MORE COVERAGE: Your guide to Easter in Bendigo: Pictures, stories and more

UPDATE 4.20pm: The Y Service Club’s Easter Book Sale is only two days into its three and a half day run, but co-ordinator Larry Wust estimates some $30,000 worth of books, DVDs and CDs has already been sold.

With books priced from 50 cents to $3, this means bookworms have bought thousands.

“It’s been one of our better years this year,” Mr Wust said.

Emily Jordan and Darcie Harmann were among the people looking for some bargains.

It is the first time at the sale for Darcie, and she was interested in finding something she had not seen before.

Emily attended last year and enjoyed it, so came back again.

Darcie said she enjoyed reading because the experience lasted longer than watching a TV show or a movie.

“It’s open to your own imagination,” Emily added.

Renee Mallia-Scherger had already found several books when she spoke to the Bendigo Advertiser, explaining she enjoyed reading before bed.

The Epsom resident said she checked out the Easter Festival each year.

“I love Easter in Bendigo,” she said.

Meanwhile, Bendigo resident Lawrence Hester was empty-handed, still not yet having found something he had not seen before.

Lawrence said he was interested in maps and atlases, history, and espionage.

“As I kid, I used to frequent the service stations that used to hand out free maps… I was always fascinated by looking at maps,” he said, explaining his interest had grown into collecting maps and atlases.

On the opening morning of the sale on Good Friday, the queue to pay snaked around the outside of the stalls.

The sale, held at Tom Tweed Stadium in Mundy Street, had calmed down by Saturday, but was still experiencing a steady stream of customers.

EARLIER: Visitors and residents alike are making the most of the sublime sunny weather on Saturday, taking to central Bendigo to continue celebrating the city’s Easter Festival.

Hargreaves Mall is a hive of activity with various activities on throughout the day, including performances from the Central Victorian Lion Team, a photo booth, and live music from Jessica Lorraine.

The Veteran, Vintage and Classic Club Bendigo also has a display of vehicles from years gone by.

One of those showing their vehicle is Eaglehawk’s Alan Stevens, whose 1950s motorhome ‘Inga’ has attracted its fair amount of attention.

Alan said Inga was built by St Arnaud man Arnold Bray over a period of eight years, at a cost that was about two and a half times the average house price.

Arnold and his wife travelled to far-flung reaches of Australia in the motorhome, before selling it to someone in Bendigo.

About 20 years ago, Alan bought Inga and restored it, and has taken his own trips in the eye-catching vehicle.

“It drives like a truck, because it is a truck, but it’s got all the modern conveniences,” Alan said.

Inga is fitted out with an oven, fridge, bed, lots of storage space, and even a shower and toilet – the original fitted by Arnold.

“It was really well-ahead of its time,” Alan said.

Motoring enthusiasts can find even more vehicles on Bridge Street, where the Volksclub Bendigo is holding its VW Show, featuring new and old Volkswagens.

Rosalind Park remains a huge draw for children and families, with the Vision Australia Easter egg hunts continuing for a second day.

There are plenty of other activities too, including a lantern-making stall, where Geelong woman Rebekah Cleeland was with her daughters Audrey, 6, and Lottie, 9.

It is the first time at the festival for Rebekah and her daughters, but for husband and father Brett, it is a return to childhood: he grew up in Eaglehawk and has fond memories of Bendigo’s Easter celebrations.

“We’re so excited to finally be here,” Rebekah said.

Over at the painting stall, four-year-old Evan worked on a painting of the Easter Bunny and an egg, as mum Debbie Lee watched on.

The Lees arrived in Bendigo from Melbourne on Friday morning for their first ever trip to the city, which has already made an impression.

Debbie described the town as lovely, with lots of interesting architecture.

Evan and his brother Ethan, 7, have participated in their first-ever Easter egg hunt while in Bendigo.

“It’s just been really enjoyable,” Debbie said.

Now the family looks forward to seeing Sun Loong – their main reason for coming to Bendigo – as he awakens ahead of one of his last public performances before retirement.