Very different

A great day, but so unplanned and unexpected. The house we are staying in is a few minutes out of the town of Mariposa, which is close to Yosemite National Park.  A former gold rush settlement, we have found it to be a great little town, with a good range of shops and historic buildings. By chance we discovered that this weekend the town had a Butterfly Festival, which involved the whole community.

So this morning we were down there with everyone else, finding a spot along the roadside for a parade. The blip is the opening of the parade involving the Mariposa Marching Band and their Flag Team. After that, the parade came by  representing every community organisation, service, vintage cars (see extra), horses etc. A great sense of community involvement – every section was narrated in by the speaker, usually ending with the phrase: Thank you for what you do. Wonderful response from the masses of people lining the street.
 
Then there was a huge Art and Artisans Show, a live butterfly release, music and line dancing and lots more going on. There was even an impressive Quilt Show held in the History Centre. Lots going on there too. One could even pan for gold (see extra), which Gordon did – and found some. I don’t think he has quite enough to make us rich, but he is very proud of his ‘find’.
 
   
Thank you, thank you, thank you, everyone for the wonderful response to my Blipday celebration and my attempt at an Ansel Adams. What a great community this is.