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After a very busy day at Cannon Park for Ladies Day, it was back to the hotel for a super quick makeover to get ready for the Annual Amateurs Ball. It is a black tie event that only opened up to the public a few years ago. Each year there is a special musical guest which traditionally would be unveiled during the evening. This year there was a break from tradition and Jessica Mauboy was announced as the special guest in the lead up to the event. As well this year the Amateurs Ball moved locations to be held at the Esplanade. The dance floor was built over water and the whole event was to be held entirely outdoors. It would have been perfect had the weather decided to co-operate. All day at the races the clouds were threatening to rain, but they held off... until the outdoor ball.

I had the most amazing time again in Cairns getting to experience another Amateurs Carnival. The hospitality that was extended to myself and the warm welcome that Craig and I received was so lovely and made the whole trip so enjoyable and so much fun. We were both looked after very well and I cannot thank everyone involved enough for their kindness. All the hard work paid off for another fantastic and successful Cairns Amateurs Carnival!By Angela Menz

The Cairns Amateurs Fashions on the Field is on again this year with many categories over two days of the carnival on September 6 and 7. Having attended Amateurs for the past two years I'm very excited to see what everyone is wearing! No one else does colour quite like the ladies and gents of Queensland and as it's the first major carnival of spring, all eyes will be looking to see what racewear looks are strutting down the stage. Over recent years there have been a number of women from Cairns who have been very successful at the Melbourne Cup Carnival Fashions on the Field so the standard is very high and the competition attracts many competitors from interstate.

The categories for 2013 are as follows-Ladies Day (Friday), September 6· Open Ladies Racewear· Millinery Award (judged from entrants in both Open Racewear categories)· Gold Class (Ladies 50 years and over)· Best Emerging DesignersThis category is open to any person without commercial design experience and encourages outstanding racewear design. The Garment and Millinery component must be designed and made by the entrant. There is a first prize for Best Emerging Designer and a runner-up for Best Emerging Milliner.

Mackenzie, last years winner of the Emerging Designer category. His outfits blew me away!

Amateur Cup Day (Saturday), September 7· 25 & Under Ladies· Open Classic Ladies Racewear· Best Dressed Couple categories· Open Men's Racewear

For full details of the judging criteria and for pre-registration click hereIf you're thinking of entering I would suggest making sure you have a good look at the judging critera. Having judged at Cairns Amateurs previously it was certainly pulled out and referred to when making decisions on who would take home the sash. This year I'll be a spectator but I will be posting a few tips from a couple of the judges and what they will be looking for this year. I'll also be snapping photos and posting updates on all the fashion action during the carnival.If you haven't been to Cairns Amateurs before and wish to fully enjoy the Fashions on the Field, you might want to look into booking a seat in the Garden Party Marquee. The heats for Fashions on the Field are held here so you have a great view of all the fashion action. As a bonus it's airconditioned inside if you can't cope with the tropical heat. For details click hereThe Carlton MID Amateurs Carnival has a number of events and functions on too. Jessica Mauboy will be guest performer at the annual ball. Check it out

By Angela Menz