THE cancellation of the Bendigo Easter Fair will have a flow-on effect to the city's economy, Bendigo organisations say.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Bendigo Easter Fair Society and the City of Greater Bendigo announced on Friday they would postpone the 150th fair until 2021.
It came after the federal government advised that all non-essential mass gatherings should be cancelled to limit the spread of COVID-19.
Bendigo Chinese Association president Doug Lougoon said cancelling the fair was the only viable option.
"There is obviously disappointment," Mr Lougoon said. "A lot of preparation and planning went into the event.
"But we understand that in difficult times, difficult measures have to be taken. It's better that it's four weeks away rather than a week out.
"The preparations will not be wasted. A positive to come out of this is that the 150th next year will probably be bigger and better than it would have been this year."
Mr Lougoon said there were 10 lion teams that would have performed at this year's Easter Fair. About five of those teams would have travelled from interstate or overseas.
"We advised the teams by email late on Friday," Mr Lougoon said. "We've had some responses back saying while they are disappointed, they understand it's the best decision."
Mr Lougoon, who is also the chair of the Golden Dragon Museum, said the cancellation of the fair would have broader ramifications.
"The economic multiplier of the Easter Fair is quite significant," he said.
"I think from the Golden Dragon Museum's perspective, we will miss our prime income stream for the year because there will be that drop in visitation numbers during Easter.
"Souvenir, food, and drink sales will be down, which will put a bit of a dint in our finances. But we will be working in this period to enhance the offering for visitors."
Bendigo Motel Association vice president Simon Wurf said the hospitality industry was also feeling that pinch.
"We have been impacted by the cancellations as an organisation and a sector in the community," Mr Wuf said.
"We appreciate that everyone else is going through the same issues. Hopefully everyone will keep a level head and it will pan out in the end."
Mr Lougoon said businesses and organisations in the region would continue to follow advice from the government and health officials.
"There will be more details coming out on Monday so we will look at them very closely," he said. "We obviously will take all precautions necessary in this fairly serious health environment."
Have you signed up to the Bendigo Advertiser's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in central Victoria.