Page 24 - Port Douglas Magazine 40

After dark celebrations in Stinger Park
PHOTO CREDIT Tanya Snelling

attracted was incredible – Australian champions Ken Rosewell, Mal Anderson, Street, chased by a giant inflatable octopus. The laughter echoed through the
Peter Froelich and Ashley Cooper were amongst the glitterati. The final day palm-lined avenues as bewildered tourists and locals alike watched the surreal
saw several live bands play as the sun went down in Stinger Park, a wonderful spectacle unfold.
tradition that has remained to this day. But it wasn’t just about the silliness. Carnivale became a showcase for the
The following year’s festivities saw the first Seafood Extravaganza on the town’s creativity and artistic flair. The annual ‘Art in the Park’ event turned
boardwalk at Marina Mirage in conjunction with the local fishing industry. This the lush, green expanses into an open-air gallery, where local artists could
was the idea of a local fisherman named Billy Walsh who wanted to highlight display their masterpieces. There were sculptures made from recycled materials,
the fishing families integral to the community. Over vibrant paintings capturing the essence of the reef, and
the years, the fishing industry of Port Douglas had installations that left spectators scratching their heads in
contributed thousands of dollars to local charities “For Seafood Extravaganza, delight. This was also the same year the Family Beach
and community events, with this one no exception. Day saw the introduction of camel races along Four Mile
For Seafood Extravaganza, the fisherfolk absorbed the fisherfolk absorbed all Beach. There would be few from that day who could
all costs and donated every cent made from the day, costs and donated every cent forget the sight of a camel disappearing up the beach with
while revellers dined on incredible local seafood dishes Mayor Mike Berwick grimly hanging on (public liability
prepared straight off the back of boats. An hysterical made from the day, while wasn’t such a thing in the olden days).
‘Waiter’s Race’ was held, with waiters racing along the Of course, no Carnivale would be complete without a
boardwalk through the Mall and back to the starting revellers dined on incredible culinary adventure. The ‘Taste of Port’ food festival took
line, carrying trays of drinks, attempting not to spill local seafood dishes prepared visitors on a gastronomic journey, featuring the region’s
a drop. straight off the back of boats.” freshest seafood, exotic fruits, and mouth-watering
Most importantly, 1995 saw the first ever Macrossan tropical concoctions. Held at the Clink Theatre, this
Street Party, an incredible coming together of event went down in the annals of history for a storm that
community and creativity. Schools, special interest collapsed the tent. At the following morning’s clean up, a
groups, sporting clubs, businesses, and individuals all assembled in a cacophony guest from the function was found sound asleep under the collapsed tent. He
of colour, parading down Macrossan Street. As the years rolled on, the street was fairly bemused by the very large sleeping bag he had just spent the night in,
parade evolved into a riotous celebration of all things tropical and terrific. One and a little confused that the event wasn’t still on.
year, the locals - with their infectious sense of humour - decided to spice things By the early 2000s, Carnivale saw the introduction of the Longest Lunch.
up. They introduced the ‘Salty Suits’ competition, where parade participants The idea behind this event was to provide guests, predominantly corporate
dressed up as their favourite marine creatures – from flamboyant clownfish sponsors and media personnel, the opportunity to celebrate the region’s fresh
to majestic sea turtles. The streets of Port Douglas were transformed into a food, excellent produce and great service in an outstanding setting. Created
living, breathing aquarium of hilarity. A group of daring participants decided and sponsored initially by the Marina Mirage, then by various food, wine
to recreate the epic tale of Captain Jack Sparrow versus the fearsome Kraken. and events companies as the years rolled on, this event was - and still is - one
Picture this: A troupe of rum-addled pirates stumbling down Macrossan of the cherry events of Port Douglas Carnivale, by far the best-tasting way
26 Port Douglas Magazine & Travel Planner