Seafood lovers and recreational anglers looking for food, fishing and family fun on the Labour Day long will love the ‘Hooked on Lakes Entrance’ festival on Saturday, March 9, from 10am to 9pm.
Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) chief executive officer, Travis Dowling, said last year’s event attracted more than 1000 people and larger crowds are predicted this year.
“Lakes Entrance is a fishing mecca and home to one of Australia’s largest commercial fishing fleets,” Mr Dowling said.
“Hooked on Lakes Entrance 2019 will have a festival vibe and is all about showcasing Victorian produce and celebrating fishing in all its forms.”
Organised in partnership with Lakes Entrance Events, the festival will feature new elements to keep visitors excited about fishing and tourism opportunities in the region including:
- Seafood cooking demonstrations by critically acclaimed Peruvian chef, Alejandro Saravia, from Pastuso, in Melbourne, and Sam Mahlook, from Miriam’s Seafood Restaurant in Lakes Entrance;
- Fish filleting and preparation tips from the Lakes Entrance Fisherman’s Co-Op with tasting samples and talks about the different species on offer;
- Commercial fishers tied up to the wharf explaining their practices and life at sea;
- Free Fishcare ‘come and try’ fishing clinics for children and families;
- Market stalls and food stands selling freshly cooked seafood and local produce;
- Children’s amusements and a dedicated area for families to enjoy the waterfront views;
- Live music stage featuring local artists and the first public broadcast of the VFA’s Fishiest 100 playlist;
- A family friendly ‘Riviera Regatta’ at noon that will transform the foreshore into a land-based ‘boat race’ for crews of children and grown-ups. Will the vikings or the pirates win the day? Who knows, but it’s sure to be an epic contest that will raise a lot of laughs for all the family.
Lakes Entrance Events president, Alison Brewer, said “it’s a great event that keeps getting bigger and better” and that she’s happy the local organisation could join forces with the VFA.
“We will hold the market stalls and entertainment on the Saturday and there will be lots to do for the kids,” Ms Brewer said.
“We had a suggestion from a couple of local guys to run a regatta, similar to the Henley on Todd boat race they have in Alice Springs each year. We are looking at doing that as a trial and hopefully we can build on it in coming years.”
Mr Dowling said Hooked on Lakes Entrance is a great opportunity for families to explore one of Victoria’s most beautiful stretches of water.
“With exceptional camping, boating and fishing opportunities on its doorstep, I’d encourage everyone to grab the tent, rods and sunscreen to enjoy some quality time in Victoria’s great outdoors.”
