Mansfield has become a bit of a home away from home for us. Set in the foot of the high country, surrounded by mountain trails, this friendly country town is an easy two and a half hour trip from home. And we’ve driven it many times over the past couple of years.
Early last year our daughter started doing some volunteer work at a trail riding company as part of her extended schooling. I wrote about it here. It’s turned into an ongoing commitment that she loves. She now works up there two days each week and has found a new group she loves, forged new friendships and feels a part of the community.
So it seems fitting that this photo theme of “group” should be in Mansfield when we visited a few years ago. Our kids were much younger then and we stopped for the morning to enjoy the colorful street parade that was part of the weekend festival.
Music and laughter, a burst of color and so many different groups of people from various parts of the community. All came out in their droves to join the street parade.
There were bands playing, families (both locals and visitors) mingling and a tangible vibe of fun. Even though each group marching was separate there was an undeniable sense of pulling together for a common cause.
Nothing beats the feeling of being part of a community group. Even better when there’s a parade to celebrate it. And a common goal. Hometown festivals are a special thing.
And here’s my family, complete with Harry the dog, watching on the sidelines, the group that I love most in my life. I feel incredibly blessed.
This is in response to Hugh’s Weekly Photo Challenge this week – Group
When we all pull together we’re no longer on our own but we become part of something bigger, a group with shared interests and genuine friendship. Just like this street parade.
And just like our blogging community. That’s what I love most, this sea of energy that we’re all a part of, a virtual group of friendship, support and belonging.
I wish you happiness and peace and hope that you all feel connected to something greater than yourself. That you feel a part of this group too.
Lovely post Miriam, Mansfield is typical of many of the area’s small towns isn’t it? Lots of community spirit there by the looks of things.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Definitely a typical Aussie town. One of the reasons I love it so much.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Mansfield is a beautiful place and very interesting local culture.
LikeLiked by 2 people
It is beautiful, especially the mountains beyond the town.
LikeLike
Wow, such a lively and colorful celebration.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It definitely was. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great post, Miriam! That is a fantastic choice for Hugh’s “group” theme. What a lovely country town too … They always feel so welcoming 🙂 Hope you’ve had a wonderful day xx
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks Kim. Yes, I do love Mansfield, it’s such a friendly relaxed place. Weather’s been gray here today but it’s been nice to have some rain. Hope your day’s been good. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think your gray weather is due to arrive up here tomorrow. And unfortunately it’ll be raining for the ANZAC march on Monday.
My day has been good, thank you 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Glad to hear it’s been good. You never know, the clouds might lift by Monday. Hopefully it’ll be fine for the ANZAC march. If not, take a brolly! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I so agree about Street parades and how they make everyone feel a big part of the community. It brings so many groups of people together who would otherwise probably never get together to have a great time.
Beautiful photographs, Miriam. Looks like it was a great day out and that everyone had great fun.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks so much Hugh, it’s a great place to visit and probably an even nicer place to live. I know my daughter would love to live up there one day!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope she gets to live her dream one day, Miriam. I had the same dream when I first visited London. I ended up living there for 27 years!
LikeLiked by 2 people
She’s half way there already Hugh. And glad to hear you’re living your dream, good for you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Looks like good fun, full of colour
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yes it was, thanks for reading.
LikeLike
Looks like a lot of fun!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Absolutely!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lovely photos. Looks like everyone had a great time. Happy to see Harry was included on the family outing.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Harry comes just about everywhere with us!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Great. Then, he truly is one of the family.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Most definitely. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve never felt like part of anything. I’ve lived a very solitary life up to this point, but I feel that changing. I am starting to feel like a part of the blogging community with its diverse ideas and opinions, as well as REAL conversations. Alot of people decry the lack of discussion, but resort to name calling if you dare disagree with their viewpoint. I’ve yet to run into that in this forum. Thanks to all who put themselves out there!
LikeLiked by 4 people
I’m so glad to hear that. It’s hard not to feel part of this blogging community where there’s a real sense of acceptance and support, no matter what. No man’s an island, not completely.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m starting to accept that premise.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Glad to hear.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Lovely colorful pictures. I love things like this… which is weird for me because I don’t like crowds! But I think it’s because they remind me of a parade we used to go to in a neighboring town every October when I was younger. As a kid with my family and later as a teenager with my friends. It’s a fun thing to do… and it’s free! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Absolutely! I couldn’t agree more. I’m also not a huge fan of crowds but this is somehow different. Glad my post brought back happy memories.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is a lovely post and will resonate with lots of people who have seen or been part of a community parade and what they represent. Years ago I was part of our local parade in March as part of the kindergarten being in the parade in Banyule. We also used to go to an annual parade in a small beach side rural community in South Australia where my parents had a beach house. You have captured that sense of community well. Actually I am remembering others I was involved in too. Thanks for jogging some fond memories.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Glad I was able to jog some happy memories Louise. Wow, Banyule, so close to my home. Have a great weekend. xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes figured we were.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It really is a colorful and lively group! I love that there is a “best community” entry. And so wonderful that you can feel part of that place and feel a sense of belonging there with your family. That feeling makes anyplace special! I agree that our little blogging community is a wonderful group. It is such a relief sometimes to be able to share with others things that are sometimes hard to share in person and to express another side of myself! To be able to see things from the perspective of so many different people is such a gift!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It really is. I agree Lulu.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nice photos and parade Miriam, it’s like a Carnaval, I was tried to find some parade to take my kids when they were small, I imagine that it is magical for them. And you are right, the best group is our family.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It certainly is, thanks Elizabeth. And have a lovely weekend, whatever you’re doing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Looks like a fun and cheerful event. As Debbie post out, Mansfield seems to be have a lot of community spirit. No wonder you love it so much. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Otto. Yes, definitely a community minded town.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love parades. Our town here has the longest running 4th of July parade west of the Mississippi River. Over 100 years! 🙂 Love what you said about community being like a parade!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow Jessica,, that’s very impressive. I bet you all have a blast.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes ma’am. It’s big and loooong! And, usually about 100 degrees. Ha!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Small town parades are the best. Nice captures.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Agreed. Thanks Maverick.
LikeLike
A sense of community is so important. And these photos captured the spirit of the community celebrations perfectly!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Ann, yes I agree, community is important. Hope you have a lovely weekend.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’ve got to love Mansfield they know how to keep on truckin’ no matter what. It seems that every time we visit they are having a celebration. Such a nice town. No shortage of good coffee either!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Absolutely. The Providence Bakery is our favorite stop for a great coffee and the best pies in town. ♣♥
LikeLike
We give the Mansfield Coffee Roaster a serious workout.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Mmm Will have to try that one out 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person