When it comes to the Mighty Mitta Muster, veteran woodchopper Phillip Lord needs no introduction — his family is woodchopping royalty in these parts.

The Mitta farmer has been swinging an axe — just like his father — longer than he cares to remember and, with more than 35 years competition experience, he still wouldn't miss the annual Muster for quids.

"We regularly have world champions and Australian title holders chopping at the Mitta Muster, it's a real back-to event with great sentimental ties for many of Australia 's finest axemen," Phillip said.

This year's event, on Sunday March 8, promises to be another star-studded roll-up with former world champion Kevin Williams, of Barnawartha, entered, along with his talented son Jarrod who, at only 17, has already competed at Melbourne Royal.

"We've also got Brad Turner, of Ballarat, who's competed in the US, and we're hoping to have the Victorian champion tree fellers, Rodney Myer and John Coffee," Phillip said.

The tree-felling event, to be held at 3.30pm, is a nail-biting spectacle where men ascend "trees" using the old fashioned method of cutting a slit, putting in a board, standing on it and continuing the process until they are about 4m from the ground where they chop off their log. And they do it all in about 1½ minutes.

"It's a fabulous thing to watch, the crowd just loves it," Phillip said.

Phillip's father, Jim, a highly respected wood chopper, is being honoured this year with a memorial event and just to continue the family tradition, Phillip's son, Nicholas, already a Melbourne Royal veteran, will be competing as well.

The Muster, which started in 1972, has always been an all-round family event and almost 40 years on clings steadfastly to this tradition.

However, this year, with funding assistance from the Victorian State Government and Towong Shire Council, the event will add a bit of spice, organising committee member Kasey Miller said for the first time the Muster will include a Hot Rod and Classic Car rally.

"It should be fantastic; we've contacted more than 120 clubs throughout south-east Australia and we're expecting a roll-up of some amazing vehicles," Kasey said. "It should be a great day for enthusiasts."

The traditional Muster events such as the 100m sprints, the showjumping including the Betty McVean Memorial, novelties, whipcracking and the dog jump are all designed with maximum participation and fun in mind

"The dog jump is always good fun and anyone can bring their family pet along to have a go — there are different sections for different sizes — and it's always a great crowd pleaser," Kasey said.

For those who want to make a weekend of it, head up early and give yourself plenty time to enjoy what this beautiful valley has to offer.

For a start, The Muster venue, Magorra Park, is a unique destination — a large caravan park and recreation reserve, set amongst beautiful old trees on the banks of the Mitta River.

While you're there, enjoy some of the local sights such as The Witches Garden, Australia's largest medicinal herb garden, the local gallery featuring the work of the acclaimed Mitta Masters, enjoy some of the beautiful walks, or take a short 10-minute drive to the popular fishing village of Dartmouth.

On Saturday night, Magorra Park will host the Mitta's first moonlight cinema session which will feature two family movies or, if you're in the mood for nostalgia, there's an old time dance as well.

And throw in the golf clubs, the local course is just next door.

The Mighty Mitta Muster is a popular weekend so if you want self-contained cabins or powered sites you are advised to book ahead. However there are plenty of other accommodation options including the Wonjeena B and B, the Cottage on the Creek opposite the Witches Garden and hotels, motels and more caravan parks at nearby Dartmouth and Eskdale.

For more information and accommodation contact details visit www.mightymittamuster.com.au.