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RUN RUN RUDOLPH!
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The much-anticipated Big Hammock Race Series is well under way! The second race of the series and an Ocala tradition, the Reindeer Run, will depart from Gateway Bank and take runners on a back tour of Silver Springs Boulevard. The littlest of reindeer can take part in a fun run of their own in the Rudolph Dash free of charge. And for the over 21 crowd, a complimentary beer tent will be set up at the finish, so have your IDs handy! Come ready to run donning your red noses, reindeer antlers or ugly sweaters. And don’t forget: The annual Christmas parade will kick off after the race ends at 5:30pm. This year’s theme is “Winter Express.” The Big Hammock Race Series is a series of seven races throughout Marion County, starting with the Turkey Trot and ending with the 4 On The Fourth race on July 4, 2016. The $15 series entry fee includes a commemorative shirt, commemorative medal if you complete all four Super Races (Reindeer Run 5K, Ocala Marathon weekend races, Live Oak International 5K and St. Paddy’s Day 5K) and access to the final award recognition event following the last series race. Each race also has a separate entry fee. Runners will earn points in both age divisions and overall categories in each race. Double points will be awarded in the four Super Races; additional points come with running in the half or full marathon during the Ocala Marathon weekend. For more information and registration information, visit bighammockraceseries.com or ocalareindeerrun.com.
DOWNTOWN TO DO’S The square is lit up and ready to host a number of festive events this month. Good girls and boys who have been hard at work finalizing their special lists are in for a treat. The man in the red suit will be making special appearances on the downtown square on Tuesday and Thursday evenings this month. His sleigh lands promptly at 6pm complete with Mrs. Claus and a few elves in tow. Numerous other holiday happenings are scheduled throughout the month, including an open prayer ceremony on December 7, THE WINGS OF FAITH CAROLERS
performing live downtown on December 9 and 16, a MENORAH LIGHTING CEREMONY
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TOYS IN TOW
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Move over Donner and Blitzen, the HARLEY OWNERS’ GROUP OF OCALA will be making their way downtown with a sleigh full of toys for good girls and boys for the 17th year in a row. The annual Toy Run will kick off from Harley-Davidson in Ocala and escort riders to the downtown square. A minimum donation of one new, unwrapped toy is required upon registration. ocalahogchapter.net or (352) 732-2488.
One of the longest running and top-rated 28-31 basketball tournaments in the country is slated to get underway later this month at Vanguard High School. The KINGDOM OF THE SUN BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT is in its 42nd year and has hosted several up-and-coming NBA superstars before they hit it big. This year’s action brings teams from Florida, Georgia, Ohio, Wisconsin and Toronto, Canada. Players will hit the courts on the 28th, with eight games taking place each day through the 30th. The final four games will be played on the 31st, with the championship game starting at 7pm. Ticket prices range from $6 to $8. Miss your favorite team? No worries! Each game will be broadcast and available on-demand. For a complete list of teams and game schedules, visit kingdomofthesun.net or call (352) 671-4900.
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on December 6 and numerous caroling concert performances by different groups on select nights throughout the month. Gather at Citizens’ Circle on December 18 for a special holiday movie under the lights beginning at 6pm, and the annual SYMPHONY UNDER THE LIGHTS presented by our own Ocala Symphony Orchestra will take place on December 4 at Citizens’ Circle beginning at 7pm. The Ocala ice skating rink will also be up and running! Each Friday evening features a new theme to skate to, including a princess party, Minion night and superhero spectacular. And don’t forget to support our local vendors at the FIRST FRIDAY ART WALK on December 4 or at the Ocala Farm Market every Saturday morning from 9am-2pm. For a complete list of events and schedule of carolers, visit ocalafl.org or call (352) 401-3916.