Colours of life: Pako Festa participants liven up Geelong West on Saturday. To see more pictures, go to starphotos.com.au and search ID numbers 61091 and 61020.
ERIN PEARSON
A record crowd attended Saturday’s Pako Festa to cement the event as Australia’s biggest and best multicultural festival, according to an organiser.
Diversitat’s Luisa La Fornara said more than 100,000 patrons lined Geelong West’s Pakington Street for the celebration of cultural diversity.
“It was our largest festival ever,” she said.
“This year we had extra free activities and craft areas for kids and some great entertainment from Brisbane. I think that had a lot to do with the increase in numbers.
“Every space was full all day and the new Congolese and Karen food stalls were a great success.”
Ms La Fornara said 30-year celebrations would make next year’s festival even bigger.
Geelong Police Senior Sergeant Andrew Cornford described the crowd as “exceptionally well-behaved”.
“The great weather, the great mood around plus the way it was organised meant Pako Festa was a great day out,” he said.
“All of the licensed venues were organised and cooperative as well.
“For the whole day we estimated more than 100,000 people filtered through.”
Pakington Street traders also praised the event.
Barking Dog owner Grant Ryan estimated more than 4000 patrons passed through his hotel.
“Pako Festa was great,” he said.
“The crowds were magnificent and everyone was very well behaved.”
“We can’t wait for next year.”
