Sellout weekend for 2018 Carnivale

THOUSANDS of people from across the Far North and beyond converged on Port Douglas over the weekend for the 2018 Carnivale festivities.

Douglas Shire Mayor Julia Leu said it was a sold out weekend for all ticketed events with fantastic crowds enjoying the festive atmosphere.

“The feedback from the parade on Friday night was awesome, thousands of people came out, the weather was perfect,” she said.

Taking out best community float was Douglas United Football Club, best commercial float went to Dougies Backpackers and best overall float was Sabre Dance Company with a highly commended to Floral Edge. Ms Leu said judging the floats was difficult.

“There were so many where it was clear the people had put a lot of effort into it, lots of movement and participation,” she said.

“Sabre’s float was full of tropical magic, colour, and it certainly fit the Carnivale atmosphere.”

On Saturday, it was down to the beach for lots of live entertainment, the annual sandcastle building competition, and a new event for this year – Salsa in the Sand.

A new all-access disability ramp at Four Mile Beach was also officially unveiled.

Ms Leu said Douglas Shire Council was proud to make the beach accessible to everyone.

It was then back to Rex Smeal Park where former Daddy Cool and Mondo Rock frontman Ross Wilson wowed the crowd with some old favourites. Capping the weekend was the Seafood Extravaganza at Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina. View the online gallery of the Carnivale street parade www.cairnspost.com.au