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2008 Mussel Festival- exceeds all expectations!
The organisers were a little nervous on the Friday as the strong winds made setting up for the festival somewhat difficult.
However, the Saturday was perfect, a slight breeze, sun shining, and people began arriving for the festival. Trips out to the mussel farms began at 10 am, and those on board were able to taste mussel morsels. The news spread fast, and some were disappointed as all trips were fully booked out for the day.
The ship, “Enterprize” that had arrived the previous day in strong winds and 1-2 metre waves, looked relaxed, as she ventured out from the pier for the first trip of the day. Soon, she too, was fully book.  The Portarlington Pier was buzzing with people with every second or third person carrying a box of mussels back to their car. Mussel farmers berthed for the day and set up shop, selling fresh mussels, oysters and prawns, some offering tastings as well.
By 10 am crowds had gathered close by as the inaugural artistic boat event (race) was taking place at 11 am, and the artistic creations were on display before the event. No effort or imagination was spared as boats were decorated with pink taffeta and beads, one consisted of various scout knots, and the one that drew all the attention was the horse boat. Consisting of a paper mache horse head, with a long body room enough for five riders each with there own jodhpurs for arms, and matching legs the local pony club won the best artistic design before the event took place. The race itself consisted of 10 boats using various types of materials. One was constructed using plastic table clothes, another with material with a mussel pattern, and another consisted of a rose arbour and material held together with pins.
Meanwhile up in the parklands near the hall, mussel dishes were being prepared for demonstrations, tastings and sales. Outside near each end of the hall large gas fired woks had been set up. Mussel dishes of all varieties were available for visitors to taste.
The chef was also on hand to answer any questions about preparing mussels.
The large outdoor area was a hub of activity as visitors queued to sample the local dish. Close by were local wineries selling beer as well and one had produced a Belgian beer that complimented the mussels. Local olive growers and cheese producers also promoted their product, with some running out of stock before the days end. For those who preferred something other than mussels other foods were also available.
The train took many children and parents for a short trip around town, the large kites were fantastic, the kite making workshops were well patronised.
The animal nursery was as always very popular, and many children had there first experience at playing the didgeridoo.
The Senior Citizen’s was a hive of activity, as they joined forces with the Agricultural Show Committee to provide Devonshire teas.
The Country Women’s’ Association had several stalls set up, complete with bee hive. Great fun had by all
Feedback from the Festival
"We sailed to the Festival and rafted up with another yacht, just off the pier.
We watched the Enterprise coming and going which was quite moving.
When there were no stink boats (motor boats, jet skis, jet
boats - yachty terminology) milling around her, you could imagine that you had gone back in time. Just magnificent!
We attended with friends of whom we loaded 4 large people into their tiny tender. We motored over to the pier, behind the yellow buoys and had to crouch and bend ourselves double to go under the pier and stroll up to the festivities.
As you can imagine we created quite an image going under the pier and much to the amusement of the troop of people surging to obtain their mussels from the busy fishmongers, having a great day!
I must congratulate the committee for all their work, as it certainly showed on the happy faces of all the people that we passed by.
We meandered around the marquees, partook of the local produce, beverages and enjoyed the ambience immensely.
The Morry Club bought back some great memories - as my Mum began her driving school in Horsham in a little, green, soft top Morry. Some very nice wine, beer, goat cheese (bella!) olive oil (bellisimo) and chilli jelly were consumed and purchased.
We collected a 5kgs of mussels and took it all back to the yacht where we cooked up a storm.
We ate, relaxed and enjoyed the sun, location, good company and food, hell we even jumped overboard – I personally exhibited great elegance as I swan dived off the stern of Determination.
Unfortunately I forgot that the rear hatch was open and managed to slightly saturate the beds - it dried!
What an exceptional day - so many thanks to the greater population of Portarlington, a very good day and one of the most memorable in our log book. We shall certainly spread the word at the Yacht Club for next year - we had only 5 yachts from the Royal so me thinks the Mussel Festival can go into the newsletter - as a great family day. "
 
For inquiries email:portarts@yahoo.com.au
Spanish style mussels at the Port Pier Cafe overlooking Port Phillip Bay.
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People on the Portarlington Pier, purchasing mussels and taking trips on the Ship, the Enterprize.
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