Amazing, fantastic and superb are some of the words used to describe the inaugural Caba Creative Carnivale held at Bogangar/Cabarita Beach over the long weekend.
The crowd want to have the Carnivale on a regular basis. Some visitors want a weekly event! Luckily the Caba Creative volunteers plan to run this community event on an annual basis, Canivale coordinator Duke Albada sadi.
“We are stoked and overwhelmed with the huge amount of people who came, many more than we could have dreamed of,” Duke said.
“And the super friendly vibe had visitors hang around for hours. Caba Creative volunteers worked endlessly for the past few months to get the Carnivale organised and it was an amazing job.”
Tweed Mayor Barry Longland opened the Carnivale and enthusias-tically proclaimed his support for the Carnivale, local initiatives and his passion for the ‘specialness’ of Cabarita Beach.
The stage was a central gathering and hangout space, with Tom Benditz the MC. Shamaran unleased the varied music line-up by introducing the seductive sounds from Turkey to an enthused crowd. From the mixing desk, Morgan Angell successfully managed the sounds for an assortment of performers. This included an endearing debut by Alan Kirk’s young son, the grungy beat of Magnetic Drillbits, lyrical thoughts by Sufi poet Thomas Keily and the beautiful voice of Devon Plumley.
“Studio 44 transformed this area into an artistic wonderland – presenting amazing huge canvasses and metallic fish sculptures,” Duke said.
“The sensational stage backdrop was hand-painted, inspired by Insight Image’s graphic design of our logo and the Carnivale poster.” Carnivale ‘central’ offered a lot of different activities. A second area was abuzz with community art and workshops, including the production of a shell mosaic mirror, tie-dyeing and a hand collage.
“A third area had rows of excited children waiting their turn to get a balloon artwork or their faces painted. There was a wide array of creative stalls. The areas were beautifully tied together with festive Bali flags and romantic full moon lights sourced by Wendy Thorpe, a member of the executive committee.”
Since the aim of the event was to create a vibrant village, it was not restricted to Pandanus Foreshore park areas. Lindy from the Stunned Mullet oversaw the business involvement.
“The participation from local business is incredible. Over $3000 of vouchers was donated for the Ultimate Caba Experience Raffle, the K9 fashion prize and the kids ‘Wing it’ art making,” she said. Other businesses came aboard by donating money to cover organisational costs. Several restaurants had Carnivale specials on the menu.
Jeremy, a TAFE Events teacher, brought several of his students to join as day volunteers. Their late evening debrief in the pub was all smiles and enthusiasm about the smooth running, the overwhelmingly positive feedback and the weather which favoured us.
Shaun, Caba SLSC barman said, “We got absolutely slammed, it is fantastic.” Similar sentiments were shared by the waitresses from the downstairs cafe who were bubbling over in their enthusiasm about how much fun they were having. John from the Beach Pub completely agreed. WWhat a fantastic day, the atmosphere was wonderful, we have to do this more often,” he said.
