OCALA, FL (352today.com) – With spring just around the corner, festivals to celebrate the weekend are beginning to pop up around the 352. Here is a look at some of the festivals and fairs happening this weekend.
Santos Fat Tire Festival
The Mountain Bike Association is partnering with Florida State Parks and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to host the Fat Tire Festival. Guests will camp at the Santos Campgrounds starting on Thursday, March 5 at noon with the event lasting to Sunday, March 8 at 4 p.m. The Epic 50 Ride will follow the next day for a 50-mile ride through the IMBA certified Santos Trails at 3080 Southeast 80th St., Ocala. After the ride, participants will receive finisher medals and event T-shirts.
Throughout the event, a bike clinic will be hosted by Misty Mahoy of All About Balance where small groups will learn or enhance mountain bike skills. At Vendor Village, up to 100 vendors will be showing off and selling bikes and gear while food trucks stand by with a variety of foods. The vendor village is free and open to the public on Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. as well as Sunday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Child wristbands are $76.54 and adult wristbands are $172.57 with additional upgrades and add-ons available. Proceeds from the event will benefit the trail maintenance and building, safety patrol training and equipment. Learn more and purchase tickets here.
Habitat Ocala Strawberry Festival
The Habitat for Humanity of Marion County will be hosting the 12th Annual Habitat Ocala Strawberry Festival. The area will be filled with over 200 vendors, a kid’s zone with a petting zoo, a BMX show and more live entertainment. The festival will take place on Saturday, March 7, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at the McPherson Government Complex, 601 SE 25th Ave., Ocala.
The music lineup starts with Jason Clark, welcoming guests with electric violin while Peaches & Karim play on the main stage. The second performance is Emma Forgette & Band, followed by the Alaskan Sunnyside Sisters before ending with the Crossroads Band. The event will feature a strawberry pie-eating contest open for all ages with strawberry treats throughout event with Plant City farmers selling their own strawberries. A special feature of the festival is the auto show where participants have a chance to win trophies with guests having a chance to win a drawing and split the pot.
Parking is $5 per vehicle with proceeds going to the Marion Therapeutic Riding Association and the Habitat for Humanity of Marion County. Learn more about the Habitat for Humanity of Marion County and the Strawberry Festival here.
Orange-A-Fair
Citra Community Center will host to the 15th Annual Orange-A-Fair. The fair will feature a vibrant display of Citra’s agricultural heritage. Join the celebration on Saturday, March 7 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Citra Community Center, 2351 E. Highway 318, Citra.
Vendors will showcase antique and collectable items, natural crafts and more. Live entertainment will include Citra’s “Old Time Agricultural Reminiscers,” performances of bluegrass music, a silent auction, a car show and more. There will also be a livestock and agricultural show for those interested in diving deep into the display of rich agricultural experiences. For those looking forward to delicious food, there will be a pie eating contest and a Fish Fry Contest & Citra Cook-Off.
Proceeds will benefit the Citra Historic Museum. Learn more or donate here.
Florida Springs Festival
Silver Springs State Park is hosting the Florida Springs Festival where guests can learn more about local history and ranger programs at the festival Saturday-Sunday, March 7-8 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Silver Springs State Park, 5656 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala.
Vendors will host booths throughout the area while guests take a stroll around the park, paddle on the water or go on a boat tour. Exhibitors will be around, sharing expertise while family-friendly activities take place.
Entry to the event requires regular park admission of $2. Learn more about Silver Springs State Park and the Florida Springs Festival here.
Festival Latino
Ocala’s Citizen’s Circle is hosting the Festival Latino where vendors will take over the area with Latin themes on Saturday, March 7 from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. at Citizen’s Circle, 151 SE Osceola Ave., Ocala.
Guests can walk around the area to shop at local vendors, listen to live music and grab a bite to eat at one of the food trucks on-stie. The festival is free to attend with free parking. Learn more about the festival here.
The Ocala Spring Time Festival
The Ocala Downtown Market will be host to the Spring Time Festival. Local businesses will host booths selling a variety of handcrafted items. The event will take place on Sunday, March 8, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Ocala Downtown Market, 403 SE Osceola Ave., Ocala.
On top of plenty of vendors for all shopping needs, there will also be a free Easter Bunny photo opportunity, live music and food trucks for a bite to eat while exploring the area. This event is free to attend. Learn more here.