Page 21 - The Outdoor Showman JAN-MAR 2020

BENDIGO EASTER FAIR TURNS 150
Commencing in 1871, the Bendigo Easter Fair is Australia’s longest running community festival, which will celebrate its 150th anniversary in 2020.
The fair was originally a fundraising event for the Bendigo Hospital and Benevolent Asylum (now the Anne Caudle Centre). At the time the fair was started, Bendigo was still known as the Borough of Sandhurst.
On New Year’s night in 1871, several members of local community groups met at the Shamrock Hotel, where the owner of the hotel, William Heffernan suggested organising a fair based on the Donnybrook Fair of Dublin and offered 10 pounds to kick off the fundraising. Just a few months later, the first ever event was held.
The Easter Festival was initially known
as The Easter Fair, The Sandhurst Easter Fair,or The Grand Easter Fair, but by 1880 it was being referred to as the Bendigo
Easter Fair. To mark the anniversary, the 2020 event will be known as the 150th Bendigo Easter Fair.
Originally, the Easter Fair was held at the lower end of Pall Mall around the current site of the Conservatory Gardens and lower Rosalind Park, later moving to the Old Show Ground (now the Tom Flood Sports Centre).
Although the amount of money raised each year varied dramatically, in its first 21 years it raised £23,000 for the Hospital and Asylum. This equates to roughly $3 million.
The current day festival is based around Bendigo’s beautiful Rosalind Park and surrounding streets,
which is transformed into a vibrant precinct bursting with family –friendly entertainment. With live music and performances, hands-on activities, carnival rides, live music, roving performers and fireworks there is sure
to be something for every member of the family to enjoy over the four-day Easter long weekend.
To celebrate the 150th anniversary, this year it will run over four days instead of three, with lots of special commemorative activities planned.
HIGHLIGHTS
Bendigo Advertiser Gala Parade
Monday April 13, 12.30pm
Parade route: View St, Pall Mall, McCrae St, Chapel St, Bridge St
Experience a festival tradition filled with colour and excitement. Watch bands, cultural groups, dance troupes, sporting clubs school groups and many more as they perform along the parade route.
The world’s longest Golden Dragon, Dai Gum Loong, will weave his way through Bendigo’s streets – an event not to be missed!
THE OUTDOOR SHOWMAN 19