That’s because the weekend is set to be packed with a range of events that, as they say in the classics, has something to suit everyone.

Here’s just a taster.

The All Saints’ Cathedral Spring Market will be held on Saturday morning in Church Street and the Rockley Rodeo will be held from around 11am on Saturday at the showground in the village south of Bathurst.

The Spring Spectacular, when members of the public can visit some of the city’s best gardens, will be held from 9.30am to 5pm on Saturday and Sunday and the Lifeline Central West Mega Book Fair will be held at the Bathurst Showground from 8.30am to 4pm on Saturday and 10am to 2pm on Sunday.

Then there is Kelso High’s Cirkus Surreal performing at the school gymnasium on Saturday night, the Shetland Pony Society of Australia holding its Shetland Pony Super Show on Saturday and Sunday at the Bathurst Showground and events being held on both days of the weekend as part of the concluding celebrations for the Catholic Diocese of Bathurst’s sesquicentenary.

That, as far as Parade is concerned, is a lot to see and do.

PARADE has the same couple of thoughts around this time each year as Halloween approaches.

The first thought is this: should Australian children really be celebrating a tradition that comes from the other side of the world and has no history here?

The second thought is this: if the kids that take part enjoy themselves, does it really matter that Halloween is an imported event?

Parade was a bit of a grump about Halloween when it first started to gain popularity around Bathurst, but must admit that his opposition is starting to soften.

Dressing up and wandering around with their friends is not the worst way for local youngsters to spend their evening, after all.

Having said that, Parade will be disappointed if Australians start celebrating Thanksgiving.