EASTER in the Country has kicked off with a combined churches service, an Easter Egg hunt and the annual bush poets afternoon show.

Yesterday the event started off with the traditional mayoral breakfast at the cultural centre, where guests enjoyed listening to speaker Darren Wallis, the CEO of GJ Gardner Homes.

Brian Packer deservedly won the True Blue award for his volunteer work in the community.

In the evening many gathered at the Bungil Gallery for the launch of the garden art show, which featured a host of fun garden gnomes.

At 8am this morning about 60 people gathered at Roma's Shady's Lagoon for the Maranoa Combined Churches service.

As we speak, crowds are gathered at the Big Rig Parklands for games and an Easter Egg hunt before one of this year's exciting new attractions starts up- the Wizard of Oz stage show.

Others have headed to Bassett Park for an afternoon of bush poetry or for a go on one of the fairground rides on site. 

This evening the Lions van opened on the corner of Arthur Street and McDowall Street from 4pm until 9pm, so don't miss out on some delicious fish and chips!

Then it's time for one of the highlights of the weekend with Queensland's biggest bull ride on at Bassett Park.

Hundreds of people are expected to turn up for the bull ride, which this year is named in honour of the late local rodeo member Roy McIntosh.

Tomorrow morning crowds will line the street for the famous Easter in the Country parade which kicks off at 9am sharp.

The markets will be open from 7am until 2pm- there's dozens of new stores this year, as well as some old favourites so make sure you don't miss out.

If you don't already have a copy, you can find the Easter in the County program at  www.easterinthecountry.com.au.

Please note, the time for the bull ride on the program is incorrect- it doesn't start until 6:30pm tonight.

What's on this evening

Now: Games and Easter Egg hunt at the Big Rig Parklands

Now: Bush poetry at Bassett Park and fair ground rides

4pm-9pm: The Lions Fish and Chip van

6:30pm: The Roy McIntosh Memorial Bull Ride