KIM WATERS
Organisers expect a “record crowd” for Geelong’s annual Pako Festa this weekend.
Event spokesperon Luisa Lafornara predicted more than 100,000 patrons to attend Australia’s premier celebration of cultural diversity.
Ms Lafornara had her “fingers crossed” for good weather.
“We’re aiming to have at least 100,000 people to match last year’s numbers but expecting to surprise ourselves with a few more,” Ms Lafornara said.
“It gets bigger and better every year.”
Ms Lafornara said this year’s highlight would be a “Drum Out extravaganza”.
“In the months leading up to Pako Festa groups participated in workshops to learn drumming skills, some of them even building their own instruments from recycled materials,” she said.
“The sheer excitement and energy of this performance will be a highlight of our 2011 Pako Festa parade.”
Ms Lafornara said the 26th festa was a chance to rub shoulders with people from over 30 different countries, members of 70 community groups and thousands of visitors around Australia.
“From the very first Pako Festa in 1983 the event has grown to the largest free celebration of multiculturalism in Australia,” she said.
Geelong councillor Eddy Kontelj helped launch the event last Friday when he formally welcomed more than 100 new immigrants to Geelong.
“Pako Festa is a bright and festive celebration of our multicultural city that highlights the importance of cultural diversity,” Cr Kontelj said.
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