Nundle’s Go for Gold Festival looks set to be the biggest and best yet, and the newest addition already has the local kids firing up.
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The giant golden dragon will be one of the showpieces of the 19th addition of the Chinese Easter Festival this weekend, with committee chairman Nick Bradford excited for what lays ahead.
“We have almost 100 stalls this year, excellent entertainment, new food options, the weather is perfect and Easter is in the middle of the holidays this year,” Mr Bradford said.
“I don’t see any reason why it wouldn’t be our biggest and best yet.”
Last year the festival, which celebrates the influence of Chinese and Europian migrants following the discovery of gold at Hanging Rock in 1852, attracted over 16,000 people across both days.
Organisers are hoping that the newest addition, the golden dragon, will help attract even more visitors this year.
The centre piece will be in good company however, as stall holders, Chinese dancers, musicians, and pedestrians take over the blocked off town centre for a golden weekend in the hills.
There will also be a working blacksmith for people to watch, as well as an opportunity for the public to pan for gold, with guaranteed results and a big bonus for four lucky panners.
“There is 20 grams of guaranteed gold so everyone who has a go will get some,” Mr Bradford said.
“There is also four gram size nuggets that we will will quietly put in at different times over the weekend, so four people will strike it rich.”
This year almost all the live music will be played by local musicians and bands, including golden guitar winning local Johnny Krsjula, as well as Jeff Gibson, Rachel Webster, Matt Thomson and plenty more.
One of the highlights of the festival every year is the twice daily traditional Chinese dancing troupe, who take over the street for their main show at midday on both days.
This year will see 45 dancers from the Australian Yau Kung Mu Association amaze the big crowd with their traditional entertainment
“This year with the sun out and no rain they will be doing a big pole dancing piece which is just amazing to watch at midday, before a martial arts and dragon show later in the afternoon,” Mr Bradford said.
“The Nundle Go for Gold is such a happy family event. Come enjoy the spectacular landscape, friendly community spirit and creativity of our residents.”
