THE new-look Bay Escape festival is set to capitalise on Port MacDonnell’s reputation as South Australia’s rock lobster capital tomorrow as thousands of people pack an all-day street party at the coastal town.
With gates open at 11am, the Limestone Coast’s best food and wine vendors will join Port Mac’s established businesses to serve up a feast of fresh seafood and street food classics, with the region’s best wineries and pubs on hand for a refreshment.
The event is being held alongside Port MacDonnell’s new Waterfront precinct, and event coordinator Ryan Donovan said the event would show off the town’s revamped tourism facilities.
“We’re putting the spotlight on Port Mac and we’re doing it with style,” he said.
“Come and sample all the food, including our famous Southern Zone Rock Lobster, grab a beer or wine, kick back and enjoy some tunes in the sunshine.
“You might need to skip breakfast,” he joked.
“With the amount of good food and wine on offer, I guarantee it will be an amazing day for everyone up at the Bay.”
Live music features all day, with crowd favourites Any Other Sunday and The Southern Undertows joining Mikey McInerney, Frayed Knot, Ake, Salty Bones and Ellyana Sims.
A big audience is expected to check out entertainment of a different kind as local ‘celebrities’, including mayors, MPs, publicans and local sporting personalities, wipe out in the Celebrity Mechanical Surfboard Challenge at 2pm.
Market stalls will offer a range of homewares, treats and gifts and guests will also be able to book in for dive and snorkeling sessions at the region’s famous Piccaninnie Ponds and Kilsbys Sinkhole with local dive operator Reef 2 Ridge.
Event mascot Jay the Cray will be on hand for ‘selfie’ opportunities during the day, along with plenty of children’s entertainment, including a velcro wall, Float Toss, craft corner, bouncing castle and face painting.
For the first time in the event’s history, Mr Donovan said buses will run to and from Mount Gambier to allow patrons the opportunity to fully enjoy the event’s many food and wine offerings.
“Leave the car at home and take the Bay Escape Express so you do not have to worry about parking and you can enjoy a beverage or two,” he said.
“There’s no need to book – just show up.”
The 55-seater bus will leave Mount Gambier’s Jens Hotel at 10.30am, noon, 1.30pm and 3pm and leave Port MacDonnell at 12.45pm, 2.15pm, 3.45pm, 5pm and 6pm, for a gold coin donation.
Mr Donovan thanked the community Port MacDonnell and the wider Limestone Coast region for their continued support of the event, which has been running for more than 20 years.
“The old Bayside Festival was a great community event for many years – we’re just putting a fresh spin on an old favourite,” he said.
“I guarantee everyone will go home with a smile on their dial.”
