In a surprise announcement the newly crowned Miss Carnivale, Holly Alifraco, has stepped down with this year's runner up Emma Farrell to now take on the role.

“Unfortunately Holly will not be able to attend key Carnivale events, and she felt it was best if she withdraw from the ambassador program at this early stage,” said Port Douglas Carnivale manager Ken Dobbs said.

Emma won over the crowd at Friday night’s event with her sense of adventure and obvious love of the region and Mr Dobbs felt Emma would be a perfect ambassador for the 10-day festival, which kicks off in just four weeks from May 17 to 26.

“It was a very close decision this year and both girls are equally deserving to take on the role,” he said. “Emma certainly was a crowd favourite on Friday night.”

Emma, who lives in Port Douglas, sported a blue Australian bikini and cricket bat in the swimwear section and cited Mossman Gorge as her favourite place to visit in the Douglas region, said she was looking forward to taking on her duties as Miss Carnivale.

Emma will now receive a contract with Platinum Model Management Australia worth $1200, a free one month modelling course valued at $500 and a $100 gift voucher for Platinum, the agency’s retail shop located at DFO.

“I am honoured to represent Port Douglas as Miss Carnivale and extremely excited about being part of this community event that everyone knows and loves.

“It does so much for tourism and the local economy, which is why everyone gets so involved, from the floats in the street parade to creating some of the most special and memorable food events.

"The 2013 program is going to be a lot of fun and I can’t wait to be a part of it all.”

Supporting Emma will be Miss Personality, who was awarded to Shari Mcelhinney. Together, they will attend key Carnivale events in an official capacity while helping to fundraise money for charity.