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IT’S CHILI SEASON!
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We’re not talking about the weather here… It’s time once again for the annual MARION COUNTY CHILI COOK-OFF. For the 34th year, amateur and professional chili connoisseurs alike will battle it out for a chance to be voted top chili chef in the county. But that’s not all—divine desserts and spicy salsas will also be competing for best-of-the-best prizes. And what goes better with chili, salsa and dessert than a brew or two? Tri Eagle Sales will host craft beer tastings for the over-21 crowd. As if all that food weren’t enough, new to this Marion County classic is its first annual auto show. There’s also plenty of other fun activities, including the children’s area with inflatables and games, and live entertainment all day. As always, the cook-off runs rain or shine at the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion from 9am-5pm. All proceeds benefit The Cornerstone School. marioncountychilicookoff.com or (352) 895-1648 or (352) 351-4226.
OCALA GOES OLD SCHOOL
CLASSY CATS & CANINES
You need to go back—way back—to appreciate Ocala as it once was. The annual OCALI COUNTRY DAYS FESTIVAL brings visitors to the Ocala of yesteryear, complete with an authentic cracker village, displays, demonstrations and more. Tour pioneer cabins, visit with Seminole tribal members, watch sugar cane syrup being made or kick back and take a tram ride through the beautiful Silver Springs State Park. There will also be plenty of great food as well as arts and crafts vendors. The festival runs 9am-4pm both days, and proceeds benefit the educational programs of the Silver River Museum. silverrivermuseum.com or (352) 236-5401.
The Voice of Change for Animals League will host a red carpet affair to benefit four-legged friends everywhere. The first annual FUR BALL will take place at the Country Club of Ocala complete with a Vegas theme. Take your chances on the casino-style games, and place a bid or two on some of the silent auction items. There will also be plenty of fine food and a cash bar. The event kicks off at 6pm with red carpet arrivals. Come dressed in your best as the evening is black tie-optional. Tickets are $125 per person. vocalforpets.org or (352) 289-0800. Nov
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Nov
TAKE YOUR MARK!
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The much-anticipated BIG HAMMOCK RACE SERIES kicks off this month with its first race in the series—the annual Turkey Trot. This year marks the 20th anniversary of Ocala’s largest race and includes an extra challenge for those looking to grab an additional piece of pie later in the day. A certified 10K course will wind runners through the historic streets of Ocala. Both races start and end at the Frank Deluca YMCA Family Center, where an outdoor cycling class and a dodgeball tournament will be offered for the non-runners in the family. 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 4 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 ocalaturkeytrot.com.
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NOV’15 ocalastyle.com
UPCOMING EXHIBITS AT THE APPLETON (ONGOING) Backstage Pass: Baron Wolman and the Early Years of Rolling Stone features a variety of Rolling Stone magazine photographs and covers. The exhibit will be on display November 7 through January 10. Dickens Christmas: Urban Family Holiday Collection will return to the Appleton on November 14. This Christmas display is the private collection of Dr. Paul and Joyce Urban and their daughters and often raises funds for various charities. The collection will be on display through January 3 with a special family day planned for December 5. A Fine Timber: Wood and Transformation in our Time will feature the work of three artists specializing in woodwork. The exhibition runs November 14 through January 3. appletonmuseum.org or (352) 291-4455. SILK SCARF WORKSHOP (NOVEMBER 5, 11) Gallery East Art Center will host two silk scarf workshops. Registration is $50 per workshop and includes all supplies needed to create two scarves. The November 5 workshop will run 12-3pm, and the November 11 workshop will run 9am-12pm. galleryeastfl.com or (352) 245-2781. FIRST FRIDAY ART WALK (NOVEMBER 6) Local artists will present their crafts from 6-9pm. The evening will include live entertainment and performances on the downtown square. ocalafl.org or (352) 629-8447. ART EXHIBIT (NOVEMBER 6) The Brick City Center for the Arts will host the exhibit InSights: Recent Paintings by Don Borie and Milly Sheffer, two artists who are local to Ocala. The show will open with a reception at the First Friday Art Walk on November 6 and will be