City kicks up heels with grand parade
AN explosion of colour, dance and good vibes brought the Cairns CBD to life as hundreds took to the streets for the Cairns Festival’s grand parade.
An estimated 25,000-plus people lined the Cairns Esplanade and watched from balconies as 71 floats made their way to Spence St and then down the Esplanade in a carnival-like offering of fun and merriment on Saturday night.
Zoe Wicks dancing in the parade with the Cairns Latin Dance Club returned to the grand parade for the fifth year.
“It was awesome, amazing the best,” she said.
“For me it’s a spiritual connection … with the community and an expression of happiness.
“Each year it just feels more fun and more enjoyable and this year the crowd was more engaged with us.”
Ms Wicks said dance and music was the foundation of most cultures and was glad to be a part of the culturally diverse range of participants in the parade this year.
“There is no fiesta without music and dance, so for me it’s a core element of kicking off any celebration.”
She said it had taken a few years but the Cairns crowd had slowly warmed to the risque outfits worn by the dancers of the club.
“The Cairns community are more used to us in G-strings and bum and feathers whereas the first time there was a few heart attacks,” she said.
Tara and Joel Townson watched the show with their two young daughters who were parade first-timers.
“They loved it,” Ms Townson said.
“I have not been for a while but it has been great.”
The couple said the grand parade was the perfect way to kick off the Cairns Festival before taking in a gig at the Tanks and the Carnival on Collins.
Taking to the street with the Singapore Charlie Costume Shop Renee Francis loved the experience of the parade.
“There was heaps of people compared with last year and the atmosphere was really cool,” she said.
“The crowd were loving it and just absorbing the whole atmosphere.
“Everyone honestly is having so much fun and getting involved. We really enjoy it and have a heap of fun.” Check out the video and picture gallery at www.cairnspost.com.au