The towns of Cobram and Barooga came alive on Easter Sunday as residents and tourists enjoyed the long weekend next to the mighty Murray River.
After the traditional Easter mass, Cobram and Barooga residents, and tourists, headed to Thompsons Beach for the Easter River Beaches Festival.
The festival included food trucks, bouncy castles, kids’ games and live music by local band The Skerricks.
The festival’s highlight was the traditional duck race, which set off at 3pm.
The event consisted of racing rubber ducks, with punters attempting to choose the winning duck for a cash prize.
This year saw first, second and third prizes all go to Cobram locals, with Jasper Ng winning the grand prize of $1000.
Second prize of $500 was jointly won by David Jervis, Cobram ‘firie’ Steph Thompson, Dom Thompson and 19-month-old Aurora, while third prize, $100, was taken by Veronica Taylor.
Cobram Barooga Business and Tourism president Nicky Goldsworthy said the weather was perfect for the event, and the crowds over the Easter break were fantastic.
She hoped the festival was another way to put Cobram and Barooga on the map.
Earlier in the day many in the community embraced the traditions of the day.
Churches were filled as Christians celebrated their most important festival on the calendar.
Ignite Church held its mass before moving to Mivo Park for an Easter egg hunt and performances by Solomon Islanders.
Ignite Church pastor Greg Duns said Easter was a time to celebrate the love of God.
“God’s moving and touching hearts,” Mr Duns said.
“The real message of Easter is that despite our own personal struggles, Jesus came and made a way. He died on the cross and then rose again so that we could have life to the full and eternal life with Him.”
These words were echoed by Cobram Catholic priest Fr Junjun Amaya, who said Easter was a celebration of God’s love and a chance to renew our relationship with Him.
“Easter is basically about God’s great love for us and what He has done and how much He would go to bring us back to him,” Fr Amaya said.
“God loves to be part of our lives, He loves to be part of our plans. He has included us in his plans. Easter is about celebrating that great love of God for us and giving us an opportunity to renew our lives and our commitment to Him.”
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