Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
The Riverfest Queen competition attracted five entrants, with Amity Stewart crowned Riverfest Queen and Sofia Xiong receiving the Community Spirit Award. Photo credit: Vince Sofia
Innisfail turned on the party, with record crowds flocking to Riverfest for a huge celebration of music, machinery and community spirit.
An estimated 10,000 people attended over the weekend, filling the riverfront for Innisfail’s biggest Riverfest yet. Australian rock favourites Eskimo Joe brought the festival to a spectacular close, capping off an unforgettable weekend.
Among the highlights was the Riverfest Queen competition, with five local contestants stepping into the spotlight. With attractions for all ages, sold-out food stalls and outstanding community support, Riverfest once again proved Innisfail knows how to put on a show.
By Helen Cook
Innisfail's Riverfest has delivered its biggest celebration yet, with thousands flocking to the riverfront at the weekend for an afternoon and evening packed with entertainment, attractions and community spirit.
Committee member Vince Sofia described this year's event as a resounding success, with crowds believed to have exceeded last year's estimated 10,000 visitors.
"It was fantastic. It was so well supported by the community. It was definitely the largest crowd we've ever pulled," Vince said.
Australian rock favourites Eskimo Joe brought the celebrations to a spectacular close, while local band Beer Body proved a huge hit, warming up the crowd ahead of the headline act.
Throughout the afternoon, families enjoyed reptile displays, roving entertainment, vintage and new car displays, and an impressive collection of sugar industry machinery, including locomotives, a steam engine and cane harvesting equipment.
An aerobatic display by pilot Bob Harris added excitement overhead, while television personality Paul Burt returned as event ambassador and MC.
The Riverfest Queen competition attracted five entrants, with Amity Stewart crowned Riverfest Queen and Sofia Xiong receiving the Community Spirit Award.
With food stalls reportedly selling out and glowing feedback flooding social media, Vince said the response had been overwhelming.
He paid tribute to the local businesses, sponsors, volunteers and community organisations whose contributions made the event possible.
"Without them, this event would not happen," he said.
For Innisfail, Riverfest was another shining example of what a community can achieve when everyone gets behind a great local celebration.
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