Tropical crocodile float tops the prize pool

Published: 10 September 2021. (Note: information was correct at date of publication but may have since been changed or superseded.)

A float featuring crocodiles, tropical fauna and flora and Indigenous artwork has earned St Gerard Majella School with a $3000 windfall.

The school’s Crocodile King float was named Cairns Festival’s Grand Parade overall winning entry last weekend, ahead of creations by MacKillop Catholic College and Passaros do Paraiso.

Using locally sourced and recycled materials, students from St Gerard Majella School created a float that captured the city’s tourist attractions and First Peoples, as well as paying homage to “Fun in the Sun” parade from decades ago.

Our Lady Help of Christians School was named Best Eco-float with an inspirational entry that promoted active travel.

More than 80 students were involved in the float, dressed in costumes, walking and riding scooters and bikes to represent a love of outdoor activities and sports.

Thousands of people lined the Esplanade last Saturday night to watch the colourful and extravagant Grand Parade, which featured 57 floats, more than 2,000 participants, 15 dogs, and one small pony.

The judges used five key criteria to judge the floats, including creativity, enthusiasm, uniqueness, how eco-friendly they were, and the party atmosphere they created.