Event organiser Max Martin said a record number of nominations for the athletics program would also make the day one to remember.

Mr Martin was busy with a work crew setting up at Maryborough's Princes Park.

"It's going to be a beautiful day and we're going to get a massive crowd," he said.

"Everything's going so well.

"We're very happy and we're expecting record numbers."

About 700 athletes will take part in the program, which will feature events from the 70m for sprinters to 1600m for middle distance runners

The races will be for athletes of all ages.

Five past champions will return to contest the 120-metre Maryborough Gift itself.

They are Ballarat pair Zoy Frangos (2003) and Evan King (2001), Cam Dunbar (2004), Todd Ireland (2000), and John Hilditch (1991).

Another drawcard will be Australian representative Tamsyn Lewis, who will compete in the women's 120m Gift and the women's 200m veteran's event.

Lewis will use the events as preparation for the Commonwealth Games.

A full day of activities has been planned.

A street parade, featuring eight pipe bands, two brass bands, and a concert band, will kick off the entertainment.

Highland Games competitors will line up in events including the caber toss and sheaf toss.

* Check out the Maryborough Gift preview and heat fields in The Courier on Monday.