Port Douglas Village Carnivale commenced in 1993 and since that time it has grown from strength to strength. Carnivale is unique due to its very strong local participation from all walks of life, including the local sugar industry and fishing fleet. It is a time for the locals to kick up their heels and join in the week of varied entertainment. Visitors have now discovered the excitement of the weekend and many are returning each year to join in the relaxed fun of Carnivale.

Historically, Port Douglas Village Carnivale was developed to celebrate the opening of "the tourist season" and promote the area both domestically and internationally. With 2002, we see the '10th Birthday Celebrations" of Carnivale and the event has gone from strength to strength with a popular fq11owing and many returning guests.

Carnivale has a very special concept, where the community is actively involved in every aspect. From designing a float, raising money for their School, Club or Charity, creating sand sculptures to simply being one of the crowd.

The week of events begins on the Wednesday (22nd May 2002) with a night sail on the yachts participating in this year's regatta "Port Douglas Yacht Club Clipper Cup", with an opportunity for land lovers to climb aboard for a sail.

If golf is where you want to be then take part in the Links Golf Club Port Douglas, Carnivale Golf Challenge on Thursday 23rd May. A par 71 Championship course rated # 18 in the 'Top 25 Resort Courses in Australia".

Last year saw the addition of two new events with the Marina Mirage introducing the Longest Lunch on the boardwalk of the Marina. In true Port Douglas style dress code was resort style and naturally there will be a fashion parade and entertainment throughout the afternoon. The longest lunch will be held on Friday 20 May in 2002. The other new event is for the more energetic spectator- a Rugby Tournament with some high profile players in attendance, which will be held over the two days of the weekend.

On Friday evening, the main street of Port Douglas, Macrossan Street, is closed to traffic and becomes a Boulevard of al fresco dining, street theatre, music and dance. Entertainers mingle with the thousands who have flocked into the street to enjoy the festivities. The highlight is the Grand Float Parade, a parade for all ages, with a large community involvement.

This year another new event is added to the program with the introduction of Rydges Reef Resort Port Classic Triathlon kicking off early on Saturday morning prior to the Family Fun Beach Day.

Festivities on famous Four Mile Beach kick off on Saturday morning where family fun and games are held. The beach becomes a living art gallery, when the local artists and visitors alike create their sand models. The judges have a hard task to choose the various winners and Grand Champion. Australia's bronzed lronmen hit the water for the race series, while the park becomes alive with market stalls, entertainment, street theatre and Kid's World, a special place for the little ones.

Have you ever dreamt of the setting - exciting food and wine to tempt the most discerning tastebuds, waving palm trees, moon light across the Coral Sea and in the distance the ancient majestic mountains of the Daintree Rainforest? All this and more can be experienced at the Food & Wine Festival held on Saturday evening.

Sunday morning is when everyone heads to Marina Mirage for a leisurely breakfast and entertainment at the Seafood Extravaganza and before they know it - it is lunchtime. The local fishermen provide the tempting selection of seafood embracing every delicacy from the oceans. As the day progresses, people laze in the sun listening to music and marvel at the surrounding beauty of ocean, mountains, yachts, and the joy of having the chance to experience another year of the Port Douglas Village Carnivale.

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