Traditionally, Easter has been the region’s biggest weekend outside of summer.
Visitors and past residents return to enjoy the autumn weather and the huge array of activities.
"Easter is always a busy time for Deni as we welcome hundreds of visitors to our town to enjoy our weather, river and friendly hospitality,” Deniliquin Business Chamber’s Donna Taylor said.
“It is a wonderful opportunity for us to celebrate our markets, arts and crafts, gorgeous retail centre and generally enjoy relaxing in the outdoors over the long weekend," she said.
This weekend several markets will be on including the Naponda Farmers’ Market and Art Out artisan and vintage market on Saturday in the Deniliquin CBD, and the Lions Club Community Market in the Waring Gardens on Monday.
The Rotary Easter Art Show also officially opens tonight and will run all weekend.
On Saturday, a large crowd is expected to flock to the Deniliquin Rodeo for the thrills and spills as some of the best cowboys and cowgirls from across the country compete in the Australian Pro Rodeo Association event.
The rodeo is part of the first ever Western Rivers Rodeo Series - which offers bonus points for anyone competing at Deniliquin, Finley and Homebush rodeos.
Saddle bronc, bareback bronc and bull riding will entertain the crowd along with all standard events in rodeo, classified as rough stock and timed events.
Gates open at 3pm with buses running from town.
Food stalls, trade sites, a mechanical bull and licenced bar (no BYO allowed) along with live band Zara Lindeman and The Smoking Gun will ensure a good time for all.
The rodeo action continues at Finley the very next night.
Edward River Council Mayor Peta Betts said Easter is an important event in the tourism calendar and a major boost to our local economy with visitors arriving from interstate.
“The Easter holiday is an opportunity to support our local businesses and take advantage of holiday activities in Deniliquin and surrounding areas,” she said.
Retailers are primed for an influx of visitors as well, with shoppers at the Waring Gardens markets and Easter activities expected to spill across to Cressy and Napier street shops over the weekend.
Visitors started arriving in Deniliquin last weekend, with camping spots at Willoughby’s Beach and along the Edward River already hosting interstate campers.
Caravan parks and motels are also busy with guests, ensuring for a bumper weekend.
