THOUSANDS either took part in or watched the Swiss Italian Festa's Grand Parade on Saturday, the start of 10 days of all things Swiss and Italian.

From jesters to goats, to bell-ringers, there was something for everyone and the day just got better with the official opening at the Hepburn Springs Soundshell.

President Rob McDonald said the event had been "blessed with magnificent spring weather".

He praised the work of the volunteer support teams, his hard working committee and the sponsors for making the opening of the festa such a wonderful success.

He also praised schools for their contributions to the concert program and the parade.

"You would be hard pressed to find a more exuberant and vibrant display of community participation in a local event," he said.

"The schools were just terrific and were all in fine voice."

Mr McDonald said the guests of the festa, Melbourne Italian Festival director Franca Smarelli, Victorian Multicultural Commission commissioner Joe Caputo and Ballarat

East MP Geoff Howard, were "in raptures" with the event.

"They were all impressed with the level of attendance and the diversity of the festa program," he said.

"Mr Howard also announced a $10,000 State Government grant from Regional Development Victoria for the Feast of Choirs' event."

Mr McDonald said there were plenty more events with the festa running until October 18.

Upcoming events include the Fabulous Feast of Choirs, open gardens, artists open studios, soccer, bocce and cycling, the Winery Wanderer bus tour, heritage walks and

bushwalks.

The festa ends with a Community Feast at Daylesford Town Hall on Saturday, October 17, with the finale, on Sunday, October 18, including the pasta sauce competition

judging and pasta dinner at The Palais and the Lantern Parade and the fireworks display at the Mineral Springs Reserve.

Festa bookings on 0429 084 013 with programs available at the Daylesford Information Centre or www.swissitalianfesta.com.au