Princess Elsa from Frozen, a helicopter lolly drop and a not-to-be missed Australian Yabusame Tournament, where warriors from five nations will compete in a Japanese horseback archery competition, are just some of the highlights at this year’s Port Douglas Carnivale’s Four Mile Family Beach Day on Saturday, May 23.
The fun begins down on the beach at 9am and continues throughout the day until an impressive finale of Medieval Jousting at 2pm by four jousters in full medieval costume displaying their skills to close the Family Day on a spectacular note.
Port Douglas Carnivale general manager Roy Weavers said activities included community singing, beach cricket and tennis, sky diving and gymnastics displays, a kid’s karate demonstration and lots of water sports to try.
The Kids’ Fun Zone, from 9.30am till noon, features fire-engine rides, tug-o-war and sandcastle competitions, plus the McDonald’s Major Stage Show from 10.30am with all their famous characters in a 30-minute performance.
Mr Weavers said the inaugural Australian Yabusame tournament at last year’s Carnivale was one of the festival’s highlights.
“It was the first time a Yabusame event had ever been seen in Australia and we couldn’t believe the number of spectators who came out to watch. We are expecting in excess of 5000 people once again,” he said.
This year, five sets of teams from China, the USA, Malaysia, Japan and Australia will compete for the Carnivale Cup. The 250m course will be set up at the northern end of the beach near the Sheraton Mirage Resort exit.
There will be some shaded areas, however, Mr Weavers said there would also be a special VIP viewing area with cash bar for those who want the best view.
