ABOUT 100,000 fire-crackers will ensure a century old tradition will continue at the Bendigo Easter Festival this year.
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Sun Loong will be blasted awake at the dragon awakening ceremony in preparation for his dance through the streets of Bendigo on Easter Monday.
The Bendigo Chinese Association Lion Team will perform the ritual on Sunday, April 8, in front of an anticipated crowd of 1500 people.
After the free performance a donation dance will urge crowd members to raise funds for Bendigo Health.
Proceeds from the Bendigo Chinese Association's Easter Performance have been donated to local health care groups since 1871.
Association secretary Anita Jacksaid the annual donation was the longest-running donation made by an organisation to a charity in Australia.
"Not only is the awakening of the dragon a showcase of our rich history from the goldfields to today, it is a great opportunity for the community to raise funds for a worthy cause," she said.
"We simply ask the crowd to show appreciation for the free performance we put on."
She said the dragon awakening ceremony had taken place every year since it's inception in 1892.
"The ceremony is a part of Bendigo history and this year it will be better than ever with the addition of our night dragon Choi Loong and expanded seating," she said.
The Chinese Association still require about 40 people to help carry Sun Loong on Easter Monday.
Inquiries can be made by contacting the Bendigo Chinese Museum on 5441 5044 or in person between 5-6 pm Monday to Friday.