Easter might seem a long way off, but for Bendigo Easter Fair organisers, the countdown is well and truly on.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
January 1 marks the all important milestone of 100 days until celebrations for the 150th Easter Fair officially begin.
But before that, and in order to ensure Bendigo delivers an event worthy of the occasion, the city's historic Fortuna Villa will play host to a 1920's themed ball, featuring a 10-piece swing band.
Organisers have acknowledged the long held Easter tradition of raising funds for the Bendigo Hospital, and will hold an auction in support of the Bendigo Health Foundation.
A commemorative poster competition for local primary school children has been decided, with Huntly Primary School student Jayda Alford this week unveiled as the overall winner.
Jayda's poster celebrates some of Easter's main attractions, seen through her own eyes.
"I've been to the Easter Fair and I know there are rides and it's about Easter so that's where I got my ideas from.
"The rides and fireworks are my favourite part of the fair."
For her efforts, Jayda was awarded $250, and her school received the same amount from the Bendigo Easter Fair Society, as preparations for the 150th Easter celebrations continue to ramp up.
Bendigo Easter Fair Society president Simon Mulqueen congratulated Jayda, and also St Francis of the Fields Year 4 student Ned Johnson and Marong Primary School Grade 6 student Chloe Lee for finishing second and third respectively.
Another competition, for secondary students and the design of another commemorative poster remains open to Monday, January 20.
The Easter festivities will return to a four day format next year, with a full program of events already planned from Good Friday, April 10.
After an absence of more than 15 years, the religious celebration that is the Way of the Cross will return to Bendigo streets next year.
Historic View Street will provide the backdrop to the holy celebration on Good Friday.
The Rosalind Park family celebrations will see the return of popular children's entertainer, Humphrey B. Bear for a teddy bear's picnic like no other on Easter Sunday.
Mr Mulqueen said there are still opportunities for businesses to become sponsors of the historic 150th Easter four days of celebration, with more details available on their website.