General News
29 March, 2022
Crayfest draws a solid crowd
PORT Campbell was the place to be over the weekend for the second annual Crayfest.
PORT Campbell was the place to be over the weekend for the second annual Crayfest.
Festival secretary Brooke Barnewall said the weekend was a success.
She said 100 people tucked into the Eat, Cray, Love degustation at the Surf Club on Friday night with crayfish, abalone, smoked duck, venison and quark featured on the menu.
“We received wonderful feedback about the night – the food was phenomenal and it was a beautiful evening,” Ms Barnewall said.
“Everyone seemed to really enjoy themselves and people are already asking about nextyear’s event.”
The festivities continued on Sunday, with a Welcome to Country held on the Port Campbell foreshore.
Jim Matthews with Uncle Lenny Clarke’s permission spoke about how the Kirrae Wurrong people used to call Port Campbell Purroitchihoorrong meaning “spirit voice that mocks you”.
An estimated 1500-2000 people enjoyed activities around the town over the course ofthe day.
The Timboon Lions Club ran the popular Treasure Hunt for children aged up to 12 years.
Ms Barnewall said there were 19 entries in the street parade with The Rusty Eel winning the $500 ‘best float’ award judged by Lilli Marwood.
“We were really impressed with the floats in the street parade – it was hard to pick a winner,” she said.
“I want to thank all the entrants who went to great effort to design such amazing floats.”
From noon onward festival goers enjoyed calamari, oysters, crayfish, abalone, dumplings, ice cream and beverages from Sow & Piglets brewery, Keeyang Maar Vineyard, Great Ocean Road Gin and 12 Rocks café and bar.
The Tin Shed Singers, Brigid McKinnon, Josh Taylor, Lisztomania, Andrei O’Connor, The Fathoms and Melt entertained the crowd.
“Crayfest has a great community vibe that you just want to bottle,” Ms Barnewall said.
“It’s really important that our community has opportunities like these to come together and celebrate our local talent, food producers and volunteers.
“The committee would like to thank everyone involved, in particular, Corangamite Shire, Victorian Fisheries Authority, Bendigo Bank and the Victorian Government for supporting the event.”
