The Easter parade is expected to attracted about 3000 people who will line up on Scott Street on Saturday. The event will start at 11am. YFest committee secretary and treasurer Jean Wise said that the rally would be highlight of the festival.

"The rally draws a lot of people, they come from as far as Western Australia and Tasmania," she said.

Ms Wise said YFest would feature new activities this year.

"We will have a light lunch in the community garden and there is Lions Club community market as well. We will have a show and shine for the first time. We have a new club formed in Warracknabeal this year with their cars and they will have them out and about too," she said.

This year the parade will be led by County Fire Authority member Cameron Whelan on the bagpipes. Following closely on their heels will be the Warracknabeal State Emergency Services celebrating its 40^th anniversary. The annual YFest busking competition will be held in Lions Park starting 12.30pm.

Related: Horsham Good Friday Appeal collectors prepare for Easter drive

YFest organiser and busker John Butcher said: events catered to all ages.

"The races is a family day so they have provisions for children and families. It is for families who come home to their families," he said.

An art presentation will be held, and the council will have functions designed around family entertainment. The 52^nd vintage machinery rally will be held on April 20 and 21. Vintage machinery will be displayed at the Wheatlands Agricultural Machinery Museum located on Henty Highway in Warracknabeal.

The international rally section will include a vintage street parade and sheering demonstrations.

The four-day Warracknabeal Golf Club Easter tournament is scheduled to start at 12noon each day of the festival. Schedules can be found on the official YFest website.

The Easter art show will be on display from Friday 5.30pm onwards. The show will highlight the work of artists Peter Hill and Joanne Pearey.

On Sunday, in addition to the continuation of the art show, gold competition and vintage rally, there will be an armed bowlers tournament at the Warracknabeal Bowling Club.

Warracknabeal Arts Council representative Barbara Bell said the festivities encouraged the return of younger community members.

"It is very much a time for younger people to come home for a family visit. At Christmas, most families are broken up due to commitments but at Easter they come back home and catch up with their schoolmates," she said.

THURSDAY

Easter Egg Hunt hosted by Bendigo Bank at Maydale Reserve Horsham Showgrounds at 5.30 pm. Proceeds will be donated to Good Friday Appeal.

Courtney Mills and Tom Cooper perform at Commercial Hotel, Horsham from 10pm. Limited $10 presale tickets.

FRIDAY

Great Western Rodeo at Great Western Racecourse Reserve hosted by Great Western Football and Netball Club. Gates open at 10am. Tickets $10 to $30.

SATURDAY

Stawell Gift starts at Central Park, Stawell. Held every year since 1878 and renowned internationally as a leading professional foot race. Racing continues on Sunday, with the final of the men's and women's Gifts on Monday.

Andrew Grahame tour at Horsham Sports and Community Club. He will be performing debut single Make You Stay from 7.30pm onwards.

Balmoral Easter Market at Balmoral Town Centre. Free entry. Hosted by Visit Greater Hamilton. To include stalls and Lions Club spinning wheel.

SUNDAY

Natimuk Farmers Market hosted at the foot of Mt Arapiles and Mitre Rock from 10am to 1.30pm. Includes farmers market section, left bank artist section and a picnic craft area. Free entry.

TUESDAY

The resilience project at St Malachy's Church, Edenhope from 7pm to 8.30pm. Workshop aimed to support mental health and well-being. Free admission.

THURSDAY

A Taste of Ireland show at the Horsham Town Hall starting at 8pm. Tickets $50 to $70

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