Coast put on world map

IT really doesn’t get any better for the Sunshine Coast to pat itself on the back and show off to the world this weekend.
Caloundra is hosting its annual winter (they’re kidding) race carnival at Calbould Park – a terrific two days highlighted by the $175,000 Linked Plumbing Caloundra Cup and Glasshouse Handicap with an estimated $1million in total prizemoney.
While it’s all good for the area with plenty of equine lovers and race experts set to fill the town and spend plenty of cash, I still reckon the best asset from Calbould Park is the live racing broadcast that will be seen across the country and Asian Sky networks.
Every time, the horses wind their way around the track, the backdrop always shows the ocean and the race caller is repetitive in reminding everyone ‘they are watching the action from the Sunshine Coast’’.
I know that happens nearly every weekend, but the emphasis is increased greatly this Saturday, with the action as part of the TAB national system along with Melbourne, Sydney and Adelaide.
Club chairman Harry Reid and CEO Mick Sullivan have worked hard to achieve the high standards, and it is a credit to all long time Caloundra supporters who have stood by the club thru good and bad times.
The action moves up the motorway to Kawana where everyone’s invited to participate in this year’s Wishlist Charity Fun Run.
Another great opportunity to take in what the Coast has to offer, running in 6k or12k runs or just walk along the foreshore raising money for a wonderful cause.
This charity is one of the good ones, with 100 per cent of registrations money going to their main program Child Development service.
Their program supports public hospitals in Caloundra, Nambour, Gympie and Maleny. Registration is from 6am with start 7am on Sunday.
Friday sees the start of this year’s national outrigger titles out of Mooloolaba, with four International countries PNG, New Caledonia, New Zealand and Cook Islands set to join the action.
Individuals will battle it out first before the teams explode over the weekend.
What a way to see the Coast, 25km just sitting off the coastline as the competitors duke it out for the coveted National Titles.
The Internationals will enjoy the racing, as most will be in action in the up-coming July Pacific Games in PNG, so the hit out will help their chances.
For the folk looking for the treat of food and a good wine, you can’t go past the fantastic Noosa International Food and Wine festival.
It kicks off today and runs through until Sunday with a smorgasbord of things to do and eat.
Jimmy Berardo and team have outdone themselves with the Lions Park looking a treat. Daily entry is $40, allowing you access to more than 80 cooking classes, and entry into many of the exhibitions and tastings. What to do list- champagne breakfast, sunset concerts, food trails just to name a few.
Well done to everyone involved.
Until next time