ABOUT 15,000 people flocked to the Bayside Festival at Altona last weekend.
The vice-president of the organising committee, Therese McKenney-Campbell, said local people were very proud of their festival and this was the 31st year it had been held.
“The festival is run by volunteers in the community,” she said.
“It is family oriented and has a strong multi-cultural flavour.”
Altona has Malay, Arabic, Greek, Macedonian, Jamaican and Karen communities.
“Some of these people come from war-torn areas and don’t know what a festival is,” Ms McKenney-Campbell said.
“Highlights of Saturday were sand sculpting on Altona beach and a craft market at Logan Reserve.
The free Outdoor Concert Under the Stars With the Stars, featuring two impersonators doing a good job of Roy Orbison and Elvis songs, was on Saturday night.
This was followed by a fireworks display.
On Sunday, the big parade, led by Cr Leigh Hardinge on a Harley motorbike, wound its way up Pier St to the Cherry Lake Reserve.
Stirring music was provided by the bagpipes and drums of the Clans of the West Highland Pipe Band and the Geelong Highland Pipe Band, with marching music by the SES Brass Band, Werribee Concert Band and Stonnington City Brass Band.
About a dozen floats, many with Easter themes – both religious and celebrations of the Easter bunny and lots of chocolate – delighted the crowd.
Many community groups marched, including the Lions Club, SES, Sport and Game Fishing Club and the Scouts, who, throughout Australia, are celebrating 100 years since being established.
Students participating came from Altona Primary School and St Mary’s.
After about 50 minutes the crowd spilled into the Cherry Lake Reserve to see arts and craft stalls, listen to music and enjoy foods from a variety of cultures.
