People flocked to Mandurah Crab Fest on Saturday as Home and Away stars Ada Nicodemou and James Stewart, pictured left, stole the show.~|~|0UA8GZHdbR
Thousands of visitors thronged the Mandurah Foreshore on Saturday to mark the 25th anniversary of the Channel 7 Mandurah Crab Fest. While the festival is renowned for its celebration of the iconic blue manna crab, this year, the spotlight was shared with newly engaged Home and Away stars Ada Nicodemou and James Stewart.
The air was filled with the tantalizing aromas of over 50 food vendors offering an array of crab-centric dishes, from steaming bowls of curry crab to inventive crab tacos and Singapore chilli crab. Yet, the real draw for many attendees was the chance to meet the beloved television stars.
Star Power at the Foreshore
Hundreds of fans lined up early in the morning for a meet and greet session with Nicodemou and Stewart, eager to capture selfies and share a moment with the couple before their cooking stage appearance in the afternoon. Stewart expressed his surprise at the overwhelming reception, stating,
“It’s humbling, like we don’t get to see them that often, and some of them come up and they’re shaking. I’m like ‘it’s OK, it’s OK’.”
He added,
“I’m not Chris Hemsworth, but they love this show. I also love the idea that you may not be doing a killing scene or a romantic scene, you’re just having a cup of tea and that does it for them. They just want to know the world is OK, and they’ll go ‘it’s good to see you resolve your issues’.”
A Glimpse into Their Personal Lives
Nicodemou and Stewart, who frequently visit Western Australia for events like the Crab Fest and Telethon, shared personal insights about their engagement. Nicodemou proudly displayed her engagement ring, which the couple designed together. On stage, they candidly answered questions from the crowd about their relationship.
Nicodemou recounted the surprise proposal,
“I was surprised and didn’t expect it because he didn’t seem nervous,”
she said, while Stewart humorously admitted,
“It’s strange thing for a fella. I don’t know how many blokes in this room have done it, but when you go to take the knee… It’s like your whole body just goes, what is happening? We’re not used to it.”
Culinary Delights and Local Talent
Aside from the celebrity appearances, the festival showcased local culinary talent, including cookbook author and seafood enthusiast Brendan Pang. Pang demonstrated how to prepare a coconut fish curry with yoghurt flatbread, much to the delight of food lovers. He also sampled festival offerings, noting,
“I had the fried rice with the curry crab. The juice kind of fell into the rice, that was a favourite.”
Fans traveled from afar, like Gloria Silva from Joondalup, who came specifically to meet the former Masterchef star.
Entertainment and Activities Galore
The festival was not only about food and celebrity sightings. It featured a variety of entertainment options, including mini jet-boat rides across the bay, thrilling rev heads. On the other side of the water, attendees enjoyed roller-skating, skateboarding, scooter, and BMX competitions. The main stage was alive with music, as audiences danced and sang along with performers.
As the day progressed, anticipation built for DJ Havana Brown’s evening performance, set to electrify the crowd before a grand fireworks display concluded the festivities.
The 25th Mandurah Crab Fest not only celebrated a quarter-century of culinary and cultural festivities but also highlighted the community’s enduring love for both local delicacies and beloved television stars. As the event continues to grow, it remains a testament to Mandurah’s vibrant community spirit and its ability to draw crowds from near and far.
