By Emma Groves

Charity was the order of the day at the Sheraton Mirage Longest Lunch on Friday, with about 300 guests braving the humidity and digging deep to raise funds for the Leukaemia Foundation.

Billed as "the best excuse for a very long lunch", the nautical-themed event is a highlight on the region's social calendar, and kicks off Port Douglas' 10-day Carnivale celebrations.  

The sold-out function featured three courses of sensational regional culinary delights, created by award winning Sheraton Mirage Head Chef Klaus Keller, and celebrity support, with TV personality Ed Phillips, NBL Taipans players Cameron Tragardh and Jamar Wilson, NRL Northern Pride player Ty Williams and Cairns Mayor Bob Manning sharing the spotlight with the Sheraton Mirage's resident saltie.

There was an enthusiastic entry into the 'Best Dressed' competition which encouraged guests to mix sailor stripes and epaulets with frocks and fascinators. 

Even Mother Nature was in a giving mood, delaying the traditional Carnivale rain.

The Leukaemia Foundation's Annette Jarrett says the Longest lunch plays a major fundraising role for the national organisation. "This is one of our biggest events of the year, from a local perspective." The Foundation was aiming to raise $14,000 at Friday's event, from a combination of ticket sales, on-the-day contributions, and a silent auction.

This opening event came to a gentle end just in time for guests to alight their carriages and make their way back into the centre of town to enjoy the Macrossan Street Street Parade where it was certain that the whole town would be welcoming in Carnivale 2013.