The revival of the Mossman Sugar Festival was planned to be a three year process with a diverse event calendar being built slowly but surely during that time to make it both successful and manageable.

This year, Year 2,  the festival has expanded to two days with both the Sugar Festival Charity Gala Ball being held on the opening day, Friday evening 9th Oct followed by the Sugar Festival Family Fun Day from 9.30am to 2pm the following Saturday morning (10th Oct) at George Davis Park.

After the success of the inaugural Charity Ball last year, the Sugar Festival organisers are delighted to be able to report that the Douglas Shire Community Services are doing it all again on Friday 9th October.

Several locally owned family businesses have sponsored the Ball this year. Special mention should go out the Quaid Family owner operators of Mossman & Port Douglas Tree Loppers for their help with a significant cash donation for infrastructure costs. 

Events such as this take a lot of money and effort to put on and the Gala Ball has gathered assistance from a whole array of sponsors. Colin Simpson and Ali Dart from Indigo Port Douglas who have donated a sunset cruise for 12 people on board their sailing catamaran. In addition to this they have provided a fully catered day trip for 12 people valued at over $2,000 which will be auctioned on the night.  Calypso cruises have provided a family snorkelling tour and Wompoo Eco Retreat at Cape Tribulation have donated one night’s accommodation at their new bed and breakfast. 

Other sponsors include Mossman Print, Mossman Bowls Club, GBR Helicopters, Coral Reef Coaches, Sweet Farm Tours, Uptown Rentals and Syd & Pally Lloyd. The generosity of all these local businesses and individuals allows the continuation of vital fundraising activities to provide essential support services for people with a disability, youth at risk, people living with a mental illness and the vulnerable and disadvantaged members of our community.

The community staff and volunteers work to remove barriers to opportunity and social inclusion and improve the quality of life for individuals in our community.

Services Co-ordinator, Desley Lloyd said, “I would like to take this opportunity to extend a heartfelt thank you to our valued sponsors for their contribution to this event. Please get behind our local community organisation by coming along end enjoying a night of wonderful food, and spectacular entertainment”.

Bookings for this event are essential see below.

Organising a Family Fun Day at George Davis Park opposite the Saturday Markets the following morning (Sat 10th) after the Ball has been described by some local residents as both, “a very brave move’ and in most cases “just plain daft,’ when you consider that the organisers of this family fun day will also be attending the Gala Ball the previous evening and with very affordable drink prices, there could be some fuzzy heads and furry tongues drifting around in the park doing their best to set up all the games and races.

Fun Day co-ordinator, Roy Weavers has suggested that, “if anyone has any questions on the day that they use a low whisper to avoid any unnecessary suffering for the volunteer crew!”

But seriously, the backyard giant games that comprise the Family Fun Day are all  tried and trusted to ensure a fun-filled day.  The world famous motorised crazy coolers are making their first ever appearance in Mossman and there will be a personal appearance of Darren ‘Tommo’ Thompson, the first ever World Champion who won his crown back at the Port Douglas Carnivale in May this year.  He will be keen to race a few locals to see if they have what it takes to be a champion!

Thanks to our major sponsors Mackay Sugar and Mossman Print. Entry on the Family Day is FREE.  There is a $5 per ride (single or Parent and child) charge for the motorised eskies but ALL other games and races are FREE.

There are lots of prizes for both winners and losers because it’s the taking part and having a great time that matters to the Mossman Sugar Festival.

Fun Day co-ordinator Raelene Macdonald said, “We ‘re still looking for volunteers to help make the day a huge success and there are still spaces available for stalls if any schools, community groups or charities want to do some extra fund raising.  We would also welcome small commercial businesses who have souvenirs, gifts or services for sale. Stalls are FREE of charge with a 10% charge on total sales at the end of the day.  We want to make this year a real success to create something to build on for 2016 when we plan to expand things again.”

See you there.

For further details and stall bookings for Family Fun Day –
Roy 0437 549 110 or Raelene 0409 563 062

To book tickets for Charity Gala Ball –
Nicola 0407 043 106 or Desley on 0409 055 788