Thousands go off to market

A NEW record crowd saw thousands more flock to Geelong’s night market, according to organisers’ estimates.
Attendance figures place some 4000 to 5000 patrons at Johnstone Park at the first of the four nights this summer.
Marketing manager Misti Dullard said market officials were confident the numbers last Friday were at their highest since last year’s inaugural season.
“The night markets in Melbourne has an exact entry and exit point, so it is very difficult to obtain an exact figure because we don’t have that in Johnstone Park because they are coming in all directions,” she said.
“So luckily we were able to stand above, on top of the rotunda, and have a good look like last year.”
The most popular night recorded last year was about 3000 and averaged just below that mark.
A new, larger market “footprint” was designed to cater for the expected surge in crowds.
Ms Dullard expected bigger numbers in its second year, attributing the increase to “ramping up” the promotions, several social media sites and word of mouth.
Ms Dullard said an exit poll at the final Friday night market would allow visitors the chance to determine the future of Geelong’s night markets.
“It just gives us ideas of what we need to build on,” she said.
“The market is there for the people and the people’s opinion is what counts the most.”
She said feedback last year highlighted the market’s family-friendly and relaxing nature, a central and easy to access location and a “welcome” addition to the Friday calendar.
The Independent and Bay FM are media sponsors of the Geelong Night Market.