civic

MARCH 31 & APRIL 7

Chess Club at Freedom Library

Freedom Public Library, 5870 SW 95th St., Ocala

10am-12pm

Meets weekly on Fridays; new members welcome. Please bring your own chess set. For more info, Walt Lamp at (352) 854-9378.

MARCH 31 & APRIL 7

Kiwanis Club of Ocala

Knights of Columbus Building at Blessed Trinity Catholic Church, 1510 SE

3rd Ave., Ocala

12pm

Meets weekly on Fridays. Supports Camp Kiwanis, children’s literacy and Habitat for Humanity. More info at ocalakiwanis.org

APRIL 2

FAST One-Year Anniversary Open

House

Florida Aquatics Swimming & Training, 4635 SW 67th Avenue Road, Ocala

12pm-3pm

The swim center in Calesa Township celebrates its first year of training with a celebration that includes food options, aqua aerobics classes, TRX and yoga classes, and the pro shop will be open. Free to attend. For more info, FloridaFAST.com

APRIL 6

OTOW Farmers Market

The Town Square at Circle Square Commons, 8405 SW 80th St., Ocala

9am-1pm

Large selection of fresh seasonal produce from local growers as well as baked goods, plants, handmade soaps and more; recurs every Thursday. Visit circlesquarecommons.com for more info

APRIL 7

First Friday Art Walk

Ocala Downtown Square, 1 SE Broadway St., Ocala

6pm-9pm

The monthly Art Walk features Ocala artists, performers and craftspeople. The square’s main stage hosts music, and food and drink are available from vendors and nearby restaurants. Free to attend. For more info, ocalafl.org

APRIL 8

Honoring the Fallen/First

Responders and Veterans Marion County Public Library Community Room, 2720 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala

10am-12pm

Sponsored by the City of Ocala, Hospice of Marion County, We Honor Veterans and the Marion County Veterans Park, this service will honor those who served but did not survive. It will offer a chance to share a story, unburden grief and renew respect for service. To close the ceremony, attendees will walk to the Veterans Memorial Park for a final tribute. See marionvetpark.com for more info.

APRIL 8

Farmland Preservation Festival

Majestic Oaks Farm, 17500 N US Hwy 441, Reddick

10am-3pm

Kicking off with its traditional tractor and horse parade, this festival celebrates the importance of farmland preservation and showcases the value of all kinds of rural activities. Along with critters, the day brims with live music, a farmer’s market, farm animals, arts and crafts vendors, educational exhibits and more. Barbecue, hot dogs, hamburgers, ice cream treats, homemade desserts and more for sale. Free to attend. See saveourruralarea.org/ and sites.google.com/site/ farmlandpreservationfestival for more info.

APRIL 8

Brick City Beer and Wine Festival

Citizens Circle, 151 SE Osceola Ave, Ocala 2pm-6pm Beer and wine to sample and purchase, entertainment, 50/50 raffle, vendors, live music, activities and food trucks. Wind FM is sponsoring a “Battle of the Bands.” The Ocala Silver Springs and Ocala Sunset Rotary Clubs sponsor the event and proceeds will benefit Interfaith Emergency Services, Marion County Literacy Council and Kimberly’s Center for Child Protection. Tickets range from $15-$55; some include drink passes. For more info, see brickcitybeerandwinefest.com

THROUGH APRIL 8

Photos with the Easter Bunny

Paddock Mall, 3100 SW College Road, Ocala Mall hours

Time blocks of 15 minutes can be scheduled online and walk-up guests are welcome. See whereisbunny.com for reservations.

4pm

Meets on the first and third Tuesdays of the month. Agendas are usually posted the Thursday prior; agendas, minutes and video available from ocala.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx

APRIL 4

Marion County Board of County Commissioners

Meeting

McPherson Governmental Campus Auditorium, 601 SE 25th Ave., Ocala 9am & 2pm

Meets on the first and third Tuesdays of the month. The Planning & Zoning portion is scheduled for the 2pm meeting. Agendas are usually posted the Thursday prior. Agendas, minutes and video available at marionfl.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx

MARCH 28

Ocala Blue Star Mothers

Arena 1, second floor, World Equestrian Center Ocala, 1390 NW 80th Ave., Ocala

6pm

Organization for mothers of active duty military and veterans meets the fourth Tuesday of each month. New members

APRIL 4

City of Belleview City Commission Meeting City Hall, 5343 SE Abshier Blvd., Belleview

6pm-8pm

Meets the first and third Tuesdays; Belleview agendas, minutes and video available at belleviewfl.org/200/Agendas-Minutes

APRIL 10

Marion County Historical Commission Growth Service Training Room, 2710 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala

6pm Meets on the second Monday of the month. For more info, contact Rolando Sosa at (352) 620-0944.