About 60 community groups have spent weeks preparing for the parade, with many putting in hours of hard work in a bid to perfect their floats. 

Some of these organisations include local Country Fire Authority brigades, primary schools, police, bands, the State Emergency Service and many others. 

City of Greater Bendigo mayor Barry Lyons said the parade which starts at 1pm on Sunday was one of the most popular events of the Easter festival program. 

Cr Lyons will watch the gala parade from his own float and said he hoped the weather was pleasant. 

"It is the pinnacle of the show," he said. 

"I am really looking forward to it.

"Hopefully the weather clears up in time for the parade."

Cr Lyons said he was also looking forward to the awakening of the dragon at 2pm on Saturday and the Bendigo District RSL Torchlight Procession from 8pm Saturday night.  

"This is another fantastic event," he said. 

Mr Lyons said he was impressed with the turnout in Rosalind Park on Friday. 

He said the festival was a chance for the city to come together and show off its best assets. 

Horizon House Bendigo has entered a float into the gala parade.

Team leader Amy Rouse said the organisation, which provided food to youth who would normally go without, was hoping to raise its profile. 

"It is really important we get our message across," she said. 

"We want people to become aware of us and recognise what we do."

Ms Rouse said committee members and Bendigo Senior Secondary College council members would accompany the float.