community

FEBRUARY 24

Park After Dark: “Soul”

Webb Field, 1501 W Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala

7pm

The city of Ocala continues its outdoor movie tradition, this month showing the PG-rated film “Soul.” It’s free to attend. Food and drink options will be available, or bring your own snacks, along with chairs and blankets. For more info, ocalafl.org

FEBRUARY 24

Black History Museum Awards and Inductee Gala

Mary Sue Rich Center, 1812 NW 21st Ave., Ocala

7pm

The Black History Museum of Marion County is sponsoring several events during Black History Month, including an awards gala and induction ceremony that will begin at 7 p.m. at the Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place, 1812 N.W. 21st Ave., Ocala. It will honor a number of people for their leadership, distinguished work, special achievement or for pioneering as the first Black in a particular field. Tickets are $50 per person. To learn more, call (352) 671-4175.

FEBRUARY 24

Polo Ball for Wounded Warriors

World Equestrian Center Grand Hotel, 1390 NW 80th Ave., Ocala

7pm

This fundraiser for the Wounded Warrior Project, which provides support and medical assistance for wounded veterans, includes dinner, drinks and a silent auction. Tickets start at $250. For info, see ocalapolo.com/store/p56/thepoloballtickets.html

FEBRUARY 24

Marion County Friday Market

McPherson Governmental Campus Field, 601 SE 25th Ave., Ocala

9am-2pm

Shop locally fresh fruits and veggies, baked goods, jerky, freeze-dried treats, olive oils, seafood and more; recurs every Friday.

FEBRUARY 24

Fessenden Reunion

Fessenden Elementary School Cafeteria, 4200 NW 89th Place, Ocala

11am-2pm

The reunion will include a fish fry, speaker Sami Atif, the revealing of a plaque and honors for members of graduating classes of Fessenden High School. The cost of $75 includes the meal, refreshments, music and a booklet. To learn more, call Fessenden School Alumni Association

President Johnny Grimes at (352) 299-6985.

FEBRUARY 24

Voices of Change Animal League (VOCAL) Furball

World Equestrian Center, Expo Center 1, 1390 NW 80th Ave., Ocala

6pm

This gala is a fundraiser for local pet rescue VOCAL, which provides spaying and neutering services, medical care and food drives for homeless pets. The evening includes dinner, cocktail hour, music from The Stagers, dancing, a silent auction and info on the organization’s mission and accomplishments. Tickets are $150; for more info, vocalforpets.org

FEBRUARY 24-MARCH 4

Southeastern Youth Fair

Southeastern Livestock Pavilion, 2232 NE Jacksonville Road Ocala

Hours vary

See farm animals, rodeo competitions, exhibitions and more at this annual youth fair, which helps educate people, especially youth, about agriculture.

Free for spectators. Contact seyfair@gmail.com for more info.

FEBRUARY 24-26

Marion County Fair

I-75 Flea Market, 4121 NW 44th Ave., Ocala

Hours vary, check website

The event includes carnival rides, food, magic shows, petting zoo, music and more. Tickets can be purchased as a wristband package for $35 for unlimited rides or single tickets at $1.50 each. Free parking and admission. For more info, marioncountyfairfl.com

FEBRUARY 25

Plantastic Exhibit Opens

Discovery Center, 701 NE Sanchez Ave., Ocala

10am

The center’s newest exhibit, Plantastic, opens to the public and will be on display 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays through May 6. Follow Bobbi the Botanist on an adventure to see all the ways plants power our world. Check out a mini hedge maze and be the insect in the largerthan-life flower garden. The exhibit is sponsored by Marion Rotary Duck Derby, Ocala Electric Utilities and the Discovery Center Foundation. Admission is $8 per person or $28 for a family of four. Annual memberships are available. Additional opportunities include StarLab Planetarium shows Saturdays, 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., and STEAM Saturdays at 2 p.m. for a $3 add-on to the price of admission. For more information, call (352) 401-3900 or visit the Discovery Center page at ocalafl.org.

FEBRUARY 25

Gnome & Fairy Festival

Sholom Park, 7110 SW 80th Ave., Ocala

1pm-4pm

This annual festival kicks off spring with a magical assortment of entertainment for kids of all ages. Music this year is from the O’Possums and the Irish Echoes. Trek into the Enchanted Forest and spot gnomes and fairies hidden in the leaves; enter the Whimsical World to meet unicorns and Skippy the Dragon. Vendor booths, food options and more. $5 cash-only parking fee. Visit sholompark.org for details.

FEBRUARY 25 & MARCH 4

Ocala Farmers Market

Ocala Downtown Market, 310 SE Third St., Ocala

9am-2pm

A variety of vendors offer local fruits and vegetables, meats and seafood, fresh pasta, honey, jewelry, baked goodies, and arts and crafts. Check out some local food trucks and the occasional guest entertainer. Rain or shine; recurs every Saturday. Visit ocaladowntownmarket.com for more info.

FEBRUARY 25 & MARCH 4

Farmers Swap Meet Rural King, 2999 NW 10th St., Ocala

9am-2pm

A true farmers swap meet where chickens, ducks, quail, geese, goats, turkeys, rabbits and sometimes even ponies are available along with horse tack, home-grown plants, produce and hand-crafted items. Booth types vary with occasional meat vendors, food trucks and other goods. Saturdays, weather permitting.

FEBRUARY 25

PAWS Ice Cream Social

Letty Towles Dog Parkk,2299 SE 32nd Ave., Ocala

10am-1pm

The Humane Society of Marion County puts on a party for the pooches, with ice cream and fun activities. For more info, facebook.com/@HumaneMarion