The theme of this year’s festival has seen costume shops around the region sell out of Alice in Wonderland themed clothing, in preparation for a family friendly day of community celebration. 

More than 100 market market stalls and food trucks will be set up throughout the day, as well as a pet show, vintage cars and machinery exhibition. 

The highlight of the festival, the Ballan Farmers Market Grande Street Parade and float competition, will see local community groups parade down the main street. 

All day live entertainment and music kicks off at 9am with young and upcoming Ballan artists, rock and roll and Scottish dancing demonstrations. 

Fitting with the mad hatter’s tea party theme, entertainment highlights include a queen of hearts cake decorating competition and the Country Women’s Association Mad Hatters High Tea Party. 

Ballan Autumn Festival president Kevin Harper said excitement for the festival was building in areas beyond Ballan. “This year’s engagement from the community, evidenced by the level of excitement and interest on social media, is generating a momentum of its own, and not just in Ballan,” he said. 

“Support and interest this year has come from as far-a-field as Beaconsfield! This being in the generous donation of an extensive collection of high tea paraphernalia.”

The Ballan Autumn Festival runs from 9am to 4pm at Main Street, Ballan on Sunday. The main community parade begins at 11am.