Entertainment
13 July, 2025
Classy quest contestants
THE 2025 Babinda Harvest Festival is officially underway, with this year’s Princess Quest launching the celebrations at a lively cocktail party last month.
Princess hopefuls Shaylee McCulloch, Eva Munro, Bailey Quabba, Alannah Morris and Olivia Quabba were welcomed at the Babinda Taverna with signature cocktails, a generous spread from host Carmen and a warm crowd of supporters. Raffles, lucky-door prizes and a best dressed contest helped raise funds for the festival’s many upcoming events.
Behind the scenes, a new committee has taken the reins, led by president Tricia Wiles, with Jenna Alley and Peter Carnsew as vice-presidents, Chevelle Kingwill and Tahlia West as secretaries and Antoinette Russell as treasurer.
Their first order of business is delivering a program worthy of the festival’s long history and they’re calling for extra hands. Volunteers are needed for admin and compliance roles in the lead-up to the big day.
This year’s theme, ‘Babinda Goes Country,’ promises plenty of outback flair, from the grand street parade and displays to live entertainment and markets.
Festival stalwart Tracey Watkins, famed for the Gordonvale Cottage Markets, has come aboard to coordinate vendors and applications are now open.
More events are already drawing strong interest, with next month’s cent sale sold out and preparations in full swing for the cabaret night on August 30, when judges will assess the Princess Quest finalists, but the winners won’t be revealed until after the street parade on September 6.
The crowned princesses will go on to represent Babinda at community events and parades, continuing a tradition that has celebrated the region’s rich agricultural heritage since the festival began in 1962.
For the latest program details or to get involved, visit
You can also follow the festival on Facebook.
