Bendigo farewells 2010

DESPITE scorching hot weather, Bendigo residents have brought in the New Year in style.Families braved the high temperatures for a night out in Hargreaves Mall for New Year’s Eve celebrations last night.A local star-studded Cinderella pantomime proved popular, as did the carnival atmosphere with rides and sideshows.Dancers from CV Dance Studio took to the stage, joining local identities Rod Fyffe, Barry Lyons, Martin Ruffell, Terry Davies and Nic Bannan.Cr Fyffe, who starred as the fairy godmother, said last night’s events were hopefully the start of big things for the city at New Year’s Eve.“It’s absolutely terrific and if we can make it into an annual event, even better,” he said.“It’s so good for families to have light entertainment in the form of a laugh like the pantomime. Families are making the most of it.”New Year’s Eve committee chairwoman Lisa Ruffell said while numbers were good, the heat may have deterred some from attending.“It’s been great for such a hot night but you can’t help the elements,” she said.“The pantomime started at 7pm but we had families coming to the mall as early as 5.30pm, so to see their enthusiasm was pleasing.”Restaurants were also busy as people celebrated the night out.Bendigo Traders Association spokesman Jock Clark said the night had been traditionally quieter in Bendigo in past years, but there was still plenty to offer.“Things have risen in prominence like the Summadayze music festival on (today) and it takes away traditional revelers,” he said.Fireworks over Rosalind Park at 10pm and again at midnight also helped ring in 2011.