Parade gets the party started as Carnivale celebrates 20 years
Parade gets the party started as Carnivale celebrates 20 years
Monday May 19 2014, 11:57am
Carnivale visitors have been treated to beautiful far north Queensland weather and a swag of amazing events over the weekend with organisers promising even more to come.
The annual event kicked off with the spectacular Macrossan Street Parade thousands of visitors lining the streets to witness more than 30 floats proceed through the town.
Judges awarded best overall float to the Port Douglas Neighbourhood Centre and best community float to the Port Douglas Surf Club with the Jabiru Jokers winning a special Endeavour Award for their entry.
Carnivale General Manager, Roy Weavers said crowd numbers had been encouraging.
"I can't remember crowds quite this big," he said.
"It's very pleasing and a tribute to all the hard work the community has put in together."
Last year organisers were forced to postpone the parade due to rain and despite the threat of a late evening shower, the event went uninterrupted, culminating in a spectacular fireworks display over Anzac Park from 8:30pm.
Earlier in the day more than 200 guests gathered at the Sheraton Mirage for the Longest Lunch with special guests including Powderfinger's Bernard Fanning and Australian cricket legends Allan Border and Michael Kasprowicz enjoying the three course menu.
The event raised $17,000 for the Leukaemia Foundation.
On Saturday an estimated 5,000 spectators took in the Yabusame Tournament on Four Mile Beach.
The Japanese archery tournament marked the first time an accredited Yabusame event has ever been held outside Japan.
Mr Weavers said the event didn't disappoint the large crowd, with archers performing well in windy conditions.
"This was a high drawcard for people and we were overwhelmed by the support of people who came out to watch," he said.
Hotels and tourism operators have reported strong business throughout the weekend with more events planned for the rest of the week.
Mr Weavers said he was looking forward to the Port Douglas Village Street Art and Music Festival, The Big Laugh, Palates of Port, Taste Port Douglas and the Seafood Extravaganza among others.
"There is still so much more to come," he said.
"We are expecting even bigger crowds next week with the Screaming Jets to perform as well as other highlight events.
"The forecast is looking good for the rest of the week and it looks like people are making a point to stay in town which is what we really want."
On Tuesday night, Carnivale's new look fashion parade, modele 14 will be held at Rasa Restaurant and Lounge at Niramaya Villas and Spa, starting at 6:30pm.
Tickets are $33 at the door.
Visit www.carnivale.com.au for more information on upcoming events and to book tickets.
