State of the City: A month of events to love

February events to fall in love with

BY ASHLEY DOBBS

The month of February seems to be bubbling over with things to love. It is that magical month when the Florida weather is pure perfection, and it feels like we are finally catching our breath after a whirlwind holiday season. And it’s a great time of year to enjoy the return of activities in our beloved city. Here are just a few events to fall in love with during the month of February.

The First Friday Art Walks have become a monthly staple within the community and have grown in popularity over the years. The downtown comes alive with artists showcasing their pieces or creating an original painting on the spot. Designed to expose the public to different forms of artistic expression, the First Friday Art Walk allows artists and visitors to come together in one place and admire the labor of love known as art. Happening the first Friday of each month, it’s a great opportunity to explore our downtown and support the art community.

Round up your friends and family and get ready for the annual cattle drive. The Cattle Drive and Cowboy RoundUp is happening from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Feb. 12. Considered one of the City’s signature events, guests are delighted each year to see dozens of cattle roam the historic streets of downtown Ocala. The kick off will begin in the downtown area and the cattle will make their way to Tuscawilla Park where a host of family friendly activities will await every kid and kid at heart. The event will feature live entertainment, cowboy demonstrations, mechanical bull rides, farm animal petting zoo, and a special children’s area with family friendly games, food trucks and more. While you aren’t required to love the cowboy life, spending the day with family might just tug on your heart strings.

We think that visitors will love adding a little brunch to their art. The Beginning of Bolted Art (BOBA) Brunch will take place from 9-11 a.m. Feb. 19. Guests will enjoy music, brunch and mimosas on the platform of Ocala Union Station, providing the per-

Art Walk

Cattle Drive

Tuscawilla Art Park

fect view of the Tuscawilla Art Park. The morning will feature an artist panel discussing the creativity found in community art. Brunch admission is $25 online and $30 at the door. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Magnolia Art Xchange Artist Residency program housed within the historic Ocala Union Station.

Continue to celebrate your love of art when the Cultural Arts and Sciences Division unveils the newest sculptures to be implemented in Tuscawilla Art Park during the Sculpture Stroll Celebration. This special event will take place from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Feb. 19, and will introduce ten new sculptures within the art park. Art lovers and residents are invited to this free event to see the sculptures that will be on display for the next two years. Enjoy sculpture tours, live music, food trucks and art activity booths. Although it is sad to bid farewell to the previously housed art pieces, the newest additions to the park will bring a renewed energy to the city’s bustling art scene.

After the past few years, we could all use a little bit of love. Spending time with friends and family in a city that you love might be everything needed to enjoy a little bit of that lovely February magic.

Ashley Dobbs is the Marketing and Communications Manager for the City Of Ocala.