PARTYGOERS from the cancelled Falls Festival event at Lorne swelled the numbers of revellers at the New Year’s Eve celebrations at Beachport on Tuesday
At 9pm, many hundreds gathered in balmy weather around vantage points to see the fireworks light up Rivoli Bay and herald in 2020.
Beachport businessman Michael Corman did not doubt the fire-related cancellation at Lorne prompted attendees to head to South Australia.
“You could hear all the chatter from customers in our two cafes,” said Mr Corman, whose family company has also recently opened a seaside fish and chip shop.
Association chairperson Ros Brown said there was positive feedback about the two displays by contractors as they were different to past years and were higher and better.
She declined to elaborate on the reasons for the possible cancellation other than to say the issue was resolved on Monday morning.
Among the partygoers were many who were attracted to Beachport by its attractions, as well as the family-friendly atmosphere.
Melbourne tourist David McKinsley has brought his wife and their son and daughter to Beachport for six consecutive Christmas vacations.
“There is nowhere else like Beachport along the entire Eastern and Southern coast of Australia,” he said.
Mount Gambier resident Serge Crispino said the appeal of Beachport prompted him to buy a house as the base for family holidays.
More than 200 youngsters and their parents attended a junior disco in the grounds of the Southern Ocean Tourist Park.
One hiccup was the presence of a dolphin in the channel leading out from the recreational boat ramp at around 3pm on New Year’s Eve.
As only its back fin was visible, it was mistaken by some for a shark and alarmed two Millicent adults who were swimming in the area.
There was also a temporary hitch with equipment at the Lions hot donut van.
Among those to donate their time to the cooking and selling of donuts was interstate resident Sandra Lowery.
“The Lions Club do a great job,” Ms Lowery said.
“I come from the small town of Gordon in Victoria and I know how hard it is to get volunteers.”
Meanwhile, the tempo is barely slackening at Beachport with the Vacswim lessons beginning today (Thursday) at the front beach.
The features on Saturday are the ever-popular street market and duck race by the Beachport District Development Association and the first time beach run from Southend to Beachport by the Millicent Runners.
The main attraction on Sunday will be a competitive swim around the end of the Beachport jetty staged by the Beachport Surf Life Saving Club.
