10 things not to miss at Roma’s Easter in the Country
No plans this Easter? Roma has you covered (chocolate covered that is), with Easter in the Country – a festival that’s packed full of rodeo, racing and country music action.
Check the festival website for the confirmed schedule and times.
1. The Famous Street Parade
It pays to get to McDowall Street early to secure a good vantage point for the street parade with its procession of wacky and wonderful floats, quirky characters and live entertainment.
Tip: bring your own chair to guarantee the best seat in the house.
2. Outback Tucker Under the Stars
Dine outback style, by joining the other festival goers for Easter in the Country’s official Opening Dinner.
3. Extreme Bulls
Come along to the family-friendly Bull Ride at Bassett Park.
The competition is one of the biggest in the country, featuring Australia’s elite bull riders and with prizes up for grabs as part of the Bucking Bull Futurity and Classic.
Sit back and relax at the alcohol-free family night.
4. Live Music Saturday
Roma turns up the volume with its music festival headlined by Adam Eckersley and Brooke McClymont.
You’ll hear the open-air stage on the corner of McDowall and Arthur St before you see it, with the festival rocking the town.
Multi-award winning husband and wife duo, Adam Eckersley & Brooke McClymont are taking their acclaimed “Highway Sky Tour” back on the road. Since releasing their debut duo album, ‘Adam & Brooke’ in 2018, the pair have scored a #1 ARIA Country chart debut, released two #1 singles and have been nominated for an ARIA Award and four Golden Guitar Awards.
5. Monster Easter Egg Hunt
Get the kids involved with an afternoon at the Monster Easter Egg Hunt.
Head down to the Big Rig Parklands for a few hours of fun starting with old-fashioned games – egg and spoon races, three legged races and sack races.
At 4.30pm, the Easter Bunny will bring his basket of eggs and at 5pm, the egg hunt kicks off and the children can share their findings.
It’s quite an afternoon of activities, so be sure to bring your own chair or blanket, sunscreen and hat.
6. The Maranoa Performance Poetry and Song
Fancy yourself as a poet, performer or songwriter?
You’re in luck, with a poetry and performance competition calling your name with the chance of a cash prize. Walk-ups are welcome, so a last-minute confidence boost could land your name in lights.
If nerves get the best of you, kick back and be entertained by the list of performers that’ll be taking to the stage throughout the event.
7. Wife Carrying Races
Yes, you read that one correct. Roma’s wife carrying races are the biggest in the state, and the prize… the wife’s weight in beer. The bizarre sport, popular in northern England and Europe involves a man carrying a woman (preferably their wife) over an obstacle course. While strength is important in a successful run, the style used to carry the wife plays a critical role too.
8. Pro Rodeo
Prepare for an afternoon of adrenaline-pumping fun with Barrel Races, Saddle Bronc, Team Roping, Junior Bulls, Junior Barrels, Ladies Breakaway and Ladies Roping.
Slack events commence at 2pm with the main event commencing at 4pm as riders go into the ring for the chance of winning the major cash prize.
9. Street Markets
Grab a coffee and browse through the array of arts, crafts, wares, food and drinks at the Country Markets in Arthur Street and Wyndham Streets.
It’s a bargain hunter’s delight with more than 120 market stalls to wander through.
10. Easter in the Country Art Show
Calling all art enthusiasts, The Maranoa Artists Inc. plays host for the Roma Easter in the Country Art Show.
The Art Show is run in conjunction with the Maranoa on Bungil Gallery Committee who’ll be hosting an exhibition over the same weekend.
You’ll find works on display by the Roma Potters Group, The Roma Ceramic Group, The Roma Silversmiths, The Men’s Shed and The Roma Quilters Group.
