It was hot enough to feel like Rio de Janeiro and the costumes were as bright.

The second annual street parade, which is part of the seven-day Rotary Carnival of the Pines festival, was a hit.

Just ask the 7000 people who were there.

For the newly crowned queen Gemma-Rhea Blakely, who represented Hastings Coop Department Store, it was overwhelming.

But her king, Len Dodds, had plenty of advice.

“I’ve never made a public speech before so to do it in front of so many people was daunting,” the 22-year-old Wauchope resident said.

Gemma’s only competition for the crown was from Karly Turnbridge who represented Cafe 66.

Festival director David Mayne said a few hundred dollars was all that separated the pair.

“About $12,000 was raised so it was a good effort without any major sponsors,” the Port Macquarie businessman said.

“The day went superbly with the sun coming out and better crowds than last year.”

Despite eight entrants in the race to be named king and queen 86-year-old Len Dodds, who represented Hastings Hotel and Timbertown, was the only man left standing for the honour.

He takes up his second year as king.

The only hiccup of the day was an unfortunate accident for town crier Gerry Adamson.

The Port Macquarie grandfather fainted while leading the 50-float parade, which brought it to a brief standstill.

He was taken to Port Macquarie Base Hospital with facial injuries including a broken nose and cheekbone plus some broken fingers.

Fortunately his wife and a few of the hospital’s Pink Ladies were on the scene to help until paramedics arrived.

Next is a Trivia Night at Port Macquarie Panthers on Thursday. Tickets are $10 and are still table available.