The residents of Mirboo North will flaunt their work in the community at the upcoming Arty Gras parade through the town.
Mirboo Country Development Inc community project officer Thomasin Bales said this year’s event would incorporate the increasingly active presence of environmental groups in the area with the theme ‘On the map, off the grid’.
“We wanted a theme that people could use their imagination to come up with different ways of dressing up in the parade,” Ms Bales said.
About 20 community groups will parade in costumes to the sounds of a band on Saturday, May 12.
“It’s a great way for people new to the area to get a sense of the different groups that are here,” she said.
The event coincides with the 37-year-old Mirboo North Art Show to form a huge community event which stretches across the Mother’s Day weekend, with live music, workshops, kids’ entertainment and much more.
Mirboo North & District Foundation executive officer Ruth Rogan said a memory which stands out to her of past events was a group called ‘nannas on mowers’.
“I guess Arty Gras is the fun side of the arts. I guess, engaging the people who may not necessarily engage in the formal side of the arts,” Ms Rogan said.
There will be a focus on jewellery at the art show this year with about 750 works.
An attraction not featured in the program will be a geocaching workshop.
Ms Bales said it was like an “online treasure hunt” where people log onto an app on a device to find ‘caches’ in the neighbourhood other people have hidden.
The event will feature attractions at Baromi Park, including a craft market and a CWA afternoon tea, a map exhibition at St Andrew’s Child Care Centre and much more.
Live acts include the Nigellas, Boolarra Social Club and Dan Musil.
The art show opening gala will be at the shire hall at 7.30pm on Friday, May 11.
The parade will be at 11am on Saturday, May 12 and the art show will open at noon at the shire hall and continue on the Sunday.
For the full program visit mirboonorthartshow.com.au.
