FREMANTLE Mayor Ben Lawver is hoping the city’s purple-painted Cappuccino Strip could become the starting point for a Dockers victory parade if Fremantle reaches this year’s AFL Grand Final.
The City has begun turning key parts of the CBD purple for the finals campaign, with bunting, banners and purple tree and pole wraps appearing along the Cappuccino Strip, High Street, Walyalup Koort and Newman Court.
Mr Lawver said the city’s purple transformation would build as the Dockers progressed through the finals.
“And then when they win and they come back here, I’m personally hoping for a parade. So we’ll see. It’ll be great.”
The City has also proposed a major Grand Final live site on the Cappuccino Strip if Fremantle reaches the decider, subject to Council approval on August 26.
Dockers fans Ben Lawver and Ivan Dzeba have a big finals campaign planned. Photo by Steve Grant
Mr Lawver said the campaign was already building on the excitement surrounding the team, which is heading to the finals on top of the ladder for the first time, and as a firm favourite.
“You know, we’re going to turn the city purple with decorations from the Cappuccino Strip to the West End, all the way down my direction there on Market Street as well, and in our civic centre.”
“Nothing really brings community together like getting behind your local team.”
The mayor said he had been a Dockers supporter since arriving in Fremantle in 2013, when the club reached its first Grand Final.
“I first came to Freo in 2013, late August, and was just really dipped in purple because that was the first time that they made it to a grand final,” he said.
“Unfortunately, didn’t bring home the flag, so I’ve been a fan ever since.
“And this year, it feels really, really good. It’s been a while since this late in the season I’ve been saying ‘we’re going to bring home the flag’, so I’m still saying it, and I’m confident that we will.”
Local businesses are also getting into the finals spirit, with purple-themed food and drinks and a competition for the best Dockers window display.
Fremantle Chamber of Commerce president and Benny’s owner Ivan Dzeba said businesses were being encouraged to embrace the campaign.
“This is a situation where more is not less. More is more.”
Mr Dzeba said Benny’s would close the Pakenham Street mall in conjunction with the Federal Hotel for what he described as the city’s biggest party.
“We are doing Dockercinos, we’re doing purple cocktails, we’re doing Docker burgers,” he said.
The Chamber is offering $1000 to the business judged to have the best purple display, with entrants encouraged to post photographs on social media.
If the Dockers reach the Grand Final on September 26, the City plans to waive hire and application fees for businesses activating along the Cappuccino Strip, while approved watch parties and community events will be promoted as part of the finals campaign.
by STEVE GRANT