IT all happened in the streets of Mansfield and surrounding district over the Melbourne Cup long weekend when thousands of people took part in art shows, grand parades, fireworks displays, bush markets and much more.
Mansfield truly came alive once again following several years of COVID-19 shutdowns and then last year followed by major flooding - cancelling most events including the grand parade and torchlight parade.
However, with the sun shining, thousands of visitors flocked into town for the 'long break' and by all accounts everyone had a great time.
After a tumultuous three years, festival coordinator for the Mansfield Shire Council, Gareth MacDonald, was thrilled to be able to deliver a full calendar of activities.
"It has been a great weekend starting with concerts and featuring Triple J Unearthed High 2022 Winner Jacotene as a headliner and then followed by many local artists.
"The grand parade went off without a hitch and the Friday night fireworks was enjoyed by an approximated crowd of more than 3000 people," Mr MacDonald said.
The Mansfield Open Studios Trail (MOST) was popular with some 40 artists taking part.
The Mansfield Hospital annual art show was also a great success with about 90 people attending the opening night with winners of the art competitions announced.
Wandering around the streets over the weekend, Mansfield appeared to be 'back to normal' when compared with previous festival times - prior to COVID-19.
The only event which will go under review for next year will be the AMPED UP performances at the east end of High Street.
A large audience started to listen to several local artists, but once lunch time was over the crowd dispersed.
"We may have to review the times this takes place," Mr MacDonald said.
Apart from all the festival activities, cafes and hotels were kept busy serving lunches and dinners.
Lake Eildon was a very busy place for boating enthusiasts with a very full lake, camping grounds were full and overall the thousands here for the weekend were pleased.
The Melbourne Cup Day - Mansfield Picnic Races was well attended, with the fashions and of course the races being the highlights of the day.
The following pages are just a glimpse of what happened over the past five days - all here in Mansfield.
