Port Douglas, 24th May, 2015 – From gourmet food events to the Macrossan Street Parade, Four Mile Family Beach Day and World Motorised Cooler Championship, thousands from across the region and beyond converged on Port Douglas for the 21st birthday Carnivale festivities at the weekend.
Roy Weavers, general manager of Port Douglas Carnivale, said the Carnivale weekend opener saw record crowds out and about enjoying the different events from Friday through to Sunday.
He said setting the tone for the weekend was the Street Parade, which saw a record crowd of around 10,000 people line the street to watch the progression with over 40 floats.
“The parade was just fantastic, the community really get behind this event and the callibre of floats was out of this world, congratulations to everyone that took part and especially the winners,” he added.
Taking out best community float was the Port Douglas Neighbourhood Centre, best commercial float went to Port Douglas Auto and best overall float was the Wildlife Habitat.
At the Jansz Longest Lunch, 200 guests took in the breathtaking views at Rex Smeal Park in the new look event, presented by Roux Blond.
“This was the first time the event has been held at Rex Smeal Park, and there is no question that one of Port Douglas’ most spectacular natural assets was the highlight on the day,” Mr Weavers added.
On Saturday a huge crowd turned out for the Yabusame on the Beach, which saw two time Polish world champion Norbert Kopczyński win on the day.
Kopczyński is one of the most famous and accomplished horseback archers in the world. He said it was a highlight for him to compete on Four Mile Beach.
“It is a beautiful, safe, beach, and with a great crowd and beautiful weather, it doesn’t get any better,” he said.
Backyard Games and the World Motorised Cooler Championship, completed the weekend with 42 competitors vying for the title over the 105 metre course at the Reef Marina.
The World Champion was Port Douglas’ very own Darren Thompson with a time of 2 minutes and 17 seconds.
In second place was Tadayoshi Hattori from Japan with a time of 2 minutes and 37 seconds and Jarrod Tesch from Mossman in third place with a time of 2 minutes and 42 seconds.
Mr Weavers said he was looking forward to the coming events which included the Mickey Ink Clipper Cup, the Port Douglas Village Street Art and Music Festival, The Big Laugh, Modele 15, and Seafood Extravaganza.
“There is still so much more to come and we are expecting big numbers to the Seafood Extravaganza next weekend,” he added.
Visit www.carnivale.com.au for more information on upcoming events and to book tickets.
ENDS
For interviews, contact:
Roy Weavers
General Manager
Port Douglas Carnivale
P 0437 549 110
Issued by:
Tanya Snelling
Strategic PR
P 0417 202 667
