Kicking off the series of events being held during the Feast of the Senses is the Inaugural Cassowary Coast Fishing Challenge.  Designed by local fishermen for serious fishermen this competition will challenge even the most experienced anglers.

In teams of two, fishermen will be required to catch and release two fish of six different species.  Official scorecards will be supplied upon registration to the points only, competition.  Teams will be issued with a token and must take a photo of their catch on a digital camera with the token in view.  Photo’s will be downloaded at the end if there is a question about the catch. 

In order to be competitive, participants will need to think about the distances needed to be travelled to reach the best spots, where the best fishing spots are and how the tides will affect them.  The competition will utilise the pristine and picturesque river systems, blue ocean waters and reefs of the Cassowary Coast between latitude 17.2 and longitude 18.2 (excludes Hinchinbrook). Teams must register in person on Friday, 29th February, 7–9 pm at The Imperial Tavern, Riverside, in Innisfail. 

Allocated fishing times are 1st March 6am to 6pm and 2nd March 6am to 5pm.   A BBQ dinner will be provided each evening of the competition, on the riverbank park of the beautiful Johnstone River.  This will allow time for participants to consume some cleansing ales and exchange their stories about the one that got away.

For information on the Innisfail Fishing Rally, please contact Sam Pagano of Innisfail Tackle & Sports on 4061 1416.

These works will be displayed at the Central Gallery, Central Arcade, Innisfail from opening night 1st March 2008 until 16th March 2008.  Visual artists from North Queensland are invited to submit 1 work (max. size 1.4m2) in any media that explores the theme, Life in the Tropics. This may explore the representational, for example, the exotic fruits, flowers, vegetables, wines, meats, ocean produce, in various contexts or other subject matter that addresses Tropical Passions .

For information please contact Annette Anderson on 4061 2372 or Jacque Duffy ph: 40653364

Another event held during the Feast of the Senses is a luncheon to celebrate International Women’s Day on 8th March.  The luncheon is held at Brother’s Leagues Club and incorporates the “Women Who Make a Difference Awards” and a fashion parade.

For information please contact Katy Garner on 4061 8626.

A Gala Gourmet dinner is held on the evening of the 8th March.  The Gala Gourmet dinner is prepared by Jeff Baines.  Jeff is the executive chef and owner of award winning local business “Jagad’s Epicurean Emporium”.  Each year Jeff creates a menu that highlights local produce.  He then prepares this top quality and very fresh produce in interesting ways with unusual flavour combinations that have rarely been seen or tried before, always with fantastic results.  This exquisite food is matched with locally produced wines.   The surroundings and tables at the dinner are always beautifully decorated using tropical flowers and fruits.  This much anticipated dinner is one of the major evening events on the Feast of the Senses social calendar. 

Tickets are now on sale for the Gala Dinner at $85.00 each.  Tickets are available from the Feast Co-ordinator on 4061 9923.

For information please contact Jeff Baines - 4061 1480.

Riverside is the place to be as we launch the first Feast of the Senses River Regatta.  Join in the fun and competitive camaraderie between the Innisfail Rowing Club and the Coconuts Outriggers.

Who will be the fastest?  Only one way to find out – be on the riverbank at 2.30pm on Sunday 16th March.  Don’t miss the action. 

For more information about this event, please contact the events office.

In keeping with the Feast of the Senses’ focus on local producers and tropical produce, Growcom, the DPI &F and the Department of Tourism, Regional Development and Industry will be hosting the Gourmet Growers Workshop.  Held at The South Johnstone DPI Research Station on March 14th and 15th the workshop will cater to owners and managers of small to medium sized food businesses who are interested in business growth in domestic markets, particularly the food service sector.  The workshop has also been adapted to suit Far North Queensland Growers by incorporating tourism, as it is a huge economic driver in this region.

Guest speakers include Ray Collins, Associate Professor in Agribusiness from the University of Queensland, Gatton, as well as respected Food Consultant Alison Alexander and Former Qld Rural Woman of the year Martha Shepherd who will share her success story and also marketing on a shoe string. 

For information please contact Georgie Hinchley (Growcom) - 4068 2255.

The Imperial Tavern is throwing open the cellar door.  Test your taste buds at The Imperial Tavern’s Wine and Cheese Showcase on Thursday 13th March from 6pm to 9pm.   There will be an opportunity to sample local and interstate wines.  Savour delicious locally crafted cheeses, produced on the Atherton Tablelands by the renowned Gallo’s and Mungalli Creek Dairies.  

Please contact the Imperial Tavern on 4061 1400 or the Feast of the Senses Event Office for ticket enquiries.

Bring your family along to Rotary’s Family Movie Night held at the Con Theatre from 6.30pm on Friday 14th March.  Bring along some movie snacks, sit back and enjoy the stars on the big screen as you relax in comfort away from the elements in the beautiful Theatre.  A Bar will be open.

“The Silent Woman” (30mins) filmed in South Johnstone will begin the night followed by the main feature “All men are Liars” also filmed in South Johnstone. Both movies are rated PG and food will not be allowed into the theatre.

“Come and meet the Stars” - Producer (Robbert Smit) and Leading Lady (Judy Roberts)  from “The Silent Woman” will be there.

Tickets are $5 and can be purchased from the CTC Tobacconist / Gift shop next to the Bendigo Bank in Edith Street – Tickets are strictly limited so don’t miss out.

For more information about this event, please contact the events office.

On the evening of Saturday 15th March the whole family can enjoy rocking the night away with well known Australian band Mental as Anything.  Yes the Mentals are coming to town!  Famous for the hit songs, “Too Many Times, “The Nips are Getting Bigger, and “Live it Up” band members Greedy Smith, Martin Plaza, Wayne Bird and Peter O’Doherty are bound to love the far north. 

The concert is drug and alcohol free and entry is by gold coin donation. As this is a family-friendly event, there will be zero tolerance for intoxicated patrons trying to enter the event

For more information about this event, please contact the events office.

The members of the Mentals will also be working with some local young musicians and bands by holding workshops on Sunday morning, 16th March,  to assist and educate them in technique, technology and musicality.  The district has many talented young musicians and already formed young bands.  This is a wonderful opportunity for them.  Some of these bands will then perform on stage at the Market Day in Edith Street.

The Feast of the Senses culminates in the “Market Day Extravaganza”.  This is the day when stallholders from all fields of agriculture, the arts and tourism in the North Queensland district converge on the Innisfail town centre to set up market and information stalls. 

The emphasis of Market Day is on fresh produce, meat and fish products, art and craft and culture.  Locally made wines, teas, coffees and honeys are also on display. 

Taste is of course a major part of the Feast of the Senses and there is a range of products and produce to taste, touch and smell.

Activities for the children on Market Day include colouring competitions and the chance to enter the “Dress a Banana” competition.  The Girls Only Party Room will provide two workshops for the kids. A gold coin donation on Market day to a Feast of the Senses volunteer will give you the opportunity to win one of the great baskets chock full of stallholder products, which will be given away hourly.

Take a break in the food area at Canecutter Court, sit and relax while you listen to one of the many local performers provided for your entertainment.

For more information about this event, please contact the events office.