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FEEDBACK from Gold Rush Festival goers at the weekend has been overwhelmingly positive, according to festival committee president Jan Collins.

"It's the best for a long time. That's what we're hearing," Ms Collins said.

Ms Collins estimated 3000-4000 people attended the car show, concert and parade, over the course of the day.

"They were five rows deep up Mary St in some places," Ms Collins said of the street parade.

"And the food vendors ran out of food," she said, referencing the event in Nelson Reserve, and said the Eureka Fun Zone reported more than 480 children had purchased the $5 unlimited rides pass.

"There was excitement everywhere."

Ms Collins said Paul Vella, owner of Velmec Automotive Services and sponsor of this year's parade, had been in contact to thank her and the committee for the day. She said he described it as "terrific".

"People have been ringing up and telling us it was the best festival for a long time."

As with any festival, not everything went smoothly and unfortunately Gobi, Sahara and Simpson the camels weren't in attendance, but Ms Collins says they hope to have camel-rides at next year's festival, which the committee is already starting to plan.

There were three prizes awarded for this year's parade, with the three judges, Tony Perrett MP, Gympie Mayor Mick Curran and Cr Rae Gate having to wade through the hotly contested sections.

The Gympie Show Society took out the prize for the best float in the community section, Gympie West State School won the school section and The Gympie Times got the gong for the best float in the business section.