Nowra’s Warren Parnell lost his wife just a year ago and has since struggled to find his place in the world.
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Like more than 1000 caravan enthusiasts across the country, Mr Parnell found it on Tuesday when he headed to Wagga’s Stone the Crows festival for the first time.
“A mate who was involved talked me into coming along and it really gave me a purpose,” Mr Parnell said.
“For solo travellers who are a little lost, it’s a chance for friendship and company.”
Organiser Grant Luhrs said numbers had doubled since the festival’s opening year, with more than 500 caravans and motor homes settling in for six days of relaxation at the ACTA shooting grounds.
“Our festival is one of the only ones that is in the same place, at the same time, each year,” Mr Luhrs said.
“People keep coming back because it’s unique, friendly and Wagga is such a central spot.”
Melton’s Bill Dunkley has spent his fourth year at the festival running a Daddy Day Care workshop, helping visitors take home their own hand-crafted creations.
Some visitors made ukuleles from scratch, some took to the lawn for a game of bocce while others were entertained by musicians and comedians.
“It’s a chance for the caravan community to get together and do something special,” Mr Dunkley said.