Page 25 - Port Douglas Magazine 40

Street Parade
PHOTO CREDIT
Catseye Productions

to launch the festivities. While the list of wild post-Longest Lunch stories is The arrival of Wonderland Spiegeltent in 2016 saw Spiegeltent owner Melissa
endless, Federal Member Warren Entsch to this day still holds the record of the Head appointed artistic director through a tender process bringing years of
‘Longest Luncher’ finishing his lunch a solid 15 hours later at 3.30am. At the circus, performance and event management knowledge to the Carnivale
Iron Bar, no less. festivities. Under this creative direction, Carnivale attracted music, burlesque,
In 2006 Carnivale changed gears. The Port Douglas Chamber of Commerce and acrobatic performers from around the world. The Wonderland Spiegeltent
lead by Ken Dobbs and with the help of Paula Johnson and Sam Cullen took became a highlight, with street performers twirling flaming batons, giant
the helm and immediately contracted Managing Australian Destinations jellyfish stilt walkers, coconut jugglers, and unicycles alongside locals in the
(M.A.D.) to manage the event. M.A.D. owner- street parade with the finesse of a Cirque du Soleil
operators Byron and Vicky Kirth injected a heightened act. Dixie Park transformed into a circus arena, and
amount of creativity and celebrity attendance, taking “Who could forget the year for a few glorious days, Port Douglas became the
the extravaganza out to 10 days and increasing the epicentre of entertainment, a town truly painted in
destination’s appeal. Leveraging the popularity of the whole of Australia got to arts.
the global cooking phenomenon that was Iron Chef witness brekkie television stars As the years turned into decades, the Port Douglas
combined with Australia’s must-watch cooking show Carnivale became a calendar highlight for locals
Ready, Steady Cook, M.A.D introduced Gourmet Karl Stefanovic, Lisa Wilkinson and a must-visit for anyone seeking a hearty dose
Gladiators to the Carnivale lineup. Here, a celebrity and a and Richard Wilkins racing the of tropical fun. With a hefty and impressive list
local chef went head-to-head with their cooking prowess. of rolling events covering arts, music and culture,
Channel 7’s Karl Stevanovic and cricketing legend Merv locals in the World Motorised Port Douglas Carnivale has continued to grow and
Hughes were amongst the celebrities, however they were Esky Racing Championships?” evolve, embracing the spirit of laughter, creativity,
no match for the epic battle throwdown the team from and community. The little town that once whispered
Salsa Bar & Grill created each year. its charm to a select few now shouted it from the
Audi sponsorship of the Port Douglas Regatta had the mountaintops, the air filled with the scent of
whole town decked out in Audi merchandise; the 350-strong Texas Hold anticipation and sunscreen. From humble beginnings to a riotous celebration
‘em Poker Tournament hosted by local legend Gusman at the Central Hotel of all things tropical, the Carnivale has woven itself into the very fabric of Port
made everyone a poker expert; a $20K prize on offer for a Barramundi Fishing Douglas.
Tournament in Dickson Inlet turned everyone into pro fisherfolk. And As the sun set on each Carnivale, leaving behind a trail of glitter, laughter, and
of course, thanks to Roy Weavers, who could forget the year the whole of memories, the people of Port Douglas knew they had created something truly
Australia got to witness brekkie television stars Karl Stefanovic, Lisa Wilkinson special. Port Douglas Carnivale wasn’t just an event; it was a testament to the
and Richard Wilkins racing the locals in the World Motorised Esky Racing spirit of a town that knew how to laugh, play, and celebrate the magic of life in
Championships? the tropics. And so now, after 30 years, the legend of Carnivale continues on,
echoing through the palm trees and coral reefs, inviting everyone to join in and
play under the tropical sun.