Local business support is being sought to promote the new focus of the festival as the town marks its turbulent gold rush history, the riots of 1861 and the important contribution of the Chinese in the development of Australia.

Tourism manager David Newberry and Chamber of Commerce president Jim Cusack said it would be invaluable if the town’s CBD businesses were extensively adorned in Chinese and Asian decorations.

They said a widespread media campaign would promote the festival’s high quality attractions such as Chinese lion dancing, Kung Fu martial artists, Chinese and Asian food, Tai Chi demonstrations, a Hilltops Wine Expo, craft and Asian themed market stalls, an historical re-enactment of the 1861 Lambing Flat riots and a performance of ‘Life’s a Stage’ which was part of Sydney’s Chinese New Year 2013 program.

Chinese lanterns will be positioned around Anderson Park and organizers feel the creation of shop window displays and decorations would add greatly to the ambiance of the town and the overall success of the festival.

“Young businesses play an important promotional role in major town events because they are highly visible to the participating public,” David said.

“We are expecting strong support from the Chinese community in NSW and the ACT and the more local effort we can muster for the event will pay dividends in years to come. 

“We expect this festival to grow in magnitude and it could easily attract the big numbers we currently register for the town’s iconic National Cherry Festival in December,” he said.

A prize has already been donated for the business judged to have the best display.

“Kevin and Vicki Powderly of Poppa's Fudge and Jam Factory have graciously donated a hamper of their delicious produce and we thank them for their generous support,” David said.

“We are asking that, whatever they choose to do, they launch their displays, decorations and dress up in costumes from Saturday April 5 through to the day of the festival on April 12.” 

The Chamber of Commerce has been busy approaching local retail businesses in search of someone to stock and sell Chinese lanterns especially for the occasion so they were available locally.

Full Moon Magic was the first to put up their hand to help.

People can come in and pre-order their lanterns in time for the festival.

The Base Warehouse also stock coloured paper and silk lanterns.

Council’s general manager Peter Vlatko said council would have purchased and sold lanterns from their offices if a local business couldn’t so they were available to the town no matter what. 

The planned program of events for this year’s festival is due to commence on the Friday evening with a Chinese Australian short film fest at the Young Service’s Club.

The main day will begin in Anderson Park on Saturday, April 12 at 11am and conclude that evening with a Chinese operatic performance.