Good times, great memories - another wonderful 'Carnivale' festival wraps in Port Douglas
BRAVO
Perfect weather, plenty of smiles and lots of enjoyment were the lasting images of another lively and spectacular Carnivale festival that wrapped up just hours ago in Port Douglas.
Sunday festival goers helped themselves to a sumptuous seafood extravaganza this afternoon to herald the close to what’s been a perfect three days.
“People have loved the atmosphere here in town with every corner of Port Douglas activated in some way,” Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr said.
“This includes Four Mile Beach, Rex Smeal Park, Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina, the Community Hall, Dixie Park and the Sugar Wharf as well as pubs and restaurants that were part of the live music trails event.”
As usual Friday night’s street parade was the pick of the events. Hundreds of locals and tourists alike packed Macrossan St to see the businesses, community groups, sporting clubs and individuals that all took part or entered floats.
In the end Port Douglas State School won best overall float, Dougies Backpackers, claimed best business float, Mossman Sharks Junior Rugby League won best community float, Bodies in Motion was best youth entry, and Sweet K was named best individual.
“The Property Shop Macrossan Street Parade theme this year of ‘Living the Best Life’ reminds us how fortunate we are to be living in this amazing part of the world,” Mayor Kerr said.
“The parade continues to be a real celebration of the world-class produce, talent and creativity we have in the community.”
Meantime the longest lunch and charity auction keeps on giving, having raised a staggering $60,000 for the Mossman Hospital Friends of the Foundation. The 220 guests in attendance enjoyed a delicious four-course menu.
The Marina was the setting for the FNQ Gin Fest on Saturday while the beach day the same day proved a hit as usual with many taking part in the annual sandcastle building competition, wake boarding sessions and water sports, dancing, food stalls and community markets.
Organisers said heaps of hounds enjoyed the Pooch Party which raised valuable funds for the Paws & Claws Animal Shelter.
“The purpose of Carnivale has always been to bring people to the region in what is typically our shoulder season and act as a tool to promote the destination across Australia,” Tourism Port Douglas and Daintree chief executive officer Tara Bennett said.
“Once again, we have had a strong contingent of visitation from Cairns and Townsville as well as Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide and Brisbane. We continue to see a lot of people return year after year for their favourite events.”
Next year’s event will run from May 24-26, 2024.