Bird of the Week

with the numbers numbers within the same row, column or square.

By Michael Warren

The yellow-breasted chat is a rarity in Marion County, with less than 20 reported sightings on Cornell University’s popular eBird app. This one appeared along the new Shackleton Trail at the Carney Island Recreation Area on Lake Weir last year during a bird walk with the local Audubon Society. It was an unexpected and exciting find. To join an Audubon bird walk, get more information at marionaudubon.org.

Honoring The Fallen

FIRST

Saturday, April

2720 Silver Springs Blvd Community Room

For info, call (352)873-7441

A ceremony to honor those who served but did not survive. As we honor their service and sacrifice, we also have a chance to tell their story, unburden our grief and renew our respect for service.

To close the ceremony, we will walk to the Pavilion in the Veterans Memorial Park for a final tribute.

Sponsored by the City of Ocala Hospice of Marion County We Honor Veterans and Marion County Veterans Park

SUNDAY BRUNCH Buffet

LOCAL CALENDAR LISTINGS community

MARCH 24-26

Horse Shows in the Sun Ocala Championship

HITS Post Time Farm, 13710 US Highway 27, Ocala

8am-last class

The final week of this renowned show jumping competition offers more than $350,000 in prizes.

The Great American $300,000 Grand Prix is on Sunday and a VIP brunch package includes breakfast, carving station, specialty desserts and more; tickets for brunch start at $80. Free regular admission. Info at hitsshows.com/visit-hits

MARCH 24-26

2023 Winter Spectacular Show

Series

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

8am-4pm

The final week of this winter hunter/jumper festival showcases world-class hunters and show jumpers, culminating in the Grand Prix on Saturday evening. For more info, worldequestriancenter.com

MARCH 25

Festival Latino Citizens’ Circle, 110 SE Watula Avenue, Ocala

11am-6pm

Celebrate Latin culture with food trucks, drink options, artists’ booths with handcrafted items, music, kids’ activities and more. Free to attend. For more info, see facebook.com/latinfestivalocala

MARCH 25

Art for Animals Tattoo Event

Fist City Tattoo Shop, 1905 SW College Road, #1, Ocala

12pm-9pm

This unique fundraiser for the Humane Society of Marion County is in its eighth year and features

“flash tattoos” of specific designs. Pets will be onsite for adoption, along with raffles and giveaways, and the Lucky’s Kitchen food truck. For more info, see Fist City Tattoos on Instagram.

March 25

Down for Donuts

CrossFit Iron Legion, 217 SE 1st Ave., Ocala

8am This fitness competition is for any level of athlete with division, scaled tests, individual and team events, along with a silent auction, and, of course, donuts. Proceeds benefit Gigi’s Playhouse, a Down Syndrome Achievement Center. Tickets start at $50. See crossfitironlegion.com/events-schedule/ down-for-donuts-8 to register.

MARCH 25

GospelFest

Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church, 5000 SW College Road, Ocala

12pm-6pm

The festival will feature a variety of musical acts, home-cooked foods, children’s activities and open mic time. Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs, blankets and tents as the event is outdoors. For more info, call Pastor Standley Gillings at (352) 286-3170 or event co-chair Karon Johnson at (352) 875-0197.

MARCH 25

Marion County Day

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

10am-4pm

There will be storytelling, vendors, food options, historical and educational presentations, games, interactive events and activities for kids. Free to attend. See marionfl.org for more info.

MARCH 25 & APRIL 1

Yoga in the Park

Sholom Park, 7110 SW 80th Ave., Ocala

9am

Free yoga classes at the stage area; recurs every Saturday morning. Visit sholompark.org for details.

MARCH 25 & APRIL 1

Ocala Farmers Market

Ocala Downtown Market, 310 SE Third St., Ocala

9am-2pm Vendors offer local fruits and vegetables, meats