August 13, 2019 - Tropical Art Deco Weekend a roaring success

It was a weekend of jazz, sequins, spats, diva dogs, vintage clothes and great fun when the Tropical Art Deco Weekend took centre stage in Innisfail.

Tropical Art Deco Weekend reference group spokeswoman Kerry Linton said locals mixed with visitors from art deco Napier in New Zealand, Cairns, Tablelands, Townsville, Brisbane and all points in between.

Snapping Tours’ Black Hand Gang cruise on the Johnstone River was a sell out as guests dressed in gangster gear from the 20s and 30s and spent the night dancing the Charleston. 

The Queens Hotel’s Doggie Deco Breakfast and Latino Jazz Long Lunch were popular events, with the hounds competing with their owners in their jaunty hats and vintage fashion statements.

Saturday night’s brain cancer fundraiser The Silver Ball saw the Cassowary Coast and visitors to the region stepping out in high fashion with beads, baubles and braces, spats, fedoras and feather boas. 

“People looked fantastic at the ball and really got into the spirit with the dressing up,” Ms Linton said. 

“I met some people from the Tablelands and they were super impressed with the whole event. 

“The event in the street with the vintage cars drew good numbers while the community band played jazz on the Shire Hall verandah. The art deco Historical Walk and Talk and Conversations with Cr Ben were also well received on the weekend.

“We even had art deco belly dancers dancing at different venues around the street and a local dancing school did a spectacular performance as well in red sequins in front of the Shire Hall. There was music all morning and lots of atmosphere. And the weather was beautiful!”

Ms Linton said the events leading up to the weekend itself were also a success.

“The high teas were hugely popular and the trivia night was a great success with lots of people dressing up. ‘Just Sing It’ dressed up in art deco gear and went to Villa Nova on Wednesday night to entertain a big crowd of residents. They loved our outfits, joined in the singing and had a wonderful time,” she said.

Ms Linton said the reference group was grateful to the assistance given by Cassowary Coast Regional Council.

“I think the Council staff were wonderful. They put in a big effort with their expertise, particularly with creating the posters, the facebook page and the website,” she said.

 “We’re all exhausted but it was well worth the effort. We are meeting to debrief on August 28 to discuss what went well and what we might do differently. It can only get bigger and better next year.” 

ENDS