Like to experience some REAL madness?
All across this country, people will mention certain 'not to miss event' or 'unique outback experience'; but the one that is on more 'To Do' lists, is the legendary Lightning Ridge Easter Festival.
The Easter Festival showcases all the Ridge has to offer and more... if you are after a unique, dynamic and memorable experience - join us for the 2013 Lightning Ridge Easter Festival!
Lightning Ridge Easter Festival
FRIDAY 29th MARCH - SUNDAY 31ST MARCH 2013
Home of the elusive Black Opal and renowned for its colourful characters, barrels of dreams, opportunites and experiences! A thriving frontier town full of the iconic Australian characters that remind the traveller that the Australian spirit is not a thing of folklore; but the exact qualities that makes the Ridge so unique is as elusive as the Black Opal itself.
The Easter Festival showcases all the Ridge has to offer and more... if you are after a unique, dynamic and memorable experience - join us for the 2013 Lightning Ridge Easter Festival!
Easter Festival Events -
(Download a copy of the program)
GOOD FRIDAY
MAIN EVENT: RIDGEFACTOR
Lightning Ridge Talent Quest Huge cash prizes up for grabs, 3 age groups Children up to the age of 12 Years, Teenagers up to the 17 Years and Adults 18 Years and above. 4pm-8pm at the Lightning Ridge District Bowling Club. GRAND PRIZE $1,000.00 Live entertainment to follow by the Streamliners 8pm til late.
SATURDAY
MAIN EVENT: The BIG Dig
You'll see mounds of opal dirt dumped on the corner of the main street and soon you'll realise they have opal buried deep inside! Make sure to buy your tickets to be in the running to be one the lucky contestants drawn out for The BIG Dig. $10,000.00 worth of Opal up for grabs. Didn't get drawn? Hang around and watch the entertainment as the lucky ones dig madly searching for thousands of dollar’s worth of opal!
Big Dig & Little Dig Terms & Conditions
Novelty Races and Street Stalls
There will be plenty of Novelty Races you can join in on the action or hang around and watch - fun for the whole family. Peruse the numerous stalls cluttering the main street and get your strength up (for the DIG of course!) with a burger, hot dog, fairly floss or whatever takes your fancy from the multitude of food venues and vans or simply cruz around and listen to the buskers.
Street Race Terms & Conditions
MAIN EVENT: Miner's Challenge
The Miners Challenge (started last year and back bigger than ever) we have $15,000 IN PRIZE MONEY with $9,000 going to first place. Opal miners vs coal miners vs hard rock miners and three lucky visitors can have a go. Contestants have to shovel opal dirt into a blower pipe the same way as they do in an opal mine – the fastest wins! Heats start at 11am, Finals begin at 1.15pm.
Miner's Challenge Terms & Conditions
MAIN EVENT: Horse Races
One hundred and two years of racing in Lightning Ridge! The horse races kick off from 12noon at the Show grounds. It will be a fun afternoon for the whole family. Make sure you frock up because there will be fashions on the field. Tab & Bar facilities available.
Busk off
Buckers will be performing throughout Saturday morning down the main street. The best will be selected to compete in the Busk off being held at the Lightning Ridge Outback Resort from 6pm. 1st prize $1000.00 2nd prize $500.00
Fireworks
Whether you're finishing off your night with live entertainment at the Lightning Ridge Outback Resort or the Bowling Club be sure to rush outside when you hear explosions for our annual famous firework spectacular! 8.30pm – 9pm
SUNDAY
MAIN EVENT: Little Dig
Very similar to the ‘Big Dig’ but it’s just for the kids! $ 3,000.00 In technology to be won prize including a laptop, X Box, PlayStation, Nintendo Wii and 32 inch LED TV aimed at kids and teenagers (8 – 16 years of age). Heaps of consolation prizes up for grabs.
MAIN EVENT: Float Parade
Be sure not to miss the float parade which will start on the corner of Opal and Harlequin Streets and finish at the Lions Park on Morilla Street. Great prize money up for grabs 1st Prize $500 2nd $300 & 3rd $200
Sunday Morning Markets
Unwind and relax after your action packed weekend by perusing the markets held in the Lions Park on Morilla Street. 7am – 12noon
ALL WEEKEND...
Don't forget the attractions, galleries and shops that are in Lightning Ridge year round and support the community! Use your spare time between Easter Festival events to visit the numerous attractions and gain an insight into the real Lightning Ridge.
Drop into the Lightning Ridge Visitor Information Centre and talk to the friendly volunteers and staff to gain more information regarding tours, opening hours, galleries and more!
