Port flexes its muscles

Kim Waters
PORTARLINGTON fishermen are preparing to flex their mussels this weekend at an annual town festival designed to tantalise the tastebuds of visitors from all over Victoria.
Portarlington Mussel Festival committee chairman Richard Underwood expected more than 10,000 seafood lovers and holiday makers to attend the event.
Mr Underwood said the festival, in its sixth year, aimed to promote the Bellarine Peninsula’s produce and mussel industry.
“Portarlington is close to the leading town for mussels in Australia,” Mr Underwood said.
“This is an opportunity to sample wines and primary produce of the Bellarine first-hand as well as the ‘delish’ fresh mussels we have.”
He said festival goers could expect some exciting changes at this year’s event.
“This is the first year we’ve had general stalls, as well as food and wine,” he said.
“There are about 70 stalls all up and 25 of those will sell crafts and general goods with the other 45 selling produce, food and wine.
“This is also the first time we’ve asked for a gold coin donation on entrance and all the proceeds go to the local CFA, we aren’t keeping one cent of that.”
Other festival activities included diving displays, mussel tasting and live music.
“There’s something for every budget and plenty of different foods for anyone who doesn’t like mussels,” Mr Underwood laughed.
“Visitors can go out on trips to the mussel beds and the Endeavour sailing ship will be taking people out during the day,” Mr Underwood said.
“We’re also selling a mussel recipe book for $2 and there is a photography and art exhibition in Parks Hall.”