THE week-long Vodafone Festival of the Friendly North 2012 in Labasa has benefitted stall and amusement ride operators with people coming in numbers to take advantage of their services.
This year's festival with the theme "Healthy Living, Healthy North" has not only promised a fun-filled, entertaining and educational week for the people of Vanua Levu but also a time to make money for the operators.
Food stalls, amusement rides, fun activities for the children, various entertainment and educational exhibitions, and a special tent set up to relate the message of good health and other medical check-ups by a team of health professionals are among some of the activities at Subrail Park.
For stall operator Letila Cevamaca, the past five days had been profitable to her as she managed to sell most of her pastries and food items.
"This is the first time for me to hire a stall and I am really amazed at the profit I have made from the carnival so far," Ms Cevamaca said.
"The carnival is not only a time to meet and socialise with family and friends but also to make money for our family."
She said she was already planning to hire another stall at next year's carnival because it was a fast way of earning more money in one week.
Shah's Amusement Rides operations manager Farid Shah said they travelled from Suva to be a part of the carnival.
Being part of the carnival since 2004, Mr Shah said his business always thrived during the week-long event.
"Children love our merry-go-round jeeps and every day and night, they come to us for a ride.
"The money we get from here is able to cater for our travel expenses and also other households needs."
Mr Shah said there was no better way to do business but to be part of the carnival every year.