Incredible 3D chalk art, roving penguins, Mary Poppins stilt walkers and high-energy family shows by comedian Sean Murphy will add more than a spoonful of lively fun to the Day in the Park on July 7.

Maryborough’s riverside parks and Portside Heritage Precinct come to life during the event which is part of the Mary Poppins Festival, an annual celebration of the art of storytelling, presented in partnership with Tourism & Events Queensland.

Robyn Peach, event manager at Fraser Coast Tourism & Events, said families would have trouble choosing what to fill their day with because there were so many activities to enjoy.

“People can step aboard the Mary River Singalong Cruise to exercise their vocal chords with tickets available online and on the day and join the kite-making workshop in the Kids’ Zone which is just $5 to enter,” she said.

“Kids can enter the colouring-in competition, have their faces painted, play with toy penguins, ride the trains or burn off some excess energy in the Ride N Slide Zone.

“Both adults and kids can bring old hats to the costume teepee in the Queens Park Kids’ Zone to jazz them up for The Grand Parade and enter the ever-popular Great Nanny Race or Chimney Sweep Challenge.

“The intricate kinetic sculptures in the Emporium of Apparatus Concerning Mechatronic Variants will make a stroll through Gatakers Artspace worthwhile and visiting authors Kate Knapp and Justin D’Ath will entertain everyone with readings around the middle of the day.”

Mrs Peach said people would be able to pose for a photos with the 3D chalk art and have some interactive fun with comedian Sean Murphy.

The Sydney-based entertainer, who has performed at fringe and comedy festivals, honed his craft during seven years of work as a kid’s party entertainer in backyards, parks and community halls across Australia.

“The show condenses what I learned from hundreds of evens for the hilarious education of kids and adults alike,” Mr Murphy said.

“Forget the smart phone or idiot box – by putting just a little bit of thought into it, we can create great fun and amazing memories by using our noodle.”

He said during each performance, a new super-villain was created, based on the audience’s suggestions.

“Whatever name and dastardly powers we come up with, these characters always resonate with kids long after the performance because they created the monster themselves.

“Kids can expect a hilarious, highly interactive experience that challenges their imaginations.

“Adults can kick back, relax and enjoy a laugh, safe in the knowledge that I don’t pick on oldies.”

Mrs Peach said an entertainer roaming the streets with a bubble machine would add some effervescence to proceedings and the founders of the Mary Poppins Festival, The Proud Marys, would serve a tasty morning tea as usual.

“The program is jam-packed so people should log onto the website, marypoppinsfestival.com.au to check out all of the details,” she said.

The Queensland Government, via Tourism and Events Queensland, is proud to support the Mary Poppins Festival which features on the It’s Live! In Queensland events calendar. Your perfect next event is in Queensland where live events combine with the most incredible destinations, and life is beautiful one day, perfect the next.

Article submitted by Fraser Coast Tourism and Events