July 3, 2019 - Great Gatsby! It’s Tropical Art Deco Weekend

Caption: Cr Ben Heath (at the wheel) and members of the Cassowary Coast Art Deco Reference Group, pictured with member Allan Blair’s 1927 Austin 7 Sports,  dressed up in vintage style for the launch of the Tropical Art Deco Weekend program to showcase the August 9-11 celebration of everything art deco on the Cassowary Coast.

Vintage cars, billy carts, a Doggie Deco Breakfast, Black Hand Gang River Cruise, High Tea and Fashion, a Latino Jazz Long Lunch and even Art Deco Lawn Bowls are all part of the Tropical Art Deco Weekend celebration of everything art deco in Innisfail and Tully from August 9 to 11.

The Cassowary Coast Art Deco Reference Group have been brainstorming and networking to provide visitors and locals with an insider view into just how artfully deco inspired our world of today can be.

Though the region’s notable art deco architecture resulted from the timing of the cyclone which destroyed much of the infrastructure in the region, the legacy is one of delight for those with an appreciative eye for stylish and interesting architecture from the 1920s and 30s.

At today’s (Wednesday, July 3) media launch of the festival program, Cr Ben Heath said it was inspiring the way the community had come together to support the Tropical Art Deco Weekend to create an entertaining and exciting event for everyone which showcased the region’s rich cultural heritage.

“The reference group hopes the week of festivities and fun will attract a lot of interest from our neighbouring regions. The welcome mat will be out and we look forward to celebrating and showing what makes the Cassowary Coast so special,” Cr Heath said.

The Innisfail District Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Tourism is encouraging local businesses to get into the swing by offering $1000 in prize money for the Tropical Art Deco Weekend. 

Chamber president David Lynch said a prize of $500 would be presented for the best themed business, window or store and $500 for the best dressed person. 

Other events include a tour of the Heritage-listed Innisfail Shire Hall, Art Deco trivia night and movie screening, a billy cart event, Gangsta & Gals Electro DJ Party, vintage markets, Vintage and Classic Car Meet, an historical walk and talk, an Art Deco Community Sing-along, and Monster Market Day on the Cardwell Foreshore.

“A highlight of the week will be the glittering annual Silver Ball in the Shire Hall, this time with a Gatsby theme.  There will be photo opportunities with vintage cars and great dance jazz performed by popular Cairns-based Chris Lloyds,” Cr Heath said.

“The tickets to the Silver Ball on Saturday, August 10, are selling fast so remember to book early.”

Tickets to Sunday’s (August 11) Latino Jazz Long Lunch at the Queens Hotel in Rankin Street are another hot item.

For more information go to http://www.cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au/art-deco-events 

ENDS