The lure of a new community event and chance to watch the Wild Gravel cyclists whizz by tempted hundreds of people to line the streets around Kendenup Town Hall for the Shire of Plantagenet’s first Quenda Festival.

Other than seeing the competitors in the Wild Gravel, event which included races of up to 420km around the Stirling Range, festival-goers could take part in all sorts of family activities including welly throwing, youth bike skills sessions and a classic car display.

The highlight of Sunday’s proceedings was probably the treasure hunt in which punters searched for plywood cut-outs of the eponymous marsupial specially made by the Kendenup Community and Men’s Shed.

Shire president Len Handasyde said the inaugural festival had been a big success — especially the foraging for quendas in the treasure hunt.

“It was great to see people ‘snout and about’, digging into everything that was on offer,” he said.

“From market stalls, art and craft workshops, community group displays, live music, a chill-out tent, youth bike skills sessions, trishaw rides, open gardens and exhibitions, there was plenty of family-friendly fun for everyone.”

He thanked the men’s shed for making the quendas and the Kendenup Progress Association for running the treasure hunt.

The people’s choice awards for decorating the quendas went to Anne Bateman, in the adult section, and Penny and Ashton Vermeulen who won the children’s category.

The shire ran the event in tandem with the Kendenup Progress Association, the Kendenup Town Hall committee and the men’s shed.