This year's festival will kick off on Friday October 17 and run for 10 days to Sunday October 26 with the theme of Red, White and Blue.

This year's committee is being lead by president Daryl Chaplin, along with vice-president Melissa Perry, secretary Sally Perry, treasurer Karen Chaplin, Stacey Smithwick, Lauren Walker, Murray Woods, Brian Collins and Sue Dunn.

Secretary Sally Perry said that work is currently taking place on the annual program produced in conjunction with the festival and the plan is to have these produced by early October.

"The festival program will be delivered around Ararat and surrounding towns in the Ararat Rural City, as well as being placed around the town for collection," Ms Perry said.

A highlight of the festival is always the Opening Ball and Cavalcade at which the festival Queen is crowned and King introduced.

Currently there are eight Queen Quest entrants who are busily fundraising for charities around Ararat and the committee thanks the town for its support and assistance.

Tickets are available to the opening ball if people would to attend, contact Sally or Melissa Perry.

An old favourite is the Ararat RSL Breakfast.

"Again this year we are lucky to have the sponsorship of the Ararat RSL for our annual breakfast. We encourage all business and individuals to come down for a fantastic cooked breakfast, and send out the challenge to last years winners, the Senior Citizens, to see who can have the most attend and get their names on the perpetual trophy," Ms Perry said.

"The Billy Cart Race will be run again this year by the Ararat Y's Men's Club so we hope all the kids and parents are out there getting their creations together to race down the street before the parade.

The parade is another highlight and always is a fitting ending to the festival, winding its way down Barkly Street to the showgrounds for the beginning of the Ararat Show.

"Our committee is thankful again to have the support of the Ararat CFA in running this event," Ms Perry said.

"We hope to increase this event this year and that our theme of Red, White and Blue will aid in the ideas and decorations on the day.

"Great prizes are again on offer and in conjunction with Ararat Show Committee, all children who participate in the parade will be given free entry into the Ararat Show if accompanied by a paying adult.

"To receive these tickets, entries must be received by the closing date with numbers of participants noted. Tickets will then be distributed."

A new event this year is the Run for Kids, an event that will be hosted by St Andrews Kindergarten.

Mark the dates in your diaries now and keep a look out for the program, which will feature a feast of activities for all the family.