With just hours to go until the Douglas Shire business community frocks up and frou-frous in preparation for this evening's gala Douglas Business Awards ceremony at the Sheraton Mirage, The Newsport spoke to some of the finalists vying for top accolades.

“The Douglas Business Awards have become an annual event that everyone looks forward to," said Richard Lavender, a finalist for Best Tourist Attraction and Best Live Entertainment Venue for his annual spook-fest, The Haunting of Oak Beach, and Best Professional Service Practice (Company) for website design company DOWN UNDER Online.

"Attending the event has become a who’s who in the Shire, and the Sheraton Mirage Port Douglas have continuously gone from strength to strength in preparations and great customer service.

"We are pretty excited about the recognition. To be nominated and reach a finalist position is a great honour, and clearly speaks volumes that we are doing something right.

"We think our chances of coming home with an award or maybe awards stands a good chance. With fingers crossed, this Demonised Ghoul will attire his best ghoulish outfit to enhance the evenings ceremony!”

Jocelyn Schumacher is a finalist in the Best Real Estate Rental Property Agent (Individual) category, with employer Raine & Horne a finalist in Best Real Estate Sales Agency (Company).

"This will be the first time we've attended the awards, and we've booked a table with a few of the other finalists," Ms Schumacher said.

"We're very excited and pleased to be nominated. Whatever happens on the night will happen; I'm just looking forward to getting dressed up and having fun.