest for most patriotic and best military, and the Missing Man table caused the huge crowd to shed tears and shout USA!! The entire event benefitted Combat Vets!!

The seafood festival part of the day included a chowder cook off with sampling, oyster shucking contest, raw oyster eating contest and oyster shell painting. A special thank you to all who took their Sunday to spend it with the great folks at First Turn showing Veterans we love and honor their courage and sacrifice defending and protecting the USA! And as always First Turn thanks their sponsors who help bring these charitable events to fruition Waste Pro, N Balance Holistic Wellness Spa, Hagstrom Group, Daytona Beverage, SR Perrott and Hold Fast Tattoo.