Children dressed as super heroes as the crowd flapped the Australian flag to greet Campbelltown groups.

Campbelltown Mayor Aaron Rule said it was a ``jam-packed weekend'', which started with the art show at Campbelltown Art Centre on Friday night.

``It is an exciting time for Campbelltown and it showcases our part in history for me, the street parade is the highlight,'' he said.

``We live in a dynamic city and it was great to see the colour and vibrancy of the local groups.

``It was good to see the friendly faces and you don't need to look no further for proof of what a fantastic town Campbelltown is.''

Cr Rule officially opened the street parade in front of large crowds, which later spilled onto the main street.

``The dictionary defines a festival as `a day or period of celebration a concentrated series of concert, plays, held regularly or generally in one spot' , and while that is not a bad definition it really doesn't go far enough, I think, to describe our festival,'' Cr Rule said.

``Certainly, our Fisher's Ghost Festival is a period of celebration ... but our festival is much more than just that.

``The Festival of Fisher's Ghost is the largest community celebration of the year in Campbelltown.

``Steeped in history, the festival immortalises our most renowned former resident, Fred Fisher, and showcases this unique element of our past to both wider Sydney and indeed the rest of country.

``The first festival was held in 1956 as a fund-raiser.''

Cr Rule said that 53 years after the first event, the same community spirit that inspired it was still alive in Campbelltown.

``I encourage everyone to get involved in this year's festival attend the fireworks if you haven't before, browse at the street fair, have a look at the craft show, take the children to Fisher's kids and let your hair down on the carnival rides.

``The parade is an opportunity for all members of our community to come together and to showcase the diversity of what goes on in our city.''

Cr Rule thanked sponsors, organising committee, volunteers, judges and council staff for contributions in organising the event.