It was a party to beat all other parties as business people throughout the region celebrated their achievements at the Port Douglas Magazine 2012 Douglas Business Awards on Saturday night.

Held at Sheraton Mirage Port Douglas, a sell out crowd of more than 190 people attended the gala event to learn the results of over nine months of consumer voting across 30 categories ranging from restaurants, accommodation, wellness, health and beauty, entertainment and everything in between.

SEE CATEGORY WINNERS HERE

Port Douglas Magazine Editor Roy Weavers was ecstatic about the this sensational party night and of course with the phenomenal growth of the Awards, heading into its fourth year in 2013.

"From an idea just three years ago to give the business community a way to celebrate their efforts at trying to give great service to their customers, this year's event has surpassed all expectations.  This is exactly how the Port Douglas region should let its hair down and celebrate its fantastic achievements.

FULL PHOTO GALLERY

"In our first year in 2010 we received 1600 votes in total. But in 2012 we nudged over 8,500 votes so what this tells us is customers want the opportunity to give their feedback and reward businesses who provide a good product and even better service," he said.

"Some of the winners have won in the past and some are first time winners, but everyone who was there on Saturday night knows all too well that, in the end, it's what the customer thinks of you that really matters."

Special mention should go to 'The Haunting of Oak Beach', Winners of the 'Best Live Event/Festival of the year'.  They came in full Halloween costume and scared the 'living daylights' out of everyone with their entrance.  Fantastic fun and created a whole fun theme for the evening.

Mark Flinn, from Ray White Real Estate, one the guest presenter sprung a surprise on organisers Sam, Josh, Roy and Kerry by unwittingly inviting them on stage at the end of the presentations to dance 'Gangnam style'.  Not a pretty sight but another magical moment in the legend that is fast becoming 'The Douglas Business Awards Gala evening.'

Editors' final words, "A fantastic evening, we're just so proud of what these people are achieving for the entire region and when those who didn't manage to attend get to hear about this night of nights, we're going to need an even bigger venue next year!"

Congratulations Port Douglas!