IN 1980 a major crisis occurred in the City of Bendigo when it was discovered that the Melbourne Chinese community had purchased a new dragon, Dai Loong, which they claimed was now the longest dragon outside China.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
It was too much for the good people of Bendigo. Everyone knew that their dragon Sun Loong, was supposed to be the longest and, by definition, the best dragon in the world.
Immediate action was called for. It was considered to be indiscreet for the Bendigo Chinese to be in direct competition with the Melbourne Chinese community, so the original Sun Loong committee got together once more to raise the money on behalf of the Chinese community.
Not only did they fund a new 100-foot extension to go onto Sun Loong, they also ordered new items of magnificent Chinese regalia and ceremonial costumes.
The rescue committee knew what it was doing. Originally formed in 1969 when it was decided that Bendigo's iconic Loong dragon was getting past his prime, the Loong 100 Committee consisted of expert fundraisers, Alan Guy, John Henderson, Cyril Michelson, Leo Cohen, Jock Granter and David Andrews.
After raising $30,000, the Loong 100 committee was able to make Sun Loong over 300 feet long. The extension was made by the original dragon-maker in Hong Kong of Sun Loong, Mr Lo On Kee,
Honour intact, Sun Loong was woken up for the next Easter Fair and Bendigo was once more able to boast that they had the longest imperial dragon outside China, and we still do so today.
You can catch a glimpse of Sun Loong in all his magnificence on Easter Sunday afternoon, at the finale of the Bendigo Easter procession.