Innisfail's Feast of the Senses 20 birthday celebrations

MARIA GIRGENTI

IN 2023, the Innisfail Feast of the Senses, Queensland's premier tropical food festival, celebrates its 20th birthday.

Members of the former Department of Primary Industries started the event in 2003 to promote the region's wide range of rare and exotic fruits.

From its humble beginnings as a one-day event in 2003, the Feast has grown to be the biggest event on the Cassowary Coast calendar.

Independent of any organisation, a small yet dedicated volunteer committee runs the Feast of the Senses.

Since 2003, the festival has expanded to include meat, seafood, herbs, spices and wine, celebrating the produce and variety of cultures in the Cassowary Coast region.

Over the 20 years, Feast of the Senses has grown and evolved to include river cruises, food trails, Taste of the Tropics Dinner, a fun fancy-dress Gone Troppo trivia night, and this year consists of a Pro-biotic Sodas and NoBake Cakes cooking workshop.

There is something for everyone, and the four-day festival kicks off on Thursday, March 23.

The festival attracts visitors from all over Queensland and interstate, with 5,000 patrons attending last year's Australian Bananas River Feast.

On Sunday, March 26, the Innisfail riverfront comes alive from 9.00 am3.00 pm with stalls, live entertainment, river cruises, cooking demonstrations in the Canecutter Court, as well as the popular rare and tropical fruit display and tastings, with the fruit auction held later in the day.

"We haven't forgotten the children," said President Ros Jensen. "The Kid Zone is packed with activities and fun stuff for the youngsters to do whilst parents take a well-earned break."

"All of our ticketed events and stall bookings are now open, and you can also put your name down to volunteer on the day via the website or Facebook."

For further information on the Australian Bananas River Feast, stallholder applications, volunteers, all festival events and ticket bookings, please visit www.feastofthesenses.com. au or the Feast of the Senses Facebook page.

Remember to attend the 20th birthday celebrations and this fantastic 'top 10' Queensland event.