Deniliquin came alive at the weekend, with locals and visitors enjoying the array of events on offer over the Easter long weekend.
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The CBD was overflowing with people and parking was hard to come by, but spirits were high nonetheless.
And you can certainly see why.
There was something for everyone, with art and music lovers entertained by Deni Fest performances and the Rotary Easter Art Show.
Keen shoppers kept busy at the artisan markets and thrill seekers got their kicks at the 2022 Deniliquin Rodeo.
Deniliquin Rodeo treasurer Alan Calderwood said the committee was thrilled with the success of this year’s event.
“It was a great crowd, superb weather and everyone seemed to enjoy the action,” said Mr Calderwood.
While the exact number of attendees was unknown, Mr Calderwood said it would have gone close to their record breaking event last year.
“Last year was our best year ever since moving to the new arena in the ‘80s, and from the looks of Saturday night’s event the numbers would have come pretty close,” he said.
“We opened an extra area this year, so the crowd had more room to move around, but the main spectator area was packed to the brim.”
Mr Calderwood said after years of unrest due to COVID, the committee was thrilled to be able to put on another hugely successful event.
“We feel very fortunate to have been able to pull it off two years in a row in this COVID environment,” he said.
“The beverage vendors sold out, the food stalls had a very successful night and we sold plenty of merchandise, which was fantastic.”
Mr Calderwood did note the crowd was a little more rowdy this year.
“But overall it was a great crowd and night, jam packed with loads of action.”
The Deniliquin Arts + Culture Fest was also a huge hit with Easter tourists and locals alike.
Not only were the caravan parks packed for the weekend, so too were the streets.
Putting on a performance to remember at the Art Out Vintage and Artisan Market on Saturday was the new head of music at South West Music, Louise King, and two young students.
Jarrod (accordian) and Sophie (guitar) Bashford were the opening acts at the Waring Gardens cenotaph, playing classics like Bad Moon Rising by Creedence Clearwater Revival, The Sound of Silence by Simon and Garfunkel, and Mamma Mia by ABBA.
Ms King was excited to see the siblings’ performance and to involve the crowd in her own show.
She assembled an impromptu folk band with members of the crowd, who were given buckets to drum on while she played the cello.
Following some browsing at the market, a swell of patrons congregated at the cenotaph to enjoy the music.
In another part of the CBD, Zara Lindeman and The Smoking Gun made an appearance on the tray of a truck, playing a mixture of country originals and classics to the delight of many, who watched from the side of the street.
Patrons also made their way through the Multi Arts Centre to take in the beautiful works on display at the Rotary Easter Art Show.
“We are privileged to have both local and guest artists provide their exhibitions for us all to enjoy and if possible, purchase for your own enjoyment,” art show convenor and Rotarian Tony Kew said at Friday’s opening gala.
“The range of work provided should satisfy the most discerning critics.”
More than 700 people viewed the exhibition between Friday and Sunday, with more viewing the works yesterday before the exhibition closed.
“This year has been our best take ever, and we’ve had lots of wonderful comments in support,” Edward River Art Society president Louise Graham said.
“There have been so many positive comments on the calibre of paintings and the layout of the exhibition.”
"The extra (take) is the business we’re getting from Victoria,“ Mr Kew said.
“And the town has been so busy.”
Almost half of the exhibition’s showing were local artists - 30 of the 76 exhibitors were from Deniliquin and district.
Of the 230 paintings on display, 32 had sold by Monday morning, and the collective value of the paintings ($194,945) had even risen since last year.
The takings will be split between Deniliquin Rotary and ERAS and put back into the community or held in reserve to put on future events.
On Sunday, the Deniliquin Baptist Church held an Easter in the Park event at the Waring Gardens, which included a church service, chocolate egg hunt, and myriad fun activities for children.
“We were very happy with the way things turned out - we had a really good crowd, a good vibe,” Pastor Chris Taylor said.
“We were excited with the support the community gave us.”
He estimated more than 200 people from across the country were in attendance.
“This gives people something for people to do when visiting - often people are visiting family members.
“People were from Western Australia, Darwin, Melbourne, Geelong, and those from surrounding towns that come every year, too,” he said.
The Baptist Church has been holding Easter in the Park for about 15 years, other than the two missed during COVID.
“It felt like it was the largest event we’ve had since I’ve been here,” said Pastor Taylor, who came to Deniliquin about five years ago.
“Generally speaking that was a big part of what was so successful – Deni felt busier at this Easter because people have been able to get away.
“Family members can get together and it’s a longer break.”
Pastor Taylor thanked the whole community for supporting the event.
Yesterday, the Lions Club held a Monday community market to round out the long weekend.