The Bendigo Easter Fair Society president Simon Mulqueen said the society was working with the City of Greater Bendigo to bring special elements to the 2020 event that were either new or had not been seen for some years.

“Many of the details associated with the event are yet to be finalised and announced but the community can rest assured that it will be a celebration worthy of our city,” he said.

One idea organisers had considered was an exhibition to show how Easter in Bendigo had changed over time.

“We are looking for anyone who who has anything at home like old medals, or old photographs – particularly old photographs,” he said.

“Perhaps they have prizes they won many years ago at the Easter Fair. Basically, we want anything that relates to the festival over its history.”

Mr Mulqueen also hoped to hear from people who had sporting programs, posters or other material.

Mr Mulqueen said past Bendigo Easters had witnessed a heavy focus on sport, particularly in the 1920s, 30s and 40s.

“Right up until the 1980s sport was a big part of it (Easter in Bendigo). Then, the focus became more about community and tourism,” Mr Mulqueen said.

“If you look at logos from the past, like in the 1960s, the key elements that people associated with Easter were the athletics, cycling, bands and the dragon.”

The call for memorabilia and ideas came with the launch of a new commemorative logo that the society planned to use extensively in the lead up to 2020 and beyond.

The new logo featured the fountain that has overseen parades for more than a century, a dragon’s head as well as streamers and balloons that symbolised the fun and joy the Easter Fair had brought to the community.

Mr Mulqueen said organisers were yet to decide whether to adopt the society’s new logo across all festival branding, in part because of an immediate focus on 2019 festivities.

If you have any ideas or memorabilia get in touch with the society at www.bendigoeasterfairsociety.org.au or via email on befs1871@gmail.com