MORE COVERAGE: Bendigo Easter 2016 | HQ

Jordi Vanis knew he wanted to be a dragon dancer the moment he first saw a Chinese dragon in full flight in 2012 when he was three-years-old. 

That was when the dragons used to dance once a month in Rosalind Park, Jordi’s mother Sarah Vanis said. 

“He’s been wanting to do it ever since then,” Ms Vanis said. 

“At the Easter Festival last year he found out there was no age limit – he’s been so passionate about it since then.” 

As a proud Ms Vanis watched her boy go out to perform in Hargreaves Mall with the Central Victorian Lion Team on Friday morning, she said the benefits of Jordi fulfilling his dream had had flow-on effects. 

“His concentration is better, he feels included, it’s helped with his school work...” 

The Vanis’ were one of many Bendigo families out-and-about on Friday as the city came together for one of its biggest celebrations of the year. 

Others – like the Hoornwegs from Shepparton – came from across the state.

“We came to see family but the kids attractions are a big reason too, the Easter egg hunt and the animal farm were big winners,” Michelle Hoornweg said. 

It was a first visit to the Bendigo Easter Festival for eight-year-old Georgia, but finding more than a dozen eggs on the hunt was one highlight. 

“That, and getting in the newspaper is the best thing about Easter!” Georgia said. 

Playing beneath the skirt of the Marilyn statue, the Dennis (5), Chelsea (9), Yasmine (8) and Acacia (11) Edwards offered their own profound analysis on the highlights of Easter. 

EARLIER: While most Bendigonians kicked up their heels at one of the town’s Easter festivities today, the city’s volunteers were hard at work.

Tin rattlers collecting cash for the Good Friday Appeal populated intersections across the city.

Among them was Arthur Johnson, who today spent his 36th consecutive Good Friday raising money for the Royal Children’s Hospital. 

The 64-year-old Kangaroo Flat man said he began tin rattling in 1980, and enjoyed the opportunity to raise money for sick children while meeting new people.   

Mr Johnson was stationed beside the Rosalind Park tram stop yesterday, which he said was his favourite spot to volunteer. 

He asked his city’s residents to be generous this Easter.   

“I want people to dig deep in their pockets, because it all goes to a good cause,” he said. 

The veteran volunteer said he was already looking forward to next year, but would contemplate hanging up his tin in 2018. 

New volunteers were also joining Uncle Bob’s Club collection effort for the children’s hospital this year. 

Ian Bailie shook his donation tin near the city’s fountain on Friday afternoon, the first time he had been part of the collection effort.

Although none of his immediate family had been treated at the hospital, his neighbour’s son had recently spent some time there. 

“It touches everyone,” Mr Bailie said, who also explained tin rattling was a family activity in 2016. 

His wife was located at a nearby intersection, and a friend visiting from England had also been recruited for the cause.    

EARLIER: Budding buyers and art lovers alike streamed into the Bendigo Town Hall today to check out this year’s Rotary Easter art show.

Volunteer Domenic Coia said the 48^th annual exhibition had been busy, with more than a dozen artworks already marked as sold this morning, adding to several that won over buyers during last night’s gala opening. 

He said there was a warm atmosphere inside the town hall, and visitors from outside of Bendigo were enjoying the opportunity to check out the building’s decor. 

Among the exhibitions spectators was artist Richard Stork, who won the best pastel or drawing category for his Las Vegas streetscape, populated with science fiction fans.  

A picture framer by day, Mr Stork said art was a hobby he explored outside work hours. He had several more artworks in this year’s collection, with his nighttime pastel drawing of the Sacred Heart Cathedral drawing nods of approval from passers-by. 

“The cathedral is just such a beautiful building, and when it is lit up, it’s like a beacon, really,” the winning artist said of the piece.  

EARLIER: The first day of Bendigo’s beloved Easter Festival is about to get underway.

At 9am today, the city’s children will begin hunting for chocolate eggs in the Rotunda Gardens while on Bridge Street, Rotary’s art and craft market will open for business. 

Other Good Friday highlights include puppet workshops at the Golden Dragon Museum, the same place from which historical walks around the Chinese precinct will start.

Crowds queued outside the YMCA Tom Tweed Stadium before 9am awaiting the start of the Y Service Club of Bendigo’s book fair. Shortly after its doors opened, avid readers were already walking away with armfuls of bargains.  

For many, the day’s most important events will be those fundraising for the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal. Tin-rattlers gathered at South Bendigo Football Club this morning before taking to the city’s intersection to collect cash for sick kids. 

But some people got an early start on Easter celebration when they attended the FReeZA music event in Rosalind Park last night, with Perth four-piece Tired Lion a hit with the city’s teenagers.

Spectators can expect a mostly sunny Good Friday and should remain sun smart, with a high UV alert in place. Drink bottles can be refilled at water stations in Rosalind Park. 

Keep watching this page for the latest Easter news, or find coverage of last year’s event here.