Over the Easter period, conventions will encourage and challenge believers; Church services will attract the regular attendees, as well as Christian-oriented families; Easter Awakening Marches of Witness will share the celebration of Christians at such a time, but in many cities, the sharing of the Easter Story began the week before!
In Sydney, staff workers with Fusion Australia Ltd commenced their Easter Awakening festivals in the heart of the CBD - in the Martin Place Amphitheatre. Lunchtime Festivals and Concerts, from 12 noon until 2.00pm, enjoyed the productions by eight schools, Christian and Public, as they presented the Easter Story in drama and song, accompanied by other entertainment facilities for the passers-by.
People could make their own "sunflowers" - which the compere, Dave Hammond used to illustrate the dying of the plant to enable other plants to live from the seeds. Giant "snakes and ladders", provided opportunities for participants to work together; "Face Painting" took on a new twist with the painting of "bugs, insects and butterflies" on the back of children's hands; balloons, made into animals, showed what can be done with an ordinary item - in the hands of a "craftsman".
The Granny Smith Apple story, as well as the story of Simpson and his Donkey, were used to illustrate the Easter message of God in control. "Granny Smith", Maria Ann Smith, took the growth from "cast-off crab apples" and produced something beautiful and unique, from a rubbish tip. She is quoted as saying: "Isn't it just like God. The very thing we chuck away as useless, He uses to bring in an entirely new thing."
John Simpson Kirkpatrick, affectionately known as "the man and his donkey", landed at ANZAC Cove, in April, 1915. "During the 24 days he spent at ANZAC he operated as a sole unit with his beloved donkey/s and is credited with saving the lives of probably hundreds of men." He has become a part of the ANZAC folklore and is used to portray the giving of one's life for others.
At the opening event in Sydney's Martin Place, pupils from the St George Christian School, Hurstville, the Bethel Christian School, Mt Druitt and the Kindalin Christian School, Castlereagh, presented the Easter Story in music and drama. For many it was their first public appearance and the success was evident from the appreciation and applause given by the onlookers.
In Adelaide, Lunchtime Celebration Concerts were held, Monday to Thursday, 12:30–2.00pm, involving students from Christian schools, under the Rundle Mall canopy.
Brisbane held Lunchtime Festivals in the Botanic Gardens, at the Alice Street entrance, Monday to Thursday, from 12noon to 2.00pm.
Hobart's Lunchtime Festivals and Concerts, involving school children, were held Wednesday and Thursday, from 12 noon until 2.00pm in the Hobart Mall.
All such events were used to re-tell the Easter Story and publicise the Easter Awakening events to be held over the Easter period.