Bendigo was briefly transported back to the 1950s as fashion, dance and music filled Rosalind Park.
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Hundreds of people filled the entrance to Rosalind Park on Saturday morning as part of a community celebration at the foot of the Forever Marilyn sculpture.
The Rockin 50s rock and roll club put on a show of 1950s dance and music while there was not shortage of period costume.
City of Greater Bendigo major events manager Raph Beh said it was great to see so many people in the community coming to see the sculpture.
“A security guard told me that last night that there were constant runs of people coming and taking photos,” Mr Beh said.
“There were also a lot of people here this morning taking photos with Marilyn while we were setting up.
“I think more and more people will come as time goes on.We couldn't do (something like this) without the community.”
Bendigo Art Gallery curator Simone Bloomfield said the hype around Forever Marilyn had been building for a long time.
“This is a great community event and we have had a great turn out,” she said.
“The dancers were great and the models looked great, so it’s been a good day.
“We are really proud of the day, Raph and the major events unit have done a great job.”
Businesses in the CBD are also excited at the positive vibes that Forever Marilyn is bringing to the city.
“Locals are coming into the CBD which is great, it’s what we've been trying to get,” Oliver Birch owner Deb McAliece said.
“It doesn’t have an automatic affect straight away but the tourism and people coming into town is something to look forward to.”
Mr Beebe’s manager Ben Kirkby said a lot of customer had talked of nothing but Marilyn.
“Seeing the people stopping and all the action and excitement is great,” he said.
“I honestly didn’t expect so many people would be getting into it. The biggest complaint we have had is that there isn’t enough car parking.”
The Hat Shop owner Ali Blood said the American workers who installed Marilyn loved the city.
“They are just in love in Bendigo, they just think we are the most fantastic city,” she said.
“It has been absolutely fantastic. What a great thing for Bendigo. It’s national newsand I ahve heard people talking about coming (back) to Bendigo.
“We are the luckiest city in Australia to have such wonderful tourism and (people like) Karen Quinlan who have done amazing things for tourism and Bendigo.
“I’m planning on going several times.”