The director of the Horsham Irish festival says many residents are unearthing their connections to Ireland, ahead of the inaugural event on Saturday.
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Andrea Cross said the region's Irish history is strong.
"That's what I've found to be a highlight organising this event," she said.
"It's uncovered that every second person seems to have a wee bit of Irish in them.
"We've actually got an Irish family from Warracknabeal who are having their family reunion here. They're calling in their families from across Victoria, and they'll be celebrating at the festival."
Mrs Cross said there had been much more interest in the lead up to this year's event compared to the German Festival in October.
"I think that's due to Irish being a culture that so readily lends itself to fun," she said. "I hope that translates into greater attendance rates."
"It starts with the Big Irish Brekkie on the Saturday morning, and we've got over 100 people booked for breakfast already, but people can still rock up on the day," she said.
"Anybody who buys a ticket online or at the breakfast will get a 20% discount at their brekkie, and we'll have an interval from 12.30 until 3 before the Village Green opens in the afternoon. We'll have Irish whisky tasting, a movie on the Optus screen, and at 7.30 the Horsham School of Dance Irish dancers will be opening Paddy's Bar with a live performance."
"Running in conjunction is an artisan's market: We've got nearly 30 stallholders selling their wares. The heats for the Danny Boy singing competition start at breakfast as well at 9.30, so if anyone's interested to win $100 that's the first prize.
"In addition, we're offering half price admission to the festival per couple for farming families. We're being funded by the VFF's Look Over The Farm Gate initiative.
The 2016 census showed Irish is the fifth most common family background in the Horsham region, with just over 2000 people - or eight per cent of all residents - claiming it as their ancestry.