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Bendigo Easter Fair Society president Simon Mulqueen said councils decision to postpone the 150th Bendigo Easter Fair and replace it with COVID-safe activities was the right one.
"It's no surprise and, in fact, the society has thought for some time that we weren't going to be able to put on a proper festival in 2021," he said. "(We thought that) particularly before Christmas but also because of what happened at Christmas, it was a fait accompli.
"We didn't want to see a half-hearted Easter Fair this year. So the decision that has been made now is the right decision for Easter Fair and for the general safety of the community.
"I just thank all people who, on a regular basis, do contribute to Easter and we are sure that 2022 - all things gong to plan - will be a spectacular event and we will return to Easter Fairs as the community knows and loves them."
Mr Mulqueen said the Bendigo Easter Fair Society would remain involved in this year's activities but had also turned its focus to 2022 and the 150th Bendigo Easter Fair celebrations.
"We're certainly involved in terms the community reference committee that advises council, but to a much lesser degree (this year)," he said.
"We have already contemplated planning for 2022 which, in our view, will be a spectacular event. Once the (COVID-19) vaccine distributed and things go back to a COVID-normal, we expect the 2022 festival to be a proper recognition of 150 years of Easter Fairs and to be jam packed given will be has been three years since the last one.
"(This year's) fair, if it of proceeded, would have been a disappointment. So we're happy council has gone down this path.
"There are still some activities happening (at Easter) but it wont be the Easter Fair and won't impact the quality of past and future Bendigo Easter Fairs."
Bendigo Chinese Association president Doug Lougoon said he believed the Christmas and New Year outbreaks of coronavirus cases had been the writing on the wall for this year's Bendigo Easter Fair.
"We understand and acknowledge the decision," he said. "As it's the second year in a row (the fair has been cancelled), that's most disappointing aspect. There is always great expectation from the public's point of view to see the dragons at Easter.
"This 150th celebration was probably going to be not as spectacular as it might have been, so (the decision) does give the city, the Easter Fair Society and the Bendigo Chinese Association time to make sure what happens in 2022 - if we are all vaccinated and COVID is considered a thing of the past - to be a huge (celebration)."
Mr Lougoon said the BCA was still planning small events between now and Easter.
"In the meantime, we will work with the city in doing much as we can (to host) smaller events," he said.
"We have the Lunar New Year in February and, at this point in time, the decision is to make that social media-streamed event.
"Since the relaxation of restrictions in November, the Golden Dragon Museum has been extremely busy and Easter is traditionally our busiest time. People are still keen to get out in the region and are looking more likely to travel closer to home. So we are still looking forward a big Easter."
Earlier
Parades and Bendigo's famous Chinese dragons will be absent from Easter this year as organisers plan a series of COVID-safe events.
The City of Greater Bendigo announced this morning the fair's popular Torchlight Procession and Gala Parade as well as the popular Chinese dragons would not feature this Easter with the traditional fair pushed back to 2022.
Council is planning a smaller, three-day program spread over a number of locations.
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Council's acting manager of tourism and major events Jemma Docherty said recent challenges around 'roaming events' meant Bendigo's Easter event could not proceed in its traditional format.
"It will be Easter with a difference and we'll miss our famous dragons, but we are pleased to be in a position where we can deliver a small program of activities and we hope to build up to a wonderful 150th Bendigo Easter Fair in 2022," she said.
"Since emerging from our second lockdown last year, the city has been considering a range of ways it can celebrate Easter in 2021. However, the recent outbreak and limits on crowd numbers have meant we would not be able to celebrate as planned.
"Like other local event organisers this week, we have had to make a challenging decision but we are in a fortunate position to be able to provide an alternative program of activities over the Easter long weekend."
Activities will be timed and ticketed to help keep the thousands of attendees as safe as possible.
Coronavirus restrictions mean organisers have put the 150th Bendigo Easter Fair celebrations on hold with the milestone to be marked in 2022 with the full program including the popular parades.
Council will release a full program in late February for this year's Easter weekend.
"The nature of the program will require people to plan ahead and some of our popular attractions will be presented differently."
Ms Docherty said while it was disappointing to not be able to host the traditional fair, there would be no shortage of family-friendly activities in Bendigo this Easter.
"Bendigo is very much open for business this Easter and we look forward to providing a program of activities that will safely entertain children and families and encourage people to visit.
"We know Easter is a very busy time for friends and relatives to travel to Bendigo, and there will be many other ways for them to enjoy our city and region."