The Portland Citizens Brass Band was dressed as 101 dalmatians and were named the overall winners of the parade.

Businesses, schools and clubs all participated in various sections of the parade. 

Judges gathered after the parade to determine the winners of the community, commercial, school and novelty entries. 

Parade coordinator Elaine Evans said every year the event just kept getting bigger and better. 

“It brings all the town together and we get people visiting from all over,” she said. 

“It’s just great.”

The street parade was followed by entertainment, market stalls, a circus, truck and ute show.  

Festival committee chairman Ross Barclay said he had hoped for more than 10,000 people to arrive in the town over the weekend. 

“It’s getting bigger and bigger every year,” he said. 

“All of a sudden this year it went from here (ground) to up here (sky).”

Visitor to the town, Rocket Riddle said he was inspired by the Heywood community and their commitment to the festival. 

“You’ve got to support these small communities and places,” he said.

“It’s amazing what a little town community can get behind.”

Candlestick makers Jill and Ian Carter said they had been attending the Heywood festival for more than seven years. 

“I love the fact that I just walked past Elvis Presley. It’s only in these country towns,” Ms Carter said.  

“It’s kind of in touch with it’s inner dag this town.”

Member for Wannon Dan Tehan acted as judge of the street parade on Saturday and said it was great to wind down in such a superb country town. 

“It’s fantastic. They’re hoping to get 10,000 people which is quite extraordinary,” he said. 

“Events like this bring income into the town and it’s just great.” 

South West Coast MP Roma Britnell was also a judge of the parade and remarked on the enthusiasm of the town. 

“It’s my first time here at the festival and I’m majorly impressed,” she said. 

“It’s an amazing effort.” 

The work of the volunteers was much appreciated and praised on the day. 

Glenelg Shire Council Mayor Max Oberlander said the volunteers were integral to the success of the festival. 

“Every volunteer that can be dragged from here to kingdom come are here,” he said. 

“They’ve been fantastic.”