Chinese participation in the Bendigo Easter Fair is a rare surviving cultural practice of Chinese involvement in similar events, which also took place in Melbourne, Beechworth, Ararat, Ballarat and other gold mining towns in the nineteenth century. According to Chinese tradition the dragon is a mythical creature with the attributes of a number of animals. The dragon has associated regalia in the form of a pearl (or teaser) and a flame. In procession, dancers carrying Loong's pearl and flame preceded the dragon. The pearl was intended to entice the dragon to join the procession and encourage him to play while the flame symbolised the power of the dragon. The pearl and flame were imported from China, possibly in the nineteenth century. The Easter Fair has since 1871 raised money for the Bendigo Benevolent Home and Asylum and the Bendigo Hospital. The Chinese took part in the annual Easter Fair celebrations from 1879, providing traditionally dressed actors and dancers for the procession in the streets of Bendigo. From 1892, a dragon provided a focus for the Chinese contribution to the festivities and was extremely popular with the whole community. Two large dragons and one small dragon participated in the Federation celebrations held in Melbourne in May 1901. It appears that one of the large dragons was Loong and the other large dragon may be the one now held at the See Yup temple in South Melbourne. There is slight doubt as to the date the present Loong was made and imported from China as there were a number of dragons in use in Bendigo and Melbourne at the time, and there are contemporary newspaper reports from Bendigo and Melbourne of dragons and regalia being imported in 1892, 1901 and 1906. Ceremonial dragons are fragile items made of organic materials and some of the dragons described in contemporary sources no longer exist. However the State Library of Victoria holds a photograph of a dragon in front of Parliament House at the Federation celebrations. This photo is securely dated to May 1901 and was definitely taken during the Federation celebration. The details of the dragon's decoration and regalia are almost identical to the existing Loong. The only minor differences seem to be loss of ornament on the chin and sides of the face which are likely the result of later restorations. Therefore Loong almost definitely dates from 1901 at least and may be earlier. Whether Loong dates from 1892 or 1901 does not diminish his significance as a rare surviving artefact relating to the Chinese in Victoria.(source Victorian Heritage Listing)Commercially printed poster mounted on foam core and framed. Engraved plaque lower centre. Poster includes an image of Loong, believed to be the oldest complete imperial dragon in the world. This poster plays on a pun of Loong being 100 years old. Bamboo look molded frame. Engraved plaque centre lower edge of glass: Presented to / City of Bendigo / By the / Committee of Management of Bendigo Easter Fair Inc / In appreciation for / Mayor sponsorship of the 1992 / Sandhurst Trustees Bendigo Easter Fairbendigo easter fair, bendigo golden dragon museum, sun loong

The first Bendigo Easter Fair was held on 10th and 11th April, 1871 and remains one of Australia’s longest running annual community events taking place over the Easter long weekend. Its purpose was to raise funds in aid of two local charities; The Bendigo Hospital, and The Bendigo Benevolent Asylum. The fair features events throughout the City with celebrations culminating in a parade on Easter Sunday. The parade features a variety of commercial and community groups including a large processional dragon which has been an integral part of the annual parade since 1892. The three principal golden dragons featured over the past 130 years are Loong (1892–1970), Sun Loong (1970–2019) and Dai Gum Loong (2019–present) which are housed at the Golden Dragon Museum in Bendigo. Fundraising for charities remains a large part of this event and this raffle is an example of the types of prizes you could expect to win in 1915 with 1st prize being a Horse, Gig and Harness.Printed ticket on card. Double sided. Includes advertising for local businesses. Front covered in text describing the twenty one prizes to be won. Reverse; advertisement for Cohn Bros Beer.bendigo easter fair, bendigo hospital

The first Bendigo Easter Fair was held on April 10th and 11th 1871 and remains one of Australia’s longest running annual community events. Taking place over the Easter long weekend, the Bendigo Easter Fair features events throughout the City of Greater Bendigo and celebrations culminate in a parade through the streets on Easter Sunday. In 1892, large processional dragons became an integral part of the annual parade. The three principal golden dragons are Loong (1892–1970), Sun Loong (1970–2019) and Dai Gum Loong (2019–present), housed at the Golden Dragon Museum in Bendigo. The Bendigo Easter Fair Society is custodian of the Bendigo Easter Fair and continues to support the City of Greater Bendigo’s largest festival. Each year the City produces a poster to advertise the upcoming fair and this one from 2006 had the theme Boomba which may have been a play on the word Moomba, a Melbourne festival which takes place annually around Easter.Born digital advertising poster for the 2024 Bendigo Easter Fair.city of greater bendigo venue and events, city of greater bendigo community partnerships, city of greater bendigo easter fair, city of greater bendigo tourism, city of greater bendigo leisure

The first Bendigo Easter Fair was held on 10th and 11th April, 1871 and remains one of Australia’s longest running annual community events taking place over the Easter long weekend. Its purpose was to raise funds in aid of two local charities; The Bendigo Hospital, and The Bendigo Benevolent Asylum. The fair features events throughout the City with celebrations culminating in a parade on Easter Sunday. The parade features a variety of commercial and community groups including a large processional dragon which has been an integral part of the annual parade since 1892. The three principal golden dragons featured over the past 130 years are Loong (1892–1970), Sun Loong (1970–2019) and Dai Gum Loong (2019–present) which are housed at the Golden Dragon Museum in Bendigo. The Bendigo Easter Fair Society is custodian of the Bendigo Easter Fair and continues to support the City of Greater Bendigo’s largest festival. Each year the City produces a poster to advertise the upcoming fair and this one from 1943 reflects the war time sentiment which existed by featuring service men and women as well as the Chinese dragon. Commercially printed colour poster advertising the Bendigo Easter Fair featuring a woman riding a chinese dragon on the left hand side of print with two smaller images, one of service man in uniform bottom left and woman factory worker top right. The title appears in red lettering at top with details of the events appearing in the centre and lower sections on the right.Bendigo Easter Fair / 1943 / Carries On / and again invites all to keep smiling in the Nation's testing time, as all unite to aid its Charities. / Easter Saturday / April 24th / Monster Spectacular Street Carnival / and Popular Girl Contest / Easter Sunday / April 25th / Attend the specially patriotic Band gathering / in the upper reserve / See the unique oriental awakening / of the dragon at the Chinese Quarters / Patriotism, Pageantry, Music, and / Special Features throughout the Fair city of greater bendigo easter fair, mayor michelsen, bendigo chinese dragon, city of greater bendigo tourism, making a nation exhibition, city of greater bendigo events

Bendigo Easter Fair Society Constitution and Rules. Buff coloured printed cover containing 8 printed black and white pages. Publisher: A E Brockley Printer, Mitchell Street, Bendigo. Adopted 4 November 1926.Bendigo Easter Fair Societybook, bendigo, bendigo easter fair society, bendigo easter fair, bendigo easter fair society constitution and rules

BENDIGO EASTER FAIR SOCIETY CONSTITUTION AND RULES. 8 pages, with 36 rule points. Adopted 4 November 1926.Bendigo Easter Fair Societyevent, easter fair, rules and constitution 1926, bendigo, bendigo easter fair

The first Bendigo Easter Fair was held on April 10th and 11th 1871 and remains one of Australia’s longest running annual community events. Its purpose was to raise funds in aid of two local charities; The Bendigo Hospital, and The Bendigo Benevolent Asylum. In the first year the event raised 2,560 pounds which was split between the two charities, each receiving f 1,280. A fundraising event called the Popular Girl was held from 1930 to 1996 in which well-known local young ladies raised money for charity. The woman who raised the largest amount of money was crowned as Miss Popular Girl. The competition is no longer held. The 2010 parade contained a section in which a number of past Popular Girls paraded once again. The Popular Girl contest was preceded by the Queens' competition from about 1916 to 1929. The winner was selected by receiving the most votes which translated to funds raised for their respective charities. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bendigo_Easter_Festival Lorna Dorothy Stevens (Jamieson) born in Eaglehawk in 1910 d 2000 in South Australia, daughter of William Eccles Jamieson and Emma Jane Jamieson.Printed certificate featuring gold on cream coloured paper. Text is printed inside pattered boarder. In 1939 is was presented to Lorna Jamieson for fund raising one thousand and one pounds for the Bendigo Easter Fair. 1939 / Bendigo Easter Fair / Charity Carnival / Mitchell St. / Popular Girl / Miss Mena Bailie / Presented to / Lorna Jamieson / in appreciation of services / rendered and to commemorate / the citory of the Mitchell St. / Popular Girl (Miss Mena / Bailie) with the record sum of / One Thousand and One / Pounds / For and on behalf of the / Mitchell St. Popular Girl Committee / H. Muller, Pres / Geo. A. Wright, Treas. / M Hammill, Sec.city of greater bendigo easter fair, city of greater bendigo tourism, making a nation exhibiton, city of greater bendigo community groups, city of greater bendigo events

Gertrude Perry was born in California Gully in 1917. Her singing skills were recognized at an early age. She later sang with local choirs and sang on radio. She was involved with the Bendigo Operatic Society for many years. Gertrude began her working life in sales. After studying book keeping she worked at the Bendigo Ordnance Factory during WW2 and then worked for local solicitors and accountants. Gertrude was involved with many community and sporting organizations.Gertrude Perry Collection - Bendigo Easter Fair Society letter and envelope, dated 15th May 1941, inviting Miss Perry to join an official inspection of the Bendigo Base Hospital to aid the Bendigo Base Hospital and Benevolent Home on Saturday 24th May 1941. Workers associated with the recent Bendigo Easter Fair; afternoon tea will be provided. The envelope is addressed to Miss G. Perry, c/o Coles, Mitchell Street, Bendigo.Signed by E G Ham, secretary of the Bendigo Easter Fair Societyphysical culture class, fitness, exercise, bendigo easter fair

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