There has been plenty of interest at the Bendigo Visitor Centre in Sun Loong’s final solo appearance at the Bendigo Easter Festival.
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City of Greater Bendigo tourism manager Kathryn Mackenzie said a number of visitors had been to the centre to pick up festival programs and confirm the times for the Awakening of the Dragon ceremony and the parades.
If a fundraising campaign succeeds quickly, Sun Loong will be joined at the Easter festival by new dragon Dai Gum Loong (meaning Golden Dragon).
The Sun Loong 750 campaign was launched at the end of March and raised $7000 in its first week.
It is aiming to raise $750,000 to fund three projects – replacing Sun Loong with new dragon Dai Gum Loong, preserving and repairing Sun Loong and purchasing the regalia and costumes to accompany him.
“The front-of-house team has been saying that people are definitely checking times for parades and making sure they have got all the information,” Ms Mackenzie said.
“It really is a landmark moment in our history. For this year to be the last solo effort from Sun Loong and hopefully next year have Easter with two dragons, is amazing.
“I go to the parade every year and it’s captivating to see Sun Loong snake his way down the street. The whole crowd waits for that.”
Bendigo Easter Festival committee chairman Rod Fyffe said the next two festivals would present rare opportunities for people.
“Dragons at Easter is a fabulous tradition kept on by the Bendigo Chinese Association. People love the dragon and look forward to seeing him,” he said.
“I certainly hope (seeing Sun Loong at Easter) will encourage people to be generous and donate.
“It is an opportunity we should all seize, we should look at special moments we have had with Sun Loong and remember that these things take effort, time and support.”
Visit www.daigumloong.com.au to donate.