This year marks the fifth anniversary of the original Fiestas in 2014. Since then, co-ordinator Pauline McCracken said the event has settled into a format that works well.

“We try to find different artists that are popular for all ages,” she said.

“We get different sorts of bands for the first three and then on the fourth night, the Lake Committee take over with the duck races.”

Adelaide Rockabilly quartet The Lincolns are the headline act for the opening night on February 1, while the Nhill Button Accordion Band and the Teddy Bears’ Picnic for kids will kick off the event as in previous years.

Ms McCracken says while there are acts lined up for the following two evenings, the performances are subject to change as the community spirit surrounding the event grows.

“We’ve taken a bit of a build upon approach,” she said.

“We have an Elvis impersonator next week, but by the first week, some local groups want to chip in. For example we’ve had Nhill College approach and want to perform on the third night, and the Karen community will do some dancing on one of the evenings later this month, so stay tuned for some surprise acts as well.”

There is a cloud of uncertainty hanging over this year’s event: Last week, council closed the lake following the discovery of high levels of blue-green algae.

It remains to be seen whether this will force the postponement or cancellation of the traditional duck races.

“The Lake Committee is working very hard to make it happen and they’ll only postpone or cancel them if they really have to,” Ms McCracken said.

“They’ve been advised to use their speed boats to stir up the water. We’ll monitor it very closely, but we’re very keen to continue it.”

Though this year’s event is yet to begin Ms McCracken is already looking ahead to 2020. She said she wanted to encourage more people who follow the bands that play Fiesta to come visit the area.

“I really want to push that ‘halfway between Adelaide and Melbourne’ theme: we really do get a lot of people who realise how beautiful it can be when they get out here,” she said.

“People are really starting to come out here and treat it as a summer festival and have a look around while they’re here.”

Nhill Fiesta by the Lake Fridays in February at Nhill Lake from 8pm this Friday. Entry $5.