Vanessa Soncin was chosen as Miss Carnivale 2012 on Friday night in front of a huge crowd and media throng at the Port Douglas Yacht Club.

The 18 year-old was the standout according to judges Rebecca Dent and Jorja Newham.

Vanessa took home $1500 worth of prizes including a professional photo shoot by Chanel Barin Photograhics, a modelling contract with Platinum Model Management Australia and direct entry into the Miss Teen Australia pageant. 17 year-old Demi Butler was named runner-up.
 
Vanessa said she was thrilled with the chance to represent the festival for 2012, and felt it was a very special role.

See more photos from the night

“It feels amazing to be chosen as an ambassador for this special event. The Miss Carnivale pageant is important as it contributes by fundraising for the Breast Cancer Foundation.

"Being chosen as Miss Carnivale is a special role because Carnivale is such a great community event. It does so much for tourism and for the local community as they can showcase their floats, their passion and their hospitality through all the events during the festival.,” she said.

The youngest contestant for Song of Carnivale, Kevin Carrington, 17, was this year’s winner.

Kevin, who hails from Mossman, wrote his song Smile inspired by last year's Carnivale. Kevin plays a range of instruments and has been a member in several bands over the years but now only plays as a solo act.

"The Port Douglas Carnivale is a great family event that can make anyone smile and that is where the title of my song 'Smile’ came from," he said.

"Last year we were on the beach sharing it with my friends and we went to the lookout. Looking out over Port Douglas made us smile. We climbed down on the rocks, had lunch, it was peaceful, fun, that's just how it was, and Smile came from that."