LEETON shire will join together over the Easter long weekend to celebrate its most-known event.
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The Leeton SunRice Festival will officially get underway tonight with a cocktail party before continuing throughout the weekend.
Easter Saturday is set to be the hub of the event, with the street parade, Festival on Mountford and announcing of the Ambassador Quest winners all to feature.
Leeton SunRice Festival director Sally Doig said the week leading up to the event was hectic, but part of the rush.
“We’re starting to get really excited now,” she said.
“Everything seems to be under control.
“We just need people to come out and support the events we’ve got on.
“Sales for ticketed events have closed, apart from the bush dance on Thursday night where you can purchase tickets at the door.
“That will be a great way for families to kick off the festival.”
Other highlights of the festival include Leeton’s Longest Lunch and the balloon glow, the Penny Paniz Memorial Arts Acquisitive Competition, a display by the Leeton Family and Local History Society, antique rocking horse display, roller rice off, Leeton Triathlon and more.
Mrs Doig said residents would be spoiled for choice.
“There really is something for everyone,” she said.
“For me it's always hard to pick a favourite event, but I have to say I really love Easter Saturday.
“It’s the day when the community comes together.
“I love seeing all of the floats after many hours of hard work have been put into it.
“Each festival we have almost every single community group represented in the parade or in some capacity over the weekend.
“That’s why we do it – it’s all for the community and celebrating what’s good about Leeton and our rice industry.”
Another highlight of the festival will be hot air balloons taking to the sky each morning and evening.
This year those piloting the balloons will also be involved in a competition during their time in the air.
Mrs Doig said the balloons and the glow on Easter Sunday was something the community had come to love.
“We’ve tried to include more activities at the balloon glow this year,” she said.
“We know the glow is always dependent on the weather, so we’ve included a walk-through of a balloon that is blown up, fireworks and there will be plenty of food stalls as well.
“Everyone is really excited about that.”
For a full program and those still wanting to include a float in the parade, but haven’t downloaded the relevant paperwork, visit www.leetonsunricefestival.com.au.
