Race ready: Wilbur Weekly, Billy the Blood Drop and Hockeyroo are all set to go for the Maroondah Festival's inaugural mascot race. Picture: Rob Carew
This year's Maroondah Festival has a certain sporty feel and residents are encouraged to get their blood pumping with a range of bustling activities on November 11.
An 'RACV fun and fitness area' will feature sports clubs with come-and-try activities and a race for local waiters and bartenders.
Another highlight will be the festival's inaugural mascot race, with furry and fluffy mascots of various clubs and organisations scurrying towards the finish line.
Maroondah director for leisure services Wendy King says parents and children are encouraged to get involved.
"The area will have displays for many sports clubs with most hosting come-and-try activities for you to test out your skill — including calisthenics, fencing and boot camp.
"There will be a traditional hakka performance and visitors are encouraged to join in."
Festival goers have been urged to use Maroondah's bike paths to get to Town Park on the day. There will be rewards for doing so.
"People wanting to use active and sustainable transport to the Maroondah Festival will have the prime parking bays," Ms King says.
"An additional incentive is that the first 150 cyclists who use the service will get a free show bag."
Each year the festival attracts more than 20,000 people and organisers expect the same this year.
Besides the fitness area, patrons can enjoy amusement rides, market stalls, food vendors and chalk art drawings.
This year's event includes a special Remembrance Day service and a minute's silence to honour our fallen Diggers.
The Maroondah Festival runs from 10am-5pm on Sunday, November 11, at Town Park, Croydon.
For more information, visit maroondahfestival.com or contact the festival hotline on 9294 5604.