![POPULAR: Sun Loong prepares to make his way down View Street in the 2015 Gala Parade. POPULAR: Sun Loong prepares to make his way down View Street in the 2015 Gala Parade.](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/dNmjTCUWGCi8W4CsChEdGZ/abf01182-f0d6-483f-b6bd-5235c51a5772.JPG/r0_88_4928_3286_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
There’s no doubt about it, Easter in Bendigo is one of the busiest times of the year.
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But for those lucky enough to get out and enjoy the attractions, Easter is constantly entertaining and enjoyable.
From festivals to football and dragons to dragsters, this year Easter is packed out with events that can fill anyone’s holiday diary.
Great way for families to enjoy Good Friday
Nothing can get you in the mood for Easter more than an Easter egg hunt.
On Good Friday, the Vision Australia Easter Egg Hunt runs near the rotunda in Rosalind Park.
Thousands Cadbury Easter Eggs will be hidden in straw for more than 3000 children to find.
City of Greater Bendigo major events manager Terry Karamaloudis said the hunt was one of the many Easter highlights.
“It’s one of the most exciting activities. To see the happy smiling children on Good Friday is always nice,” he said.
“There’s always a really good, happy vibe around the festival. It is the longest continuously running festival in Australia and is synonymous with good family entertainment.”
Hunts are are organised for separate age groups – 3 and under, 4-5 years, 6- 8 years, 9-12 years and youth 13-17 years.
Tickets are $11 each and available right up until Thursday, April 13. Visit www.bendigotourism.com or phone Bendigo Tourism on 1800 813 153 for bookings.
![PROUD: City of Greater Bendigo major events manager Terry Karamaloudis loves the vibe of the Bendigo Easter Festival. PROUD: City of Greater Bendigo major events manager Terry Karamaloudis loves the vibe of the Bendigo Easter Festival.](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/dNmjTCUWGCi8W4CsChEdGZ/3a8645b8-58c1-4bdc-8cc2-fc855e58eec1.JPG/r0_554_4224_2779_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
Community gets behind two festival parades
Undoubtedly the biggest attraction is Bendigo next weekend are the Easter parades.
The Torchlight Procession on Saturday night lights up the Bendigo CBD and features three sections.
Leading the way is the fire brigades and emergency services, followed by a fantastic display of lanterns and the contingent from Bendigo Chinese Association.
Sunday afternoon sees the jewel in the Easter festival’s crown the Gala Parade.
Bendigo residents arrive early to get the best vantage point on the parade route that will include a long line of community groups, floats and performers.
Sun Loong, the world’s longest imperial Chinese dragon, will also weave his way through the city streets to end the parade.
Mr Karamaloudis said there were record entries in both parades this year.
“The City of Greater Bendigo might get the credit for planning the festival but there is huge community collaboration,” he said.
“In excess of 80 volunteers help and numerous community groups will fill both parades, which is clear indication that the community is embracing the festival.”
Mr Karamaloudis also highlighted the Bendigo Chinese Association and Sun Loong’s contribution to the festival.
“The Chinese association is a vital part of the festival and Sun Loong alone is a major drawcard,” he said.
“More than ever this is year to come up to the parade.
“This is one of last occasions to come and see Sun Loong.”
Discovery Centre returns to Easter festival
Science will make an appearance at the Bendigo Easter Festival when the team at the Discovery Centre venture out from their laboratories.
Discovery Centre general manager Jonathan Ridnell said the staff was excited to be a part of the festival.
![EXPERIMENTAL: Discovery Centre manager Jonathan Ridnell said the staff are keen to get involved with the festival. EXPERIMENTAL: Discovery Centre manager Jonathan Ridnell said the staff are keen to get involved with the festival.](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/dNmjTCUWGCi8W4CsChEdGZ/ebeb7110-bba0-4c14-a171-c3b4cb5db5f5.jpg/r931_22_4928_3285_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
“We are returning to a tradition that fell away for a little while,” he said.
“We had that huge community support 18 months ago and people think it’s all OK. But we’re only OK because of that support. So we want to remind people we are still here and thankful for their support.”
Discovery will be taking part at Rosalind Park Kid's Fun Fare on Good Friday before visiting the House of Mirrors in Rosalind Park on Saturday.
“On Good Friday our science program has activities that involve people using balloons and water to pump water as fast as the human heart pumps blood,” Mr Ridnell said.
“After that, one of our science communicators Alyssa, will be part of the House of Mirrors team playing with light and demonstrating how mirrors work.”
Local footy a drawcard
Good Friday also plays host to a modern tradition in Bendigo – football.
The Bendigo Football Netball League has played on Good Friday since the early 2000s and has always been popular with players and fans.
![POPULAR: Good Friday football will be at the QEO this Easter. POPULAR: Good Friday football will be at the QEO this Easter.](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/dNmjTCUWGCi8W4CsChEdGZ/8242928b-eaf9-4bc4-9b69-fb3147449e53.JPG/r0_136_4068_2947_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
This year, the Easter weekend coincides with the first round of the BFNL season meaning it will be an exciting weekend for all clubs involved.
Kangaroo Flat host Golden Square while Gisborne travel to Kyneton on Friday afternoon.
Friday night sees two swoops of Magpies meet when Castlemaine and Maryborough face off at the same time South Bendigo play Eaglehawk at the home of Bendigo football – the Queen Elizabeth Oval.
Blues music to fill city
For the musical residents, there’s a long-standing tradition for big Easter celebrations in Bendigo.
The Easter Blues Bender will features more than 20 artists at venues across the city from Thursday evening through until Sunday.
“It’s really exciting to be able to see so many great artists in Bendigo over the holiday weekend,” Bendigo Blues & Roots Music Festival director Colin Thompson said.
“The events are spread across nearly ten venues, offering different experiences for folks who want to hear some music in the park with their family, or perhaps head out later in the evening to a bar or pub.”
Rosalind Park, Lansell Gardens and Bull Street will all host stages over the weekend along with a number of local pubs, cafes and restaurants.
Event for the revheads
Thousands of hot rod enthusiasts will visit Bendigo over the Easter weekend for the Australian Street Rod Federation Nationals.
![REVHEAD: Larry O'Toole is excited for the Australian Street Rod Federation Nationals. REVHEAD: Larry O'Toole is excited for the Australian Street Rod Federation Nationals.](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/dNmjTCUWGCi8W4CsChEdGZ/4ed67bff-d299-4075-93c9-3f1e53c16af1.JPG/r0_87_3264_2452_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
On at the Prince of Wales Showgrounds from April 14 to 17, the nationals meet is open to the public on Easter Saturday and Sunday.
Larry O’Toole, editor of the Castlemaine-based hot rod magazine Australian Street Rodding, said more than 1500 cars will be on display.
“I don’t think Bendigo is quite sure what to expect. They usually get about 1500 cars at the event and attract about 10,000 people,” he said.