TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN & AROUND THE 352

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THINGS TO DO IN & AROUND THE 352 : A HANDY GUIDE TO GET YOU GOING AND KEEP YOU BUSY THIS MONTH.

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CHIEFLAND WATERMELON FESTIVAL // JUNE 5

The 67th Annual Chie and Watermelon Festival o ers a variety of craft, artisan, food and informational booths. There will be free sliced watermelon, a seed-spitting contest, activities for the kids and a parade, as well as local and regional entertainment, including the J Creek Cloggers, Houston Keen, Jamey King and Middle Ground. The event runs from 8am-3pm and will be located at 3 SE 2nd Avenue in Chie and. The Levy County Sheri ’s Explorers will provide festival parking for $2 per car. To check out the updated parade route, plus the schedule of events and performances, visit chie andwomansclub.org.

2CENTRAL FLORIDA COMIC CON // JUNE 12-13 The fun gets underway at 4pm both days and will include “all things nerdy.” The event is a celebration of comics, toys, lm, art, TV, games and more. Festivalgoers will be expected to wear masks, and social distancing will be in place. Featured guests will include Kyle Phillips, a Dallas-based anime voice director and actor who has appeared in dozens of popular shows. Kara Eberle is most wellknown for her role as Weiss Schnee in the anime series RWBY. Stay tuned to the event’s Facebook page at facebook.com/central oridacomiccon for additional guest and event announcements. Central Florida Comic Con will take place at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland, Florida.

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SUMMER KIDS FILM SERIES // JUNE 2-JULY 30

Every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday morning, get out of the heat and enjoy a family-friendly movie with the little ones. Tickets are just $3 each and include the movie plus a kids’ combo snack pack. The series runs from June 2 through July 30, and showtimes are 10am and 11am each day at the Marion Theatre in Ocala. Favorites may include Moana, Cars, The Little Mermaid, Mary Poppins, Aladdin, The Sandlot and more. For more information, and the complete schedule of shows and times, visit reillyartscenter.com.

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INTERNATIONAL FOOD ON WHEELS FESTIVAL // JUNE 13

International gourmet food trucks from Central Florida will be parked at Lake Eola in downtown Orlando. Taste exquisite dishes from all over the world beginning at 11am and lasting through 9pm. This family-friendly event will also include food-eating contests, music, games, prizes and more. There will be no alcohol on-site, and the festival is pet friendly. Admission into the event is free, and samples range in price. For details, visit the event’s Facebook page.

FIVE OCALA JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION // JUNE 19 The Ocala Juneteenth Celebration Commission is hosting a “Juneteenth Celebration,” a nationally recognized holiday to commemorate the abolishment of slavery in the United States and SUMMER DAZE CAR SHOW // JUNE 19 Plan a visit to Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens to take in a great collection of custom, muscle and classic cars during the Summer Daze Car Show. The show begins at 10am, and the cost for admission is $12 for adults, $7 kids ages 6 to 13 and 5 and under are free. Garden members also receive free admission. Admission will celebrate freedom. Today, Juneteenth is a time include the car show and the surrounding gardens. For

for re ection and emphasizes education and 6those wishing to enter their vehicle into the show, the achievements. The event will take place from 10am- four categories will be Best in Show, People’s Choice, 3pm at Webb Field, located at 1501 W Silver Springs Classic/Vintage and American Muscle. Winners will be Boulevard. The Juneteenth Celebration will include live awarded handmade prizes made by local businesses. entertainment, food and vendors. For event details, For complete details, or to register your vehicle, visit visit facebook.com/OcalaJuneteenthCelebration. cedarlakeswoodsandgarden.com.

7MARKET OF MARION CAR SHOW // JUNE 26

On the fourth Friday of every month (except July, August, November and December), car enthusiasts come together at the Market of Marion in Belleview, located o US Hwy 441. Hosted by the Villages Classic Automobile Club, all vehicle makes and years are welcome to show. The event will include trophies, food, DJ music and value cover racing. The show takes place from 9am-1pm. For more details, visit ocalamarion.com.

FAMILY FUN FEST // JUNE 13

Enjoy a fun day of family-friendly activities at Belleview Seventh-day Adventist Church. This

Fit For Life Family Fun Festival is a 8free event that will include a water slide, games, an obstacle course, bounce house, hands-on exhibits, healthy snacks, samples and more. Space will be limited, so pre-register to receive a free gift at the gate. The fun will take place from 1-4pm. Check out the event’s Facebook page for more details. 9 JR. INVENTOR NIGHT // TUESDAYS The Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention’s Jr. Inventor Night is an event for kids ages 6 to 9 to learn about art, engineering, math, science and technology—all in an engaging, fun way. The activities bring to life STEAM concepts and ideas that relate to inventions that have changed the world. Each week the activities take place from 5-7pm, and each week the activities change for new and exciting opportunities. The cost is $5 for museum members and $15 for non-members. To register for the event, visit cademuseum.org.

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SPRING BLING 20/21 FASHION4U SHOWCASE // JUNE 12

This fashion expo will feature two parts. Spring Bling 2021 will highlight designs by Michelle McKnight. Small businesses, exhibitors and vendors will also be given the opportunity to purchase presentation booths and present their brands on stage if desired. The second segment is the Red Carpet Fashion4U showcase, featuring designs by Brian Houston. The event will also feature comedian Solo & Friends. The event takes place at 6pm at the Hilton Ocala at 3600 SW 36th Avenue. For more information, visit eventbrite.com.