TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN THE 352

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THINGS TO DO IN THE 352 :

A HANDY GUIDE TO GET YOU GOING AND KEEP YOU BUSY THIS MONTH.

2CRIMES OF THE HEART // APRIL 8-MAY 2 What hilarity and scandal could possibly come from three sisters reuniting at their childhood home in Mississippi? Drop by the Ocala Civic Theatre to nd out. Crimes of the Heart will run Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30pm, Saturdays at 2pm and 7:30pm and Sundays at 2pm. Parties will be seated with social distancing in mind, and masks are required in the theatre. Ticket price for those under 18 is $15, over 18 is $30. To purchase tickets or learn more, visit ocalacivictheatre.com or call the box o ce at (352) 236-2274.

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HOT CARS & COOL CATS CAR AND MOTORCYCLE SHOW // APRIL 17

This fundraiser for EARS Endangered Animal Rescue Sanctuary provides a fun time for the whole family with live music, vendors, food and, of course, the cars, trucks and motorcycles. There is no cost for spectators, and the fee is just $10 to enter your vehicle or bike. This outdoor event will last from 10am to 3pm and allow for social distancing, and participants can sign up for an educational tour to meet Maximus the tiger. Check out the event’s Facebook page or earsinc.net for more information.

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FESTIVALS OF SPEED // APRIL 30-MAY 1

The Festivals of Speed thoroughbred weekend will include the Luxury Lifestyle Cocktail Reception on April 30. Considered the ultimate Kentucky Derby party, the reception will take place at the Equestrian Hotel and will include ne wine, craft cocktails, aged scotch, rare bourbon and more. There will be chef-attended culinary stations, and each guest will receive a VIP gift bag. While enjoying the event, guests can peruse a collection of ne jewels, works of art, timepieces and more. The main event will include classic, exotic and muscle cars displayed around the world-class resort on May 1. Guests will experience automotive designs by Ferrari, Bentley, Lamborghini, McLaren, Porsche and more. For tickets and more information, visit festivalsofspeed.com.

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EARTHFEST: CELEBRATE ARBOR DAY // APRIL 24

This event hosted by the City of Ocala is fun for the whole family and is the perfect way to celebrate Mother Earth and all she o ers. The event will include tree climbing for the kids, a youth shing derby, a rock wall and more. Feed live butter ies, learn about organizations and support the environment by encouraging conservation and sustainability. There will also be live music, food trucks and craft vendors. The celebration will take place at Tuscawilla Park from 9am to 2pm. Visit the Facebook event page or ocala .org/recpark for more details.

FIVE BUTTERFLY AND BLUEBERRY FESTIVAL // APR. 10-11, 17-18, 24-25 Spend the day at the farm enjoying hayrides, a live bee display, farm animals, a corn crib, horse shoes, a hay slide and more family farm fun. The fun also includes the Butter y Tent Spring MUDDY PRINCESS // APRIL 18 The Grand Oaks Resort will once again host this down and dirty obstacle mud run 5K. Princesses of all sizes, athletic levels and ages are encouraged to come out and run, walk, climb, slide and crawl their way through the course. The event will open at 8am with the rst wave of participants taking o at 9am Garden and a train ride. Admission is $8 for adults, and then every 20 minutes after that. The minimum

$6 for children and free for kids 3 and under. Active 6age for entry is 9, and 9 to 13 year olds must be law enforcement, military and re ghters receive accompanied by a parent. Participants ages 14 to 17 free admission. Plenty of vendors will be on site, must have a parent or guardian sign a waiver. Tickets including fresh blueberries, shaved ice, cotton range from $47.20 to $99. To learn more about the run, candy, local honey, food and much more. For more check out the event’s Facebook page. To register, visit details, visit timberlinefarm.net. muddyprincessocala .eventbrite.com.

7COMIC FEST @ THE MALL // APRIL 24

Comic Fest at the Paddock Mall will be hosted in partnership with Vibranium Comics. This family-friendly event will include live entertainment, vendor displays and more. The event will take place from 11am to 3pm, and masks are required. For more information, contact Vibranium Comics at (352) 237-9049.

OCALA SYMPHONY STRING ORCHESTRA // APRIL 10

This event can be enjoyed both in person, with limitedcapacity seating, or online through a live stream. The performance, led by Ocala Symphony Orchestra’s Matthew Wardell, will last 60 minutes and will

have no intermission. Seating will be 8socially distanced, and tickets cost $10 for a student and $35 for adults for the in-person production. To tune in to the free online event, check out the Reilly Arts Center’s website. The link will be posted 24 hours before the concert. The show will begin at 7:30pm at the Reilly Arts Center. For details, visit reillyartscenter.com. 9 BROWN’S SPRINGTIME FARM FESTIVAL // APRIL 17 Located behind Brown’s Country Market on Highway 301, this spring festival will feature a variety of vendors, live music, food trucks, plenty of kids’ entertainment, a classic car show and more. The event will bene t Villagers for Veterans and the Humane Society SPCA. The event will take place from 10am-4pm. For details, visit the Facebook event page.

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LADIES HIGH TEA // APRIL 17

Become a hostess and invite seven of your favorite ladies to attend an elegant high tea to raise money for Interfaith’s Homeless Shelter Program. The authentic high tea will take place at Sholom Park from 11:30am-1pm and will also feature a virtual element for those wishing to partake in the event in a smaller setting. Tables can be decorated simply or elaborately, and each table is challenged with raising $500 to support the cause. The table that raises the most funds will be awarded the Golden Teapot Award. To become a hostess or sponsor, visit IESmarion.org.