Port Douglas Carnivale 2010 starts today
Fri 21 May
Port Douglas Carnivale 2010 starts today
Carnivale 2010 is here at last, and locals will join with visitors from all over Australia and abroad to celebrate what is the traditional start to the tourist season.
The official opening of Carnivale was held at The Sugar Wharf with a Hollywood Gala, but the town has already got behind the brilliant fundraising efforts of the Miss Carnivale entrants, with Sophie Stevenson being awarded the crown at the Masquerade Ball last Saturday night (click on the Port Douglas Miss Carnivale Ball 2010 image gallery on the Newsport home page).
The festivities kick off with the sold out Longest Lunch this afternoon from 12 noon at the Mirage Country Club. And for those who can still stand, the Street Parade along the traditional Macrossan/Wharf Street route will be heading off lthis evening at about 7pm.
Of course there are dozens more ways to be entertained during Carnivale, but let’s face it, not many of us know what we’re doing tomorrow, let alone over the next 10 days. So we thought it would be a good idea to take a bite size piece of Carnivale by setting out this weekend’s events below. And then we can worry about next week on Monday!
| Sheraton Mirage Longest Lunch | Fri 21 May 12 – 3pm (and longer) Sheraton Country Club | The 2010 theme for this event is ‘Lunch Like a Celebrity’ and this promises to be the ideal excuse for a very, very long lunch. Pre-arranged seating, table service of a thoughtfully chosen, three course menu showcasing fresh local produce (vegetarian options available – just ask when you book) | Tickets available online at www.carnivale.com.au www.foodandwinenq.com Phone: (07) 40 539 111 |
| Macrossan St Street Parade | Fri 21 May 5.30 for 7pm parade continues till 11 pm Macrossan St & Wharf St | A true community event in the finest tradition, the Macrossan Street Parade has long been a highlight of the Carnivale festival and regularly draws crowds of thousands who line the high street to cheer for their friends and colleagues. Entertainment kicks off at 5.30 pm with internationally acclaimed roving circus performers and great live music. The Parade starts at 7 pm and follows a route down Macrossan and Wharf Sts | |
| Street Parade – Rafters Party @ Carnivale Club | Fri 21 May Sunset Session 5 – 7 pm Evening Session 7 – 12 pm | Big, Spinn Sisters Hoop Show, DJ Juzi, DJ Smoothie, DJ Sammy J, DJ 911 | $5 $15 door / $10 online presale |
| Exemplar Clipper Cup | Sat & Sun 22 – 23 May | The Exemplar Clipper Cup Regatta is a six-race series staged over two weekends as part of Port Douglas Carnivale. Vessels compete for the prestigious Clipper Cup, originally raced off Hawaii as an international competition | Download entry forms from ww.carnivale.com.au www.portdouglasyachtclub.com.au $75 per boat |
| The Airing of The Quilts | Sat & Sun 22 – 23 May 9 am - 5 pm (3 pm Sat) Mossman Indoor Sports Centre. | Mossman District Branch Leukaemia Foundation annual Airing of the Quilts features a display of handmade quilts from mainly North Queensland. Also have craft stalls. Morning and afternoon tea and light lunch available. This is the fourth Airing of the Quilts held in Mossman. To display a quilt download the entry form from www.carnivale.com.au or phone: Lorraine Carrington 4098 1860. To set up a craft stall phone: R & C Fabrics and Linen Mossman 4098 1563. | $8 entry includes program |
| Carnivale BMX, Skate and Scooter Competition | Sat 22 May9:30 Registration 10 am Start Mossman Skate Park | A BMX, Skate and Scooter competition with age categories from 8 to 18+ years of age offering prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd in each age category supplied by PD Bike Works, and Compound Skate Shop | Free Entry |
| Food, Wine and a Taste of Port | Sat 22 May 5.30pm - 11.00pm Rex Smeal Park | Latin fever is set to strike Port Douglas this May, with organisers of Food, Wine & a Taste of Port tipping a richly detailed evening of Latin American food, music and dance entitled “La Vida Loca”. This food and wine festival is the premier social and cuisine event of Port Douglas Carnivale, and takes place under striking illuminated palm fronds. | Tables of 10 for just $380 Single tickets for $45. www.foodandwinenq.com.au Phone: (07) 40 539 111 |
| Jazz under the Stars @ Carnivale Club | Sat 22 May Sunset Session 5 – 7 pm Evening Session 7 – 12 pm | 1RAR Jazz Band 1RAR Jazz Band, Shirley & Julio | $5 $15 door / $10 online presale |
| Habitats 21st Birthday Celebrations | Sat 23 May Rainforest Habitat | The Rainforest Habitat celebrates its 21st Birthday with a fun-filled brunch! Guests are immersed within the Wetlands environment whilst enjoying the sounds and colours of wildlife as they wander freely amongst the guests. | Tickets available at www.carnivale.com.au www.rainforesthabitat.com.au $44 adults, $22 for kids and families $110 |
| Rattle ‘N’ Hum Wine and Music Day | Sun 23 May Rattle ‘N’ Hum | Enjoy the atmosphere in our relaxing beer garden where we will have food platters, live music and wine tasting to introduce our new premium wine selection. 18yrs + only but minors are allowed on the premises. Live entertainment, from 2pm to 5pm. A la carte food and other drinks will be available. | Free Entry |
| Douglas Rock ‘N’ Blues Bonanza | Sun 23 May 1pm - 6.30pm Rex Smeal Park | For crackin’ live music and good times in paradise, get on down to Rex Smeal Park for the Douglas Rock N Blues Bonanza. Johno’s Blues Band will be back in force, joining brother’s-in-musical-arms Flying Libido, Wizard & Oz, and the remarkable Jesse-Dean-Freeman. | Tickets available at www.carnivale.com.au $10 general admission, kids under 12 free. |
| Rock 'N' Blues Jam @ Carnivale Club | Sun 23 May Sunset Session 5 – 7 pm Evening Session 7 – 12 pm | Kan’d Peaches Swamp Dust | $5 Free Entry |
Click here to download for full Carnivale Guide
