It is now just days away – the iconic Lightning Ridge Easter Festival for 2022 – and more than 5,000 people are expected to visit the area to take part. 

Over the weekend, visitors and locals mingle to battle it out for over $25,000 in cash, opals and techie prizes in mining-styled challenges for adults and kids with a non-stop series of events and entertainment. 

But behind the scenes, multiple committees of more than a hundred volunteers have been working – some solidly for many months, others over the final feverish days of the festival itself. 

It is one of the largest community events in the far west region of NSW to be put together entirely by volunteers. 

"It really is a massive undertaking and it's quite staggering what can be done by a group of committed volunteers," said Andrew Kemeny, a member of the Festival's main organising committee. 

The people-powered program of events has a few simple ingredients that have been retained since the first event kicked off in late 1970s. 

"It's very grassroots outback fun," Mr Kemeny said. 

"A lot of it is unpretentious like egg and spoon races and a town treasure hunt.

"Importantly we are able to bring to the surface elements of mining activity normally done many metres below the earth’s surface so people can view and participate in the street what we do down in the opal mines.

"In the end, its unsanitised and authentic and that's why people love it – locals and visitors alike."

ABOVE: Egg and spoon racing.

The Lightning Ridge Pony Club is organising the Bull & Bronc Ride, which has gone from strength to strength over the years. 

This year’s program features open bull ride, saddle bronc and bare back bronc challenges. Fun for the whole family also including a canteen and bar, mechanical bull challenge and band for those who wish to party late. Gates open 4pm Good Friday, start time 6pm.

Cash only, suggest you bring a camp chair and please bring your own insect repellant as our local mozzies are very friendly.

The Lightning Ridge Race Club also brings out the crowds for its annual event – this year a six race program, fashions on field, full bar facilities, tote and local bookies. 

Gates open 12 midday Easter Saturday. Cash and cards accepted at the gate.

The rugged environment around Lightning Ridge does dish up a few unexpected environmental challenges and the organisers wish visitors to know that unfortunately due to a mini tornado taking the roof off the local Golf Club a couple of weeks ago, the final draw for the Treasure Hunt will now be held at the Lightning Ridge Bowling Club on Sunday afternoon. 

Golf Club members will rebuild and recover during the coming months. 

ABOVE: Buried treasure - looking for opals in The Big Dig.

Among the featured Saturday street events are the Big Dig and Little Dig, where a handful of lucky adults and children are drawn from a raffle to dig through piles of “opal dirt” in search of certain treasure – ten opals in the Big Dig of varying value donated by local businesses and opal dealers, including two stones worth around $7,000 each – a total prize pool in excess of $20,000. 

"And that's Lightning Ridge prices - you could multiply that by two or three for capital city prices," Mr Kemeny said. 

Then in the Little Dig is every parent’s dream to keep the kids occupied including an X Box, GoPro, laptop, polaroid camera and TV to name a few of the prizes – total prize pool over $4,000.

The Miners Rickshaw Challenge is another of the highlights of Saturday's main street program where visitors can take on the local opal miners.

Contestants use mining tools and whatever twists and tricks they can muster to fill a 44 gallon drum full with opal dirt. 

A number of heats, then a final with $1,000 cash to the winner. This is a terrific spectator event with sweat and blisters aplenty!

ABOVE: Harder than it looks - the Rickshaw Challenge always brings the excitement.

The static display of local opal mining equipment attracts huge interest and this year local miner and YouTube celebrity Petar “Borko” Borkovic will be providing commentary. 

"We pull in all the big rigs, digger, blower, drill and all the mining machinery" said Mr Kemeny. 

"Borko will be on the microphone and will explain what each item of equipment does. He's got a face, voice and personality made for television." 

Borko is just one of the locals who has shot to fame thanks to the success of Outback Opal Hunters, which has become one of the most-watched reality shows of its kind with millions of fans around the world. 

"Outback Opal Hunters is now shooting Season 9 and has a massive following," Mr Kemeny said.

"We've snared half a dozen of the stars from the Ridge and Grawin. They'll be at the event so people can get their photo taken with a famous Outback Opal Hunter." 

A once in a lifetime opportunity to take a helicopter ride over the magnificent Narran Lakes on Friday and Saturday are also in hot demand and Mr Kemeny is encouraging visitors to book ahead online.

ABOVE: A rare opportunity - affordable helicopter flights over the awesome Narran Lakes.

 "NorthWest Helicopters will be doing twenty minute sight-seeing flights over the Ridge or forty minute flights to Narran Lakes," he said.

"Right now Narran Lakes is looking spectacular and teeming with wildlife. It's a great opportunity to do this at an affordable price because of our close proximity to the Narran Lakes." 

Visitors are reminded that the Bull & Bronc Ride and all the street activities from 9am to 1pm on Saturday are cash-only. 

Note town accommodation is full so if you have not booked, please make plans for a safe return home at the end of the day.

Full T’s and C’s for all events, downloadable programme for the weekend, links to Bull & Bronc Ride, Race Club and the Northwest helicopter booking page can be found through our 'What's On' button.

ABOVE: See you in Lightning Ridge over Easter.