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Apr
Apr
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CRAWLIN’ CRITTERS
TASTY TREATS
It’s that time of year again! The annual TASTE OF OCALA is right around the corner offering a sample of Ocala’s top culinary delights. Now in its 26th year, this annual scholarship fundraising event will take place at the College of Central Florida Ocala campus and features samplings from some of Ocala’s finest restaurants, live music, entertainment and more. The black tie-optional event will run from 6:3010pm, and tickets are $100 per person or $150 per couple. tasteofocala.org or (352) 873-5808.
Apr
25
TALKIN’ TRASH Apparently one man’s trash really is another man’s treasure. Come see what treasures can be made from recycled goods at the second annual TRASHY FASHION SHOW sponsored by the Ocala On Top of The World Lions Club. Models will strut their stuff on the runway donning outfits made out of various recycled goods. This one-of-a-kind fashion show will be held at the Circle Square Cultural Center with doors opening at 6:30pm. A silent auction and cash bar will also be available, and proceeds benefit various local charities. Tickets are $15. otowlionsclub.org or (352) 861-7358.
Apr
RAISE YOUR GLASS… OR CAN OR BOTTLE
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Whether you’re a wine sipper or love a cold beer on a hot night, Ocala’s first BRICK CITY BEER AND WINE FESTIVAL has something for everyone. Citizens’ Circle in downtown Ocala will play host to this soonto-be-annual event featuring craft beer and wine samples from various breweries and area establishments. Food will be available from Mojo’s Grill and Catering Company, and there will be live music courtesy of the Southern rock group R-Style. The event runs 2-6pm, but stick around for the Brett Eldrige concert following the festival as part of the Feel Downtown Live Concert Series. Tickets to the festival are $30 or two for $50 in advance. brickcitybeerfest.com.
CALLING ALL PHOTOGRAPHERS
May
2
ROLLING DICE FOR THE DOGS The SPCA of Marion County has gone BUNCO! The organization known for helping Marion County’s needy pets will host an evening of fun, games and prizes. This fundraising event will feature plenty of bunco, raffles, prizes, entertainment and more. Whether you’re a bunco pro or have never even heard of the game, this event is sure to draw a crowd. The fun begins at 6:30pm at the Klein Conference Center at CF. Tickets are $30 per person, and hors d’oeuvres and beverages will be served. (352) 362-8513.
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Calling all Cajun crawfish fans! It’s time for the OCALA CRAWFISH MUSIC FESTIVAL. Bring your appetite, as there will be lots of fresh crawfish, red beans and rice, and plenty of Cajun classics, as well as organic selections, too. And don’t forget your dancing shoes; the music will be playing all day long. For the kiddos, there’s an expanded play area and special menu. Bring a lawn chair, and plan to spend the day. The festival takes place across from the CF Webber Center and begins at 2pm. Admission is $3 or $5 for a couple. Proceeds benefit the Marion Academies. ocalacrawfishfest.com or (352) 458-1116.
APR’14
ocalastyle.com
May
15
The City of Ocala will once again host the annual “IT STARTS IN THE PARK” photography contest. The contest combines the art of photography with nature and the role the area’s parks play in our community. A special workshop will take place on April 12 for interested students at the Discovery Center. Submissions will be accepted through May 15. Students will be competing for B H Photo Video gift cards and a personal, on-location photography shoot with Emmy award-winning National Geographic photographer Mark Emery. mydiscoverycenter.org or (352) 629-8447.
Food © svry; Crawfish © bigredlynx; Beer&Wine © Boule; Dog © Eric Isselee; Dice © DUSAN ZIDAR; Lens © cobalt88 / Shutterstock.com
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