Cairns Amateurs 2021 crowds to expect a ‘relaxed vibe’
The iconic race meeting is all about traditions but organisers have made a number of changes to create a new vibe for this year’s carnival. YOUR GUIDE TO AMATEURS
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CAIRNS has been event central in the last month, and this weekend longstanding traditions will blend with an all-new atmosphere as the Cairns Amateurs Carnival returns to its original format.
With a crowd of up to 12,000 expected over the two-day carnival, the iconic event has created an undeniable buzz around the city with businesses welcoming the major economy injector.
Chartered accountant and carnival president David Goodman said since 1959, the carnival, labelled one of a kind by Racing Queensland, had become one of the largest on the Cairns calendar – leading the way in fashion, social opportunities and commercial benefits.
What helps the event stand out is that it’s one of the few remaining regional carnivals, aside from those organised by member jockey or turf clubs, that hosts the numerous social events set for Friday and Saturday.
“We do the High Tea, we put on a number of off-site functions like the ball and the welcome party and the carnival is all about the country mixing with the city,” Mr Goodman said.
The recently-appointed club president said a number of subtle changes had been made to this year’s carnival in a bid to create a more relaxed atmosphere.
“We still have all our traditions, the Ladies Day and Fashions on the Field, but we’ve had to evolve as our audience evolves.
“This year we’ve moved the Vodka Cruiser Lawn Party closer to the area surrounding the Greyhounds clubhouse, we’ll have roving entertainment, roving and satellite bars, drink tickets outside the gate and entertainment outside the gate too.
“We’ve also moved the foodstall and bookies into more convenient locations and hopefully it means everyone won’t be stuck in crowds, and creates a more relaxed vibe.”
Mr Goodman said while many international and interstate guests wouldn’t be present, a number of special guests attending this year included Racing Minister Grace Grace, as well as Queensland Racing executives who were bringing guests from Queensland’s major racing clubs.
Ms Grace said she was looking forward to being trackside throughout the weekend.
“The Cairns Amateurs Carnival is a must-do event on the Queensland racing calendar and a chance for locals and visitors to enjoy themselves after what’s been a challenging 18 months,” she said.
“We know how important the racing industry is for the Far North – it is responsible for generating more than $34 million to the Cairns economy, supporting more than 1500 participants and almost 300 full-time jobs.
“I can’t wait to see Cairns shine this weekend and I wish all participants the best of luck.”
And even without the interstate injection, Mr Goodman said after speaking to excited locals, the event would generate much-needed business for the hospitality and accommodation industries.
“It’s estimated to inject about $16 million into the local economy in a normal year, and we spend about $1.5 million with 90 per cent of that going to local businesses.”
Mr Goodman said punters were most excited by the opportunity to dress up again and socialise, and Cairns Central’s racing stylist Amanada Macor said “looking good and feeling better” was always the best medicine.
“Not only do you feel confident that your choices showcase your personal style but people notice a well put together ensemble,” she said.
“This year, we can expect structured dresses both short and long with a statement sleeve and so much colour, saturated or through a bold print.
“Dress for your shape and personality to guarantee being a standout on the catwalk.”
Ms Macor some last-minute must have accessories for ladies to include were shoe gel pads, bandaids, a statement ring or earring, “along with that lipstick that has been calling your name.”
GUIDE TO ENJOYING TRACK DAYS
WITH 12,000 punters expected at Cannon Park across Friday and Saturday for the 63rd Amateurs Carnival, there’s going to be a buzz in the atmosphere in the city’s south.
While it might be too late to get into most of the corporate or party marquees, organisers are promising plenty of entertainment, and ease of access to food and drinks for an enjoyable day, or two, at the track.
Gates open at 11am each day with the first race scheduled for 12.45pm.
It leaves racegoers plenty of time to grab a bite to eat, while perusing the form guide and then placing their faith in the thoroughbreds at the bookies and food vans located to the right of the main gate entrance.
On Friday, racegoers will showcase their most fashion-forward ensembles at the hotly contested Fashions on the Field while revelling in the glamorous atmosphere of fun in the sun – the signature Ladies Day program pays homage to all aspects of women in racing from the catwalk to the racetrack.
Tammy Barker will MC the six-category, two-day Cairns Central Fashions on the Field competition with judges comprising award-winning Fashions on the Field contestants, Stacie Galeano and Debbie Fry and publisher of Ladies in Racing magazine Cathryn Meredith.
The Ladies Day program, which also includes a visit from Queensland Governor Paul de Jersey between 2pm and 3pm concludes its seven-race program about 5pm before culminating in the highly anticipated ANZ Cairns Amateurs Ball – this year a Moulin Rouge 1920s Paris affair with a stellar bill of entertainment to ensure it remains the region’s most glamorous social event.
And then on Saturday, it’s round two – rinse and repeat with seven more races and another hotly contested Fashions on the Field competition.
For entertainment, racegoers can expect local musicians Connor Reid, Drewboy, Tony George, Fingerprint and KL Performance Industry dancers.
However, punters should certainly be mindful of the skies with wet and windy weather forecast, including a strong wind warning for Friday, and gusts up to 35km/h on Saturday.
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