The Channel 7 Mandurah Crab Fest is such a great event for our community and really celebrates the best that Mandurah has to offer.
Each year our Crab Fest showcases Mandurah to national and international markets, promoting our amazing waterways, unique landscapes, homegrown produce and relaxed alfresco lifestyle - and, wow, last weekend was no different.
The weather was perfect and there were so many happy people enjoying delicious food and the non-stop live entertainment and party atmosphere.
This year the event stretched from the top of Mandurah Terrace along the foreshore across to Mandjar Square and even out on the estuary with boaties enjoying the view from the water.
Like so many of you, we're so proud of this tremendous event. It has become an integral part of WA's annual event calendar and delivers economic benefits to our local community.
More than 100,000 people attend the festival each year, delivering around $8.2 million to the local economy, helping our local businesses and community.
The success of this significant event would not be possible without the support and hard work of so many.
A huge thank you to all our sponsors: the state government through Tourism WA's Regional Events Program, made possible by Royalties for Regions, Nova 937, Bankwest, Coles Buy West Eat Best, Mandurah Forum, Cleanaway and local artist Emma Blyth.
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Their contributions play such an important part in shaping Crab Fest and showcasing our special part of the world.
We're passionate about supporting our local businesses and it was great to see so many get involved either at the event itself or by adding to Mandurah's biggest weekend in their own way.
Thank you also to our stall holders, entertainers, staff, police and emergency services for making this event possible.
A big shout out must go to our incredible volunteers. This year we had over 80 volunteers help out in the lead up to and during the festival weekend. Our community is a better place because of people like you.
This year's festival is proof of how connected and truly special Mandurah is.
It's important that we recognise the incredible and many varied ways that our people contribute to making our community stronger.
I am absolutely honoured to meet so many of our great people every day, sharing with them, problem solving, laughing, learning and above all working to find new ways of activating Mandurah's potential.
I'm excited on where we're heading together.
Rhys Williams is City of Mandurah mayor.