THOUSANDS of people are expected to pack Port MacDonnell’s main street tomorrow for an all-day street party as the Bay Escape festival celebrates 25 years.
With gates opening at 11am, the Limestone Coast’s best food and wine vendors will join the town’s own businesses and serve a variety of seafood, dessert and street food classics, with beverages from the region’s best wineries and pubs also on offer.
Legendary South Australian aerobatics pilot Chris Sperou will fly in to perform with his Super Stinker biplane over the bay during the afternoon, depending on weather conditions.
Event coordinator Ryan Donovan said there will be plenty of entertainment for all ages on the day, plus new opportunities on offer for the 2020 event.
“We have got helicopter rides along the coast and for those keen to get on the water, our Bay Escape Pull-a-Pot experience gets you on board a professional cray fishing boat,” he said.
“The weather forecast is looking good and with so much great food and wine on offer, we’re looking forward to an amazing day at the bay.”
The live music will start at 11am on the Bay Escape summer stage with Ellyana Sims, Rhys Crimmins, Sleuth and Mischief and Mayhem performing before crowd favourites The Southern Undertows finish the day.
Event mascot Jay the Cray will be on hand for selfie opportunities during the day and children’s entertainment includes virtual reality and golf simulators, play dough competitions, storytime sessions, donut decorating, a craft corner and bouncy castle.
Market stalls will offer a range of homewares, treats and gifts and the popular mechanical surfboard will be back to test the surfing ability of kids and big kids alike.
Due to popular demand, buses will again ferry event guests to and from Mount Gambier with Mr Donovan encouraging people to take advantage of the service.
“To really enjoy all the food and wine on offer and not worry about parking, leave the car at home and take the Bay Escape Express,” Mr Donovan said.
The 55-seater bus will leave Mount Gambier’s Jens Hotel at 10.30am, 12, 1.30 and 3pm and leave Port MacDonnell at 12.45, 2.15, 3.45, 5 and 6pm, for a gold coin donation.
The event is being held alongside the town’s new Waterfront precinct, which will begin stage two works in coming months.
Mr Donovan thanked local businesses and the Limestone Coast community for its ongoing support of the event.
“The Bay Escape is designed to showcase the town of Port MacDonnell and all it has to offer,” he said.
“It’s a great local event, now with 25 years history, run by the community for the community.
“Bring your friends and family along on Saturday for one of the best days out on the summer events calendar.”
The 2020 Bay Escape is being held at Sea Parade, Port MacDonnell from 11am to 6pm.
