The hot cross buns are toasting and an overwhelming abundance of chocolate has taken over our kitchens. This can only mean one thing — it’s the Easter long weekend. Whether you’re heading away, dropping by one of the Goulburn Valley’s myriad of events, or staying close to home, the News wishes everybody a happy and safe Easter holiday.
FRIDAY
KidsTown Easter Adventure
The event families look forward to every year is back in KidsTown! Easter Adventure invites everyone to come along and join in the activities held over the Easter long weekend from Friday to Monday. Face painting, glitter tattoos, giant bubbles and a wildlife encounter are some of the activities running daily from 10am to 2pm. Plus, a sensory play and craft day option!
KidsTown’s website provides itinerary details: https://kidstown.org.au/aboutkidstown/kt-events/event/!/213/event/kidstown-easter-adventure-2023
Cost: $5 entry
Location: KidsTown, Mooroopna
DDDGFA Show 'N' Shine and Music Day
Good Friday promises nothing but good times for a good cause at the Devenish Dookie and District Good Friday Appeal annual Show ’N’ Shine music event. From 8am to noon, the cars will be roaring, followed by live music from some of the GV’s amazing local talent including Chloe Elizabeth, Simon Ward and Bec and Shane Duo. Event organisers said last year’s event raised $100,000 for the Royal Children’s Hospital, and they’re looking to exceed that this year!
Cost: $10 vehicle entry, free general admission
Location: Mary St, Dookie and the Gladstone Hotel
GVL is back
Footy fans rejoice! The Goulburn Valley League kicks off its 2023 season on Good Friday and Easter Saturday.
Friday:
Shepparton v Shepparton United (N)
Saturday:
Rochester v Kyabram
Benalla v Seymour
Mansfield v Euroa
Shepp Swans v Mooroopna
Echuca v Tatura
SATURDAY
Rushworth Easter Heritage Festival
A celebration of yesteryear on the main street of historic Rushworth on Easter Saturday from 8.30am to 2pm. With a market in the median strip, the event offers children's entertainment, live music and a huge variety of food. At 1pm, don’t miss the historic vehicles and horses parading down the street.
Cost: Free entry
Location: High St, Rushworth
Self Made Easter Market — Yarrawonga
Yarrawonga’s Self Made Market is your one-stop shop for all last-minute Easter shopping. From 9am to 1pm, the Easter Market floods the Yarrawonga Foreshore with treats, crafts, gifts, food and coffee to make for a perfect Saturday morning stroll.
Cost: Free entry
Location: Yarrawonga Foreshore and Splash Park
SAM Autumn Camp: School holiday programs begin
School holidays can be tricky for entertaining the kids. Have no fear though, Shepparton Art Museum has launched its SAM Autumn Camp! For ages five to 15, this jam-packed program includes activities such as ceramics, collaging and even a chance to collaborate on a mural inspired by Ash Keating’s abstract landscapes.
More information on the SAM website: https://sheppartonartmuseum.com.au/event/sam-autumn-camp-school-holiday-programs/
Cost: Free to low cost
Location: Shepparton Art Museum
45th Annual Australian Tractor Pull Championships
A range of modified and vintage tractors will be exerting their power. Off the track there’ll be a variety of market stalls, kids’ sideshow entertainment, and food and drink options. The program starts at 1pm and concludes at 10pm, with the spectacular modified tractors and trucks hitting the track from 3.30pm. An evening tea break will see the pit gates open to the public, with an aerobatics display by Paul Bennet Airshows.
BYO rug or chair.
Tickets available via ticketebo.
Cost: Adult $25, child $10, family (two adults and three children, ages 8 to 15) $65, children under 8 free.
Location: Quambatook Tractor Pull Complex, Ninyeunook Rd, Quambatook
Easter in the Park
The GVCF Church invites all to come along for an afternoon of food, refreshments, prayer and activities for the whole family. From 4pm to 6pm, the Frank McNamara Park will be filled with the sounds of live music and the smells of a free barbecue and hot cross buns. The kiddies will be delighted to find games and a face painting station set up just for them.
Cost: Free
Location: Frank McNamara Park, Malcolm Cres, Shepparton
Easter Dance
The Shepparton Social Sequence Dance will have attendees toe-tapping, hip-shaking and straight-up boogieing to tunes galore. Fun and dancing go hand in hand at the Shepparton Senior Citizens Hall on Saturday night. Event organisers encourage attendees to bring themselves, a good attitude and a plate at 7.30pm. Some may not leave empty handed, with raffle prizes to be won.
For more information, contact Gail 0412 858 019.
Cost: $10 entry
Location: Shepparton Senior Citizens Hall