community

APRIL 7

First Friday Art Walk

Ocala Downtown Square, 1 SE Broadway St., Ocala

6pm-9pm

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

APRIL 7-8

Special Olympics Florida Equestrian

Championship

World Equestrian Center Ocala, Arena 5, 1390 NW 80th Ave., Ocala

All day

The Bakas Equestrian Team is conducting this competition for the Florida Special Olympics.

More than 130 athletes are registered to compete. Classes start at 1pm on Friday and 9am on Saturday. Free to attend. See specialolympicsflorida.org/events for more info.

APRIL 7-9, 12-16

Ocala Springs Premier Horse Show

Florida Horse Park, 11851 SW 16th Ave. (west entrance), Ocala

All day

These hunter/jumper shows feature all kinds of classes from lead line to Grand Prix show jumping. Included are green hunters, novice, adult amateur, pony and walk/trot. For more info, classiccompany.com

APRIL 8

Grand Opening

Ocala Mall, 3711 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala

9:30am

A former K-Mart building has been refurbished and fitted with booths for more than 100 vendors. Opening festivities include live music, face painting and the Empanada Factory and McFoodland food trucks. For more info, ocalamall.net

APRIL 8

Honoring the Fallen Service

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

10am-12pm

The healing process can start with this ceremony to honor first responders and veterans who sacrificed in their service. Sponsored by the city of Ocala, Hospice of Marion County, We Honor Veterans and the Marion County Veterans Park Foundation. 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 farmland preservation and showcases rural activities. Activities include live bands, a farmer’s market, farm animals, arts and crafts vendors, and educational exhibits. Foodies can enjoy barbecue, hot dogs, hamburgers, ice cream treats, homemade desserts and more. See saveourruralarea.org and sites.google.com/site/ farmlandpreservationfestival for info.

APRIL 8

Brick City Beer and Wine Festival

Citizens’ Circle, 151 SE Osceola Ave, Ocala

2pm-6pm

The festival offers beer and wine to sample and purchase, entertainment, a 50/50 raffle, lots of 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

APRIL 8

Truck Show

Homestead Park, 1050 NE 6th Blvd., Williston

12pm-4pm

Tricked-out trucks will be on display, along with the park’s regular food options, tiny vendor booths, bar, dance floor and more. Free to attend. $30 to enter a truck. See homesteadparks.com for more info.

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; walk-up guests are welcome. See whereisbunny.com for reservations.

APRIL 8 & 15

Ocala Farmers Market

Ocala Downtown Market, 310 SE Third St., Ocala

9am-2pm

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