Tempt your tastebuds at this year's Innisfail Feast of the Senses

Maria Girgenti

TODAY, this year's Feast of the Senses kicked off in fine fashion with a visit to the award-winning Paronella Park at Mena Creek and a fun 'Gone Troppo Trivia' at the Innisfail RSL.

The Northern Food Trail, sponsored by Trans North, departs tomorrow from ANZAC Park, Innisfail, visiting a host of farms and venues, and includes a gourmet lunch at Mungalli Creek Dairy.

Tomorrow night, guests will indulge in a three-course fine dining experience at the elegant Taste of the Tropics Dinner in the Crown Hotel function room.

It is not too late to join the Southern Food Trail this Saturday, March 25, which includes a delicious lunch, sampling local delicacies from the region at The Pocket, as well as a variety of interesting venues to learn about the fruit industry.

On Saturday afternoon, jump onboard Snapping Tours for a scenic Johnstone River boat cruise whilst relaxing with tropical cocktails, or enjoy the sunset at 5.00 pm.

A three-hour cooking workshop provides a hands-on experience on how to make pro-biotic sodas and no-bake cakes using local tropical and exotic fruits, along with plenty of taste-testing opportunities.

The biggest of all the festival events is this Sunday's Australian Bananas River Feast.

"We are thrilled the River Feast is almost here," said committee President Ros Jensen.

"Our volunteer committee has worked incredibly hard to deliver this community event, and we are extremely grateful to Australian Bananas and numerous other supporters for their financial support."

With gates open at 9.00 am on Sunday morning, entry is free.

On offer is an amazing array of food and produce stalls, cooking demonstrations and tastings on the Brothers' Leagues Club Canecutter Court stage, and a fantastic lineup of local performers on the RADF River Stage.

This stage is supported by a combined CCRC and State Government Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) Grant and starts at 9.00 am.

The Rare and Tropical Fruit display by the Cassowary Coast Rare Fruits and will be a hot spot for children of all ages.

Association, sponsored by Soils First is always a highlight.

Patrons can sample everything in the marquee before bidding in the abundant fruit auction at the end of the day.

Rides cost $5.00 each or $20.00 for an all-day, unlimited-rides wristband. Do not miss this fantastic 'top 10' Queensland event, and for further information, please visit www. feastofthesenses.com.au/events/.