Carnivale event organisers are inviting people to take part in the 2016 program and say there are many ways you can join in to be ‘part of the party’, whether you’re an artist, a food producer or if you fancy taking on a creative weekend project.

Enter a float in the Carnivale Wonders of the Tropics Street Parade on Friday night (May 20 from 5pm). Show your community pride and join in one the best traditions of Carnivale by entering a float as an individual, a business, with friends or as part of a community group. It’s free to enter and prizes include the “Best Overall Float” ($1500), “Best Commercial Float” ($500) and “Best Community Float” ($500). 

Host a food or non-food market stall at one of the public events happening over Carnivale weekend (May 20-22), including the Family Beach Day at Four Mile Beach (Saturday May 21), the Port On A Fork Food & Wine Festival (May 21) and the Fisherman’s Village Seafood & Music Festival (May 22).

For the creative and artist types, you can submit your artwork for consideration in the Container Art in the Park exhibit throughout Carnivale weekend. Your art could feature alongside some of the region’s most talented artists in a modern industrial shipping container gallery space next to the Sugar Wharf.

Showcasing a range of visual arts mediums and styles, artwork will also be for sale. Market stalls also available to operate over the weekend include handmade crafts, jewelery, accessories, merchandise and art inspired products. 

Organiser Melissa Head from Knockout Events said the success of Port Douglas Carnivale was largely due to the support and involvement of locals who have enthusiastically immersed themselves in the program each year.

“In particular, we hear great things about the fun-loving, blinged-up, all-star singing and dancing locals who make the street parade the highlight that it is and we look forward to seeing what Port presents for the 2016 opening.”

Get ready for the ultimate Party in Paradise!  For event dates, booking and more information on taking part in Port Douglas Carnivale 2016, visit www.carnivale.com.au.