MUCH like other community events, the Australian Pedal Car Grand Prix has not run for two years as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, however while the much-loved race will not be returning this year, it will be replaced with a Family Fun Day.

Held at the Coleraine Tourist Information Centre this Saturday from 10am - 2pm, the Family Fun Day will have something for people of all ages including a jumping castle, food and drinks, competitions, and the chance to test out a pedal car.

Australia Pedal Car Grand Prix Committee secretary, Lisa Hudson, said after a two-year hiatus, the Committee were looking forward to once again bringing the community together in a fun and interactive way.

“This is the first event or activity we have held since COVID-19,” she said.

“There’s not a lot of events going on in small country towns in the last few years so it’s nice to bring something back for people to do.

“We actually had planned a fun day last year but as we got closer, we realised COVID-19 was still a risk, so we had to cancel.”

With preparations in full swing, the fun day is set to be a fast-paced day of fun aimed at getting people to think about making a pedal car for the upcoming 2023 race, which is set to be held on October 14, 2023.

A small track will be in place for the fun day, with people of all ages able to try their hand at racing a pedal car and ask any questions they may have about the popular race.

There will also be something for people interested in faster vehicles, with a selection of vintage and classic cars and motorbikes on display for the day.

“We have a lot of vintage cars and motorbikes here in Coleraine so we’re hoping some local people will bring their cars along,” Ms Hudson said.

“We’ve invited the Hamilton and District Veteran Vintage and Classic Drivers Club, and we also invited the Mount Gambier Holdens of Age club.”

Sticking with the transport theme, Ms Hudson said there would also be a competition for the best decorated mobility scooter, wheelchair or four-wheeled walker, in an attempt to get older members of the community to participate in the fun.

“We thought it would be fun to get the older generation involved and there will be a prize for that as well,” she said.

But the excitement doesn’t stop there, with craft stalls, a fishing competition run by the Action Club, live music, and family games - including an egg and spoon race and three-legged race - all set to occur. Ms Hudson said preparations were in full swing and everything was on track for the event, with the Committee excited to see many smiling faces this weekend.