There will be dogs, hats, upcycled couture and a fair chance of some gloriously questionable talent when Tropical Fruits takes over Lismore Showground for Fruitopia this Sunday.
The annual all-ages Fair Day returns from 11am to 5pm with a deliberately eclectic program including Fruits Got Talent, a dog show, hat competition, photo show, live entertainment, kids’ activities, food and community stalls.
Organisers are encouraging people to dress for the occasion, with ‘upcycled couture’ among the suggested themes for a day that is designed to be more village fair than nightclub.
Fruitopia is one of Tropical Fruits’ major community events and is intended as a family-friendly gathering for the broader Northern Rivers LGBTQIA+ community, friends and supporters.
The event is free, with donations encouraged.
For an organisation better known outside the region for its large New Year and dance-party events, Fruitopia is the daytime, dogs-and-kids end of the Tropical Fruits spectrum.
It also arrives at a time when many community organisations across the region are putting increasing emphasis on events that bring people together away from formal services and nightlife.
Along with the entertainment, the day will include stalls from local groups and organisations, giving people a chance to connect with community services and networks.
Fruitopia runs at Lismore Showground on Sunday, September 13, from 11am to 5pm.
And while the dog show may be fiercely contested, the safest bet is that nobody will leave underdressed.
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
