1200 people experienced some brilliant live entertainment thanks to the organisers of the inaugural Port Douglas Community Garden Festival last Saturday.

Coinciding with the state election, people who cast their vote at the Port Douglas Community Centre then ambled down Mowbray Street where stalls, dance and drama, fitness, and music were delivered with Port's famous community spirit.

A weary but proud Community Garden project manager, Kevin 'K Star' Eldridge said the level of support from all involved meant around $6500 was raised by the end of the day to help fund the garden's development.

"With no funding, no real government support, just a team of dedicated volunteers we managed to pull it off all by ourselves," he said.

"We're currently putting together our wishlist of things we'd like to build such as sheds, toilets, office block, solar panels, worm farm, and maybe running chooks.

"All of that is currently with Cairns Regional Council for approval and then it has to go to DERM."

Watch the images from the day taken by Mylene Heidke (top left)

On approval, Mr Eldridge said the Community Garden group will be seeking advice from local building and landscape design experts to deliver what they hope will become Australia's best community garden.

He said that Saturday's show-stopper was the Cold Water Band who were playing in Port Douglas for the first time.

"A lot of people thought the highlight was the headline act, the Cold Water Band, from Wujal Wujal. They were just awesome. The Cubby House Kids were a bit of a highlight too."

Local businesses were huge supporters of the event donating over $10,000 in prizes including the major prize - five nights staying at Hibiscus Gardens valued at $2500 which was won by Liz Ross from Far North Training and Consultancy.

He praised the efforts of James Watson, Andy Smith, the Port Douglas Neighbourhood Centre, and the volunteers who made the day a success.

Mr Eldridge said he expected the Festival would grow bigger and better with even more community involvement in 2013.
 
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