Island Men’s Mac and Cheese Festival returns to Carolina Beach this weekend

CAROLINA BEACH, NC (WWAY) — The Island Men’s Mac and Cheese Festival is back this weekend at Carolina Beach, offering food lovers the chance to sample dozens of unique mac and cheese dishes, all while supporting a good cause.

Lynn Halterman from the Island Men shared what attendees can expect. “We have about 30 plus makers and bakers. These are people in restaurants, crafters, individuals who make up the five different categories of mac and cheese.”

The festival runs from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. with a $10 donation at the door, and kids under 10 can attend for free. Proceeds benefit the Isle of Man, a 501(c)(3) charity that helps fund over 50 local organizations throughout the year.

“We give away to all different kinds of organizations,” said Halterman. “Some 50 plus organizations throughout the year.”

This year, the competition includes five categories: spicy, traditional, vegetarian, meat, and a surprise category. Attendees will vote for their favorite dish, and the winner will take home the coveted Golden Noodle Trophy.

The Golden Noodle trophy is the top prize for the best mac and cheese at the Island Men Mac & Cheese Festival
(Photo: WWAY)

“That goes to the grand prize winner. It’s probably one of the most coveted awards in America,” Halterman joked.

A new addition this year is the “Parmesan Room,” where guests can pay an extra donation for early access to the event.

“If you come at 12 noon to Good Hops for a little extra donation, we’ll put you in our parmesan room and it’ll let you get into the event first,” he said.

You can find more details about the event here.