CHINESE festivities had tourists and local residents captivated in the coastal town of Robe over the weekend as they celebrated the landing of 16,000 migrants 160 years ago.
The first Chinese Festival held in the town kicked off on Saturday when a large crowd gathered at the Pai Fang for the start of “The Great Walk”.
Jamie Aitken from Robe Events said despite the wild weather, he was happy with the amount of people who attended the first day.
“We had a terrific turnout for the start of the walk, which the walkers led down the main street and out of Robe as the journey to Victoria began,” Mr Aitken said.
Speaking to The Border Watch on Sunday after walking around 50km, Charles Zhang said he was excited to see different things and meet a number of different people on their journey.
“We are always on the look out for different things like the migrants would have 150 years ago,” Mr Zhang said.
“You have caught us at the right time now, we have just found an apple tree.”
Back at the festival in Robe, hundreds of people could be seen lining the main street for the parade on Sunday.
“It was amazing to turn around after the parade and see the street full of people for around 400 yards, there must have been around 1500 members of the public trailing the parade,” Mr Aitken said.
From lion dancing to dragon boat racing, the town was full of activities and performances many people in the town had never seen or experienced before.
“They knocked me out with their performances,” Mr Aitken said.
“The Fu Wa girls, the dragon dancing, the lion dancing, it was all just fantastic.”
Mr Aitken said he was also heartened by the way the whole town embraced the festival.
“From the football and netball clubs to businesses to schools, everyone had a bit of skin in the game,” Mr Aitken said.
“I don’t think I could have hoped for a more positive reaction, it was great to see smiles on peoples faces.”
President of the Chinese Community Council of Australia, Chin Tan told Jamie Aitken he was amazed by the work the town had done to put together such a fantastic festival.
“It was important to receive their gratitude, since they contributed $8,000 of sponsorship to make the event possible,” Mr Aitken said.
“All the Chinese people who attended seemed to have riesling smiles and they were particularly thrilled with the authentic Pai Fang and the sentiment of its artwork.”
