TOP THINGS TO DO: Weekend of fun for families

ALL WEEKEND

Lines in the Sand

WHAT: A series of events will be held across the region aimed at inspiring readers and writers, including author talks, workshops and competitions. The program will include presentations at the University of the Sunshine Coast campus, including a talk by Caylie Jeffery and a keynote speech from Kerry O'Brien. There will be writing workshops, publishing tips and book signings.

WHEN: See the council's website for session times.

WHERE: USC's Fraser Coast campus and Hervey Bay Library.

COST: Free

Hot Chilli Rollers

WHEN: Today, open to public from noon.

WHERE: Maryborough Showgrounds.

DETAILS: The two-day junior roller derby development experience will include training boot camps each morning and two action-packed bouts of an afternoon. There will be a full canteen at the event.

COST: $5 to $20

Toogoom Family Fishing Competition

WHEN: Saturday and Sunday

WHERE: Toogoom Community Hall for raffles and presentations.

WHAT: The event focus on fun and sustainable fishing practices.

There will be the usual great fishing prizes, super draws and family fun. On the Saturday at the grounds of the Toogoom Community Hall in Toogoom Road.

COST: Entry is $25 for adults and $5 for kids.

Hervey Bay Spring Orchid and Garden Spectacular

WHEN: Saturday from 8am to 4pm and Sunday from 8am to 2pm.

WHERE: Xavier Catholic College.

DETAILS: There will be six Orchid Society displays from Gympie, Maryborough, Childers, Bundaberg, Agnes Waters and Hervey Bay, featuring more than 100 orchids each.

There will be 12 vendors selling orchids and other types of plants and gardening goods.

COST: $5 per ticket, including a free Devonshire tea or coffee

Skyline Ferris Wheel

WHAT: Get a bird's eye view of the Bay from the top of the nation's largest transportable ferris wheel.

WHEN: Rides from 10am-9pm (Saturday) and 10am-8pm (Sunday).

WHERE: Pialba Esplanade, near the all-abilities park.

COST: Single admission $10, seniors $8, gondola (six riders) $30. Book at skylineattractions.com.au or at the booth.

TODAY

WetSide Light Show Spectacular

WHEN: Today from 7pm

WHERE: WetSide Water Park, Pialba

DETAILS: The fountain light show will go ahead on Saturday night, lighting up Hervey Bay's water park.

COST: Free

Fire Open Day

WHEN: Saturday from 9am to 11am.

WHERE: Craignish Fire and Rescue Station

WHAT: Your chance to meet some of the region's heroes and learn how to stay safe during bushfire season.

COST: Free

Maryborough Speedway

WHEN: Racing starts from 4pm

WHERE: 300 Gympie Rd, Tinana

WHAT: The first round of the Junior Sedans and Production Sedan Super Series.

COST: Entry for adults is $25, kids under 12 are free, $20 for concessions

TOMORROW

Model T Ford National Tour

WHAT: Maryborough will host the the largest collection of Model T Fords to be seen in Queensland.

WHEN: The event will kick off tomorrow and will continue until October 5.

WHERE: Members will meet on Sunday for a registration ceremony at the Brolga, where the cannon will be fired by Mary Heritage, followed by a welcome meal for the members. The Brolga will be the event headquarters for the week.

COST: Free