Event set to grow after 110,000 turn out for Pako Record for festa

Alex de Vos
A record crowd at last weekend’s Pako Festa could lead to expansion of the event next year, according to organisers.
Luisa Lafornara, of multicultural services provider and festa organiser Diversitat, was “thrilled” with Saturday’s crowd of 110,000 on Geelong West’s Pakington Street.
“It was our biggest crowd and biggest parade ever,” Ms Lafornara said.
More than 90 floats featured in the parade a highlight of Australia’s biggest annual celebration of ethnic cultures. About 35 Geelong ethnic groups and another 70 from around the state participated in the 27th festa, aimed at promoting racial harmony while celebrating the city’s cultural diversity.
“It felt like all the different groups and local cultures really embraced the theme this year of multiculturalism,” Ms Lafor-nara said.
“It was absolutely amazing.”
Ms Lafornara said the festa committee would consider expanding next year’s event to cater for growing crowds.
“But it all depends on funding – local, state and federal support.”
Geelong police praised the behaviour of festa patrons despite a couple of “isolated incidents”.
Acting Sergeant David Campbell said patrons drank less liquor in the street compared to previous years.
“Overall, patrons were generally well behaved,” he said.
But police were “disappointed” about some licensees who let drinkers carry alcohol onto streets.
“There was also a lot of glass still being used despite our no-glass policy,” Sgt Campbell said.
Authorities would run a “festival education forum” between licensees, organisers and police in the lead-up to next year’s event.
“We really need to look at educating licensees on how to operate during the event,” Sgt Campbell said.
“A lot of them just don’t know about our policies and we really need to communicate with them.”