As Central Queensland’s premier family fun day, the CQ Multicultural Fair and CQU Open Day promises activities and entertainment for toddlers to grandparents.

More than 30,000 people are expected to converge on CQU Rockhampton to attend the “Community Event of the Year” next Sunday 11 August.

Organiser Gina Yarrow said the event is a day out for the whole family. “For the young children, Bananas in Pyjamas are sure to be a huge hit, while Jimmy Little will draw a crowd for all ages,” Mrs Yarrow said. “Arguably the most popular children’s act in the country, B1 and B2 will treat their audiences at 12.15pm and 2pm next Sunday, while Jimmy will perform at 2.35pm.

CQU’s Office of Research will also target the young and young at heart at the Fair. Staff will dress up in mad scientist costumes, distribute balloons and stickers and will promote the work currently being done at the Wombat Research Centre in Rockhampton. A wombat poster competition is currently being run and the winning entries will be displayed at the Office of Research site at the Fair. Winners of the competition receive wombat party bags and a trip to the wombat enclosure. CQU’s education and performing arts students will present a display on the ‘Great Moments in Science’. Audiences will be treated with mystery black box show, hands-on pendulum, chemistry and electricity problem-demos, costumed skits, street theatre and tabloid-style story-telling. Puzzles include working out how the mystery box throws objects high in the air and tackling a fun quiz with prizes.

Project co-ordinator Dr Allan Harrison said he was keen for visitors to engage and interact with the project so they would understand more about the nature of science and scientific inquiry. 'Great Moments in Science' will feature on the hour, between 10am and 3pm, in the Commercial Centre courtyard area.

Children of all ages can also be involved in the interactive performance stage where they can learn calypso drumming and international folk dancing, from internationally renowned performers.

This year, the Year of the Outback, organizers will focus on contributions immigrants have made to the settlement and development of rural and regional Australia. More that 30 cultures will be represented on the day with a parade of nations taking place at 10.15am. More than 300 children will take part in this parade and will feature “outback” banners they have created in workshops over the past few weeks.

"Thousands come (to the Fair) year after year because they know it's a unique opportunity to celebrate, together, our diversity and showcase our ethnicity and culture," Mrs Yarrow said.

“We are also proud to offer 35 different international foods on the day.” ABC reporters and personalities, including Sunday morning presenter Warren Boland, are key participants in festivities. CQ Multicultural Fair is a joint initiative between CQU and ABC Capricornia, with support from The Morning Bulletin.

A colour Morning Bulletin insert, scheduled for publication nest Thursday, 8 August, will provide up-to-date information on workshops, performances and other Fair events. Saturday 10 August edition will provide a map and full details of Sunday's schedule of events.

Above: Mad scientists (otherwise known at the staff from CQU’s Office of Research) will entertain children of all ages at the CQ Multicultural Fair and CQU Open Day.