by Mathew Churchill

The Hollywood Gala event at the Sugar Wharf on Thursday night was the official launching place for Carnivale 2010.

The friendly vibe between locals and visitors to Port Douglas set the scene for a great night, where, at every turn you could meet a famous Hollywood star, from Marilyn Monroe to Mal Meninga (Grub’s take on a Hollywood celebrity).

Local band, Los Caracoles, got the crowd warmed up with their mix of Latin and world music inspired songs, before 1RAR Big Band took over with blasts of brass.

Is there anywhere else in the world where you could be served a drink by Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz, and have your glass collected by a Storm Trooper from Star Wars?  Other celebs to grace the boards of the Sugar Wharf included Diana Ross, Steven Spielberg, Humphrey Bogart, Herbie, and more than one Errol Flynn.

Check out our photo gallery for the who’s who of the Carnivale opening.