LODDON communities are set for an Easter weekend like no other in history.
Hundreds of orienteers from across Australia and overseas are arriving for the major national events over the next 10 days.
Fire brigades will be collecting for the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal tomorrow in Tarnagulla, Bridgewater, Korong Vale and Inglewood.
Wedderburn brigade members took to the streets on Tuesday evening while there will be street collections tomorrow in Pyramid Hill.
Major sporting tournaments will see lawn bowlers at Wedderburn and tennis players on the courts at Boort.
The massive influx of visitors has booked out accommodation in the Loddon Shire.
Boort churches will hold an Easter morning dawn service at Little Lake Boort on Sunday.
The Easter climax will come on Monday when the 152nd Rheola Charity Carnival will attract thousands of people and help raise money for Inglewood and District Health Service and Maryborough District Health’s Dunolly campus.
President Matt Catto said a star attraction at the carnival this year will be entertainer Greg Champion.
“We have been so fortunate to secure Greg, the legend of the Coodabeen Champions who entertained in typical Aussie fashion for years on radio,” Mr Catto said. “The quirky wit and humour will be a perfect fit with our atmosphere at Rheola.”
Mr Catto said the district’s unofficial annual reunion would see generations from the same families among the army of volunteers.
“From the sheaf toss to the bazaar stalls, the bar and refreshment rooms and the tractor pull, the spirit of Rheola keeps shining through thanks to the families who keep coming back to support this great event,” he said.
Streetrods on show in Bendigo over Easter will travel to Inglewood on Monday. Several hundred are expected to line Brooke Street.
Mr Catto said: “Easter has always been a special time across the Loddon Shire and especially in Rheola.
“Families coming back to be together and celebrating the great things that happen in our communities,”  he said.  “That’s what it’s about at Easter for so many and we’re looking forward to another great time this year.”