Star-studded Maraka Street Parade and Mardi Gras lights up Ingham
2 November 2023
Star-studded Maraka Street Parade and Mardi Gras lights up Ingham
Katter’s Australian Party (KAP) Deputy Leader and State Member for Hinchinbrook, Nick Dametto, was thrilled to participate in the vibrant and lively 2023 Maraka Street Parade and Mardi Gras in Ingham, held on Saturday, 28 October.
The Hinchinbrook MP said that this year’s Hollywood theme added a touch of glitz and glam to the beloved tradition, the Maraka Street Parade.
“Maraka is an annual event that has been running since 1959 and is an Aboriginal word meaning pleasant evening or happy get together,” Mr Dametto said.
“Maraka brings together locals and visitors and fosters a strong sense of unity as it celebrates our districts diverse heritage and culture.
“This year’s Maraka Street Parade showcased a spectacular line up of floats that were decorated by local businesses, community groups, schools, and community members. The floats were all inspired by Hollywood icons, classic films and actors.
“It was a pleasure to participate in the procession in my Volkswagen Buggy with Ronald McDonald. We both had a blast waving to the crowd of enthusiastic locals and visitors. Ronald McDonald was very happy to take home the ‘best individual’ category.”
The 2023 float winners are listed below:
- Best secondary school – Gilroy Santa Maria
- Secondary school runner up – Ingham State High School
- Best primary school – Ingham State Primary School
- Primary school runner up – Mt Fox State School
- Best business – Tropical Vets
- Best theme – Mary MacKillop
- Most humorous – Forrest Beach Surf Life Saving Club
- Best individual – McDonalds
- Most outstanding – Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School
“The allure of Hollywood then continued from the Maraka Street Parade to the Mardi Gras where I had the honour and pleasure of being the MC and announcing our Queen, Princess, and runners-up,” Mr Dametto said.
“Congratulations to our 2023 Maraka Queen Allanis Melvin along with runner up Eliza Carr and Queen’s Choice, Carly Isokangas.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Maraka Festival Committee, Kieran Volpe (President), Kim Cantoni (Vice President), Anne Accorsini (Treasurer), Rachael Coco (Secretary) and Trish Manassero (Events Coordinator) for making this event possible.
“Also, a special mention to this year’s major event sponsors Hinchinbrook Shire Council, Triple M, Wilmar and Powerlink.”
Maraka Festival Committee President, Kieran Volpe stated that the two weeks of celebrations was very well attended.
“The 2-week Maraka Festival has seen the tradition continue into its 63rd year. We had great attendances at both the Cocktail Night and Afternoon Tea on the first weekend, as well as great participation at the Pet Parade and Fence Painting,” he said.
“The Street Parade, while delayed, was spectacular this year, and the Mardi Gras was very well attended. Maraka thanks all our sponsors for another fantastic year.”
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