Carnival faces hard decision

THE annual Cairns Amateurs carnival has been the premier social and racing event in the Far North for 61 years.

The three-day occasion mixes networking, socialising and fashion with horse-flesh.

Companies use the grounds at Cannon Park to host elaborate functions for their customers and clients.

The racecourse is also the backdrop for some of the best fashions on the field in Australia.

It brings people far and wide and is well regarded.

The State Governor always attends as well as other politicians and captains of industry.

Sadly this year’s carnival is in doubt.

COVID-19 has put paid to the carnival as it has been known for more than 60 years.

A triple whammy has organisers in a bind.

It’s probable that if it is held there will be no patrons because of the restrictions on large gatherings.

Border controls mean there will be no guests from south of Coolangatta and north from Darwin.

Finally sponsorship, as well as corporate bookings, are likely to dry up because of the economic hits many businesses have taken because of the pandemic.

Cairns Amateurs president Ross Moller and his committee have a tough decision to make in coming days.

Does it go ahead at all or does it become patron-free with many limitations?

Cairns Amateurs needs people to be a vibrant and successful event.

Without a crowd it will not be the same and the organisers have really only one choice but to cancel for 2020.