By Michael Burt
Fresh local oysters, seafood and produce will be celebrated alongside the majestic Bellinger River at the inaugural Mylestom Mollusc festival on Saturday, 8 November (9.00am to 3.00pm).
The festival’s spectacular backdrop will also showcase our region’s environment, art, craft and community through carefully selected market stalls, live art installations and music.
Local native flowers, sticky chai, original t-shirt designs, probiotic sodas and tea, woodwork, honey, fresh pasta, mushrooms, handicrafts, organic beef and vegetables are just a few of the stalls that will line the river.
Oyster shucking season is in full swing with farmers from the Bellinger, Kalang and Nambucca Rivers offering fresh local oysters with champas, beer, wine and soft drinks at the festival’s the Champagne & Oyster Bar.
“This exciting event will connect community and show case the magnificent Bellinger River at Mylestom,” said Jenny Sewell, Vice President Urunga Business & Community.
“Organiser Toni Swain is an innovator and as she energetically brings her vision to life, everyone’s a winner. There’ll be something for everyone. Personally, I am looking forward to being involved.”
Festival organiser Toni Swain is planning an event full of ‘happy vibes’.
“Mylestom is such a beautiful coastal town and community with so much to offer. It’s a great place to celebrate our local magnificent oysters,” Toni said.
“It’s going to be a fantastic day full of happy vibes, and be sure to say hello to Marty, The Mylestom Mollusc!”
Toni said there will be activities for everyone, including an early Stretch & Breathe session with Lara, Uncle Micklo Jarret welcome to country at 9:30am, fly fishing demo's, and the great Mylestom "Gallop"- a byo snail race. The happy vibes will also flow from cooking demonstrations with executive chef Paul Jurd, facepainting, and a kids space for circus activities, hoops and juggling.
“You can sign up for a traditional weaving workshop with Miimi Aunty Lauren Jarrett and learn the technique “single loop with a core” to create something unique and beautiful. Or make your own posie at the floral workshop with Emma from Floral Couture Studios, 11am in the hall.” “Food stalls will highlight our region’s best produce and include fresh prawn rolls, paella and woodfired pizza, and all your coffee, burger and chips needs are catered to by the North Beach Café. Local community groups will be bringing the cakes and sausage sizzle.”
“We’ve got marine biologist Rhi from Saltwater Sistas coming along, people can make their own scrubs and mists with her and chat about all things marine.”
Environmental scientist Jesse is bringing his LORE probiotic sodas and Steve Young (Myxos Musings) will have a microscope to examine all things SLIME
A fantastic live music program kicks off at 9:45am with locals Katie Crane, Danny Stitt, Toni Swain and special guest master drummer Hamish Stuart. Newcastle steel guitar trio The High Andies bring the perfect “holiday music” sound to the festival with their unique Hawaiian jazz. And Slim Pickens “The Bullfrogs” will finish off the day with their up-tempo feel-good tunes.
The Mylestom Mollusc festival is supported by Bellingen Shire Council through the Community Grants Program. Sponsors include the Urunga Business & Community Group, North Beach Bowling & Recreation Club, North Coast Boating Centre, Reflections, and Coffs Trike Tours. Artwork by Redline Design.
Any correspondence including EOI for stallholders and to sign up for the weaving or floral workshops please email: mylestommollusc@gmail.com
Local oysters from the likes of the Lindsays Oysters will be celebrated at the inaugural Mylestom Mollusc festival on Saturday, 8 November