What's Happening: April 4

The First Saturday Village Market returns 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. this Saturday, April 5, in Dunnellon.

Spaces are still available. For more info call, 352-465-8000.

Depot hosts two comedy shows

Laugh out loud with the Broken Toy Brigade at our Comedy Night Saturday, April 5. Doors open an hour before the shows, which begin at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Admission is $5. Some snack options available for purchase. All proceeds help fund renovation of the caboose.

Every Tuesday, the museum is open from 9 a.m. to noon. Come learn about the early days of Dunnellon. Admission is free.

The museum will have extended hours from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. for Dunnellon Boomtown Days on Saturday, April 12.

The board of the Greater Dunnellon Historical Society next meets at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 17.

Learn more about the society and our events at www.DunnellonDepot.com. The Depot is located at 12061 S. Williams St., Dunnellon.

Community Easter Egg Hunt & Carnival at River Life

Get ready, Dunnellon! River Life Church is hosting a free Community Easter Egg Hunt & Carnival from 4-6 p.m. Saturday, April 19, and you’re invited! Join us for an unforgettable evening packed with egg hunts for all age groups, exciting carnival games, family photo booths, face painting, prizes, and delicious treats like popcorn and cotton candy! Plus, stick around for our Easter evening service at 5:30 p.m. – everyone is welcome!

Temporary road closures for Boomtown Days

Motorists can expect temporary road closures from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. April 12 on West Pennsylvania Avenue from Cedar Street to U.S. Highway 41 (Williams Street) and Cedar Street from West Pennsylvania Avenue to West McKinney Avenue.

The Dunnellon Chamber & Business Association and Rainbow Springs Art are hosting the 2025 Boomtown Days and Art Show. Participants and vendors will be in the County right-of-way.

Crews will place barricades and signs to detour traffic around the event. Travelers should expect delays and use alternate routes when possible. Adverse weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstances may affect schedules.

For more information, contact the Dunnellon Chamber & Business Association at 352-489-2320.

Central Florida Master Choir spring encore April 6

The Central Florida Master Choir will present its 2025 spring concert, “They Say It’s Spring!” at 3 p.m. Sunday, April 6, at the Countryside Presbyterian Church on State Road 200.

It will be under the direction of Dr. Harold W. McSwain and accompanied by GayLyn Capitano and the New Moon String Ensemble.

The major work will be “Requiem” by Gabriel Fauré. The second half will include secular music celebrating spring.

As so many people do year after year, make this concert a part of your spring tradition. Come, enjoy, and give generously via a “free-will offering” in order to help maintain excellence in the musical arts in Central Florida.

St. John hosting Easter egg hunt

Join the fun at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Dunnellon as it hosts an Easter egg hunt at 11:45 a.m. Sunday, April 20, in the back field of the church. For more information, contact MaryAlice Hogan: 352-489-3166. Please come and join us!

St. John is at 7525 S. U.S. 41, Dunnellon.

Lake Tropicana presents Easter Bunny Fun Day

The Lake Tropicana Civic Association is hosting a children’s Easter Bunny Fun Day, beginning at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 19, at the Clubhouse at 3380 SW 181st Place.

Children up to 10 years old from Lake Tropicana and Rainbow Lakes Estates are welcome to participate at this event. The “hunts” will begin with ages 3 and under, 4-6, 7-8, and 9-10 in a selected area of the yard. Children bring their own basket or bag!

The Easter Bunny will be there at 10:30 a.m., and pictures with him and the children can be taken at that time.

St. John hosts weekly fish fry during lent

The St. John the Baptist Catholic Church Men’s Club is holding a fish fry from 4-6 p.m. on upcoming Fridays.

The menu includes fish or shrimp (shrimp fried or boiled), french fries, hush puppies, coleslaw, baked beans, cookies, and tea or coffee. The price is $15.

A fish fry is scheduled for April 4, April 11, and May 2.

No fish frys will be held in June, July and August.

Mark your calendar and come and support our community.

St. John is north of town near the intersection of highways 40 and 41: 7525 U.S. 41, Dunnellon.

Art gallery offers scholarships

If you’re a graduating high school senior or you know one, and you paint, tap dance, play the flugelhorn, or write sonnets, the Rainbow Springs Art in Dunnellon gallery may be able to help you pursue your creative passion in college.

The gallery is the only area art gallery sponsoring scholarships for area students who want to study the creative arts in college – visual art, music, dance, writing, theater, or even such things as culinary arts. Two, $1,500 scholarships are available.

You’ll need to show you’ve been accepted by a college, have a letter of recommendation from your arts teacher or counselor, and meet some other requirements, listed on the gallery’s website, www. rainbowspringsart.com. The deadline is April 30.

The application is on the website and at the gallery, 20804 W. Pennsylvania Ave. The gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call 352-445-8547.

Dunnellon Community Thrift Shop needs volunteers

Located at 20359 E. Pennsylvania Ave., the Dunnellon Community Thrift Shop is in need of several reliable, year-round volunteers. We serve the community 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Saturday with an all-volunteer staff of 35-40 people, who each work one four-hour shift a week. It is a great opportunity to make new friends and to be made aware of the many organizations that help make Dunnellon such a pleasant place to live.

The volunteers work in teams of 4-5 people, sorting and pricing the clothing and small household items donated to us and arranging them within the shop. Prices are kept low and there is always something on sale at half price.

All the profits made in the shop are donated on a monthly basis to organizations, clubs and individuals in need of community support.

If you have four spare hours a week and are looking for a meaningful way to contribute to your community, stop by the shop and ask the cashier for an application form.

Tri-County R/C Club Spring Fly-In coming to Dunnellon

The Tri-County R/C Club is holding its Spring Fly-In April 26 at the Rainbow R/C Park in Dunnellon.

The outdoor event is sanctioned by the Academy of Model Aeronautics and features gas, glow and electric R/C model airplanes. There will be a poker run and Pilot’s Choice Award.

Spectators are welcome.

Landing fee is $10. A current AMA membership is required for pilots.

The Park is located at 12175 S. Bridges Road. Heading east of Dunnellon on County Road 484, turn on San Jose Boulevard and then just follow the signs.

Pilot registration opens at 8 a.m., followed by a pilots meeting at 8:30 a.m. The Pilot’s Choice Award is at 11 a.m., with open flying afterwards.

The Rainbow Cafe will be open, serving hot dogs, hamburgers, and drinks.

Contact Contest Director Bruce Richardson at 352-425-9976 or brucerpda@earthlink.net

Ultimate trio class reunion Memorial Day weekend

Calling all alumni from the graduating classes of all three high schools: Hardrock, Booker T. Washington and Dunnellon High. It’s time to reminisce, reconnect, and revel in the nostalgia of our school days. Join us for the Ultimate Class Reunion Memorial Day Weekend in Dunnellon.

Event highlights include: a meet-and-greet, black tie/picnic/worship, live entertainment, and more.

Cost is $100 per person; no refunds.

For more information, email: trio3reunion@gmail.com.

Citrus County Genealogical Society meets April 8

The Citrus County Genealogical Society will meet at 10 a.m. on April 8 at the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-day Saints, 3474 Southern St., Lecanto.

The speaker will be Sara Cochran, talking about “What’s in a Name?” This presentation takes a deeper look at how relying too much on spelling has the potential to trip up our research.

Guests are welcome to attend. For questions, call Mary Ann Machonkin: 352-382-5515.

Breakfast with Easter Bunny at Moose Lodge

Come have breakfast with the Easter Bunny from 10-noon Saturday, April 19, at the Dunnellon Family Center Moose Lodge 2308.

Have a hopping good time with photos with the Easter Bunny, egg hunt, and kids’ crafts.

Breakfast is free for kids ages 0-11 and includes two pancakes, two sausage patties, milk or juice.

Additional breakfasts are $5 each.

Please RSVP to reserve space by Saturday, April 12, to Kimberly Kelly at 352-422-3966.

Net proceeds from this year’s Breakfast with the Easter Bunny benefit Give Kids the World.

Dunnellon Family Center Moose Lodge 2308 is located at 11890 N. U.S. 41 in Dunnellon.

Citrus Community Concert Choir announces spring show

The Citrus Community Concert Choir announces the dates and a new venue for their fabulous spring concert “Let Freedom Sing.”

The first of the two concerts will be held 3 p.m. Saturday, April 5, at Hope Lutheran Church, 9425 N. Citrus Springs Blvd., Citrus Springs. Then on Sunday April 6, the second concert is at 3 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Inverness.

Admission is $12 at the door; students are admitted free. Proceeds help fund our scholarship program to help local students going on to college to study music.

Please see our website www.citruschoir.com for more details.

Rainbow BMAP meeting online April 11

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection announced upcoming meetings for the Outstanding Florida Springs Basin Management Action Plans (BMAP) process. The public meetings are held virtually via GoToWebinar are held to discuss BMAP updates.

The meeting on the Silver Springs and Upper Silver River and Rainbow Spring Group and Rainbow River BMAP is at 10 a.m. Friday, April 11.

To register, visit tinyurl.com/bddz5dmxRegistration.

After registering, you’ll receive a confirmation email with information about joining the webinar. A follow-up email will be sent with the agendas.

Email Moira Homann or call 850-245-8460 with any questions.

Bingo weekly at St. John the Baptist

Bingo is every Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church Parish Hall, at 7525 S. U.S. 41, Dunnellon.

Lots of fun and prizes. Lunch is available for a nominal fee. Everyone has fun until someone yells bingo!

Dunnellon Boomtown Days & Art Show seeks vendors

The 2025 Boomtown Days and Art Show takes place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 12. Come out and enjoy food, music, an art show, and crafts vendors, a beauty pageant, a cowboy shootout, and a Kidz Zone. If you’d like to be a vendor, visit the Chamber website at dunnellonchamber.com or go directly to https://is.gd/cyfbOp for the application and payment link. The Chamber does not use third-party event planners. Only make payments to the Chamber directly.

Kingdom of the Sun Concert Band performs ‘by request’ shows

The Kingdom of the Sun Concert Band presents its popular “by request” concerts at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 26, and 3 p.m. Sunday, April 27, at the Marion Technical Institute auditorium,1614 E. Fort King St. in Ocala.

Under the direction of J. Craig Lilly, the band will perform song requests from our patrons, collected at our February concert. Concert goers are encouraged to come one hour prior to each concert to enjoy the award-winning Howard Middle School Jazz Band, directed by Brittany Schofield, on Saturday and Jimmy Jamz and the Offbeats, a percussion ensemble led by Jimmy Sexton, on Sunday.

The concerts are free, with donations happily accepted. For more information, visit kingdomofthesunband.org or call 352-390-0491.

Brick City Brewers meet April 13

Are you looking for a new hobby? Have you ever wanted to brew your own beer, cider, or mead? Join Ocala’s original homebrewing club! Members of Brick City Brewers meet monthly to share homebrews, knowledge, and recipes. We also participate in beer festivals throughout the year, partnering with local charities to raise money for worthy causes. And we have a lot of fun doing it!

Why not join us for our next meeting? We’ll be at the Juniper General Store, 6998 U.S. 27, Unit 112, Ocala, at 4:30 p.m. Sunday, April 13.

Yoga and Qigong classes

Nature Coast Unitarian Universalist Fellowship is offering two ongoing and open to the public classes on Wednesdays at NCUU, 7633 N. Florida Ave., Citrus Springs.

Qigong-Mindful Movement is at 3 p.m. and Gentle Yoga-Meditation in Motion begins at 3:45 p.m.

Our teacher, Alicia Martinez, is a Qigong associate instructor as well as Certified Yoga Instructor for adults and children.

All are welcome to this ongoing weekly practice. No experience is required, and Alicia will provide modifications if needed.

There’s a suggested donation of $5 for each class.

General Francis Stamp Club meets twice monthly

We’re welcoming new members for the new year. If you have any questions about a collection you have acquired, we’ll be happy to assist you.

The General Francis Stamp Club is meeting on the first and third Wednesdays of the month. We meet at the sheriff’s substation at 9048 SW State Road 200.

If you have any questions email elliotn27@aol.com

Hands-on Woodturners meets monthly

Serving West Central Florida, Hands-on Woodturners (HOW) meets at 6:45 p.m. the third Wednesday of the month. Meetings are held at the Lions Club, 72 Civic Circle, Beverly Hills.

Individuals interested in the woodturning craft are welcome to attend. Club meetings include the display of members’ work, woodturning demonstrations, and opportunities that increase the interest and skills of woodturners. Guests are always welcome.

Visit our website: How turners.com.

Ladies Golf League returns at local club

Golf Central Golf Club in Dunnellon, formerly known as Rainbow’s End Golf Club, has resumed its Ladies Golf League until the end of June 2025. We welcome new members.

This friendly golf league plays nine holes each Wednesday with a 9 a.m. shotgun start.

Prize money is awarded weekly for low gross and net scores as well as birdies and chip-ins.

To sign up or ask questions, contact Karen at 603-748-5435.

Caregiver support group meets twice monthly at library

The Dunnellon Caregiver Support Group meets at noon on the first and third Thursdays of each month in the Dunnellon Public Library, 20351 Robinson Road.

If you’ve just become a caregiver or are already caregiving, get information and support that are critical to caregivers. If you’ve been a caregiver, please come and share your insights and support. All are welcome.

Call 352-322-0258.

Ocala to host Earthfest in celebration of Arbor Day

The City of Ocala’s Recreation and Parks Department will host Earthfest, the city’s annual Arbor Day celebration, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 19, at Tuscawilla Park (800 NE Sanchez Ave.).

Earthfest will feature a variety of family-friendly activities promoting environmental stewardship and outdoor recreation.

The event will include the Youth Fishing Derby, held from 9-noon, providing children ages 14 and younger with the opportunity to participate in a catch-and-release fishing competition at Lake Tuscawilla. Prizes will be awarded in three age divisions for the most fish caught and the largest catch. Participants are encouraged to bring their own fishing equipment and bait; however, a limited number of supplies will be available.

Additional event activities will include a recreational tree climbing, a rock-climbing wall, eco-friendly vendors, animal rescue organizations, food trucks, and the Ocala Clothing Swap. Free tree saplings and pollinator plants will be available while supplies last.

Live entertainment will also be provided by Peaches and Karim.

For more information and a full schedule of events, visit ocalafl.gov/earthfest or contact the City of Ocala Recreation and Parks Department at 352-368-5517.

City in need of pension board volunteers

The City of Dunnellon needs civic-minded volunteers to serve on the Fire & Police Pension Board of Trustees. City residence and attendance at quarterly meetings is required.

If you’re interested in volunteering your time, notify the City Clerk at 352-465-8500 or obtain an application at www.dunnellon.org.

Weekly bingo at Dunnellon American Legion

Every Thursday night there is bingo at the American Legion Post 58, 10730 S. U.S. 41, Dunnellon, next to Walmart. Doors open at 2 p.m., food is available for purchase at 4 p.m., and bingo games start at 6 p.m. Bingo cards are sold starting at 4 p.m. Cash only.

American Legion hosts monthly flea market in Dunnellon

American Legion Post 58 in Dunnellon sponsors a flea market the third Saturday of every month. Hours are 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The event is held at the post at 10730 S. U.S. 41, next to Walmart in Dunnellon.

There are indoor AC booths and larger outside spaces. A wide range of new/old, vintage items and collectibles including coins are available.

Ask a Master Gardener

Have a plant or gardening question? The UF/IFAS Marion County Master Gardeners are here to help during monthly appearances at Marion County libraries. A Master Gardener is at the Dunnellon Public Library, 20351 Robinson Road, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. the first Tuesday of each month.

Church hosts Easter blood drive

The Easter blood drive at Our Lady of Grace Parish this year is from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 26, at the Knights of Council hall, 2389 W. Norvell Bryant Highway, at the corner of West Pinecone Avenue and County Road 486 in Lecanto.

Easter is a symbol of spring and new life, so please give the gift of new life to your community by donating blood at this next drive. A more precious gift is hard to find.

There will be a complimentary continental breakfast, $25 e-gift cards, and tokens of appreciation for all donors. Please come and participate and enjoy the fellowship of your fellow donors. If there are any questions, call LifeSouth at 352-527-3061.

Type 1 diabetes support group meets monthly

Do you have type 1 diabetes? Join our support group! We meet at 6 p.m. on the third Thursday of every month at River Life Church, 2872 W. Dunnellon Road. For all ages and caregivers!

Country Quilters meet weekly

The Dunnellon Country Quilters meet at 12:30 p.m. every Monday at the First Methodist Church of Dunnellon, 21501 W. State Road 40, Dunnellon.

The group makes patriotic quilts for veterans, pillowcases for Shands Children’s Cancer Center, prayer quilts for the First Methodist Church of Dunnellon and quilts for the Romeo Elementary School.

They also have classes for different projects and go on road trips and attend quilt shows.

Every third Monday of each month, they hold their business meeting and show what they’ve made.

All levels of quilters and prospective quilters are welcome to visit. For information, email rrutkowski@ bellsouth.net.

TOPS meets weekly

TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) has a wonderful local group that is friendly, supportive, conversational and continuously sharing healthy eating short cuts.

The TOPS group meets weekly on Thursday afternoons. Weigh-in is between 2:30-3 p.m., held in a private room. Only you and the weight recorders see your weight. Our meetings start at 3 p.m. and last an hour. Meetings are held at the Hope Evangelical Lutheran Church, in their meeting hall, at 9425 N. Citrus Springs Blvd. in Citrus Springs. There is a sign as you enter the driveway to the church that points you to exactly where we meet.

You can actually visit two of our meetings for free and decide if it’s something you’d benefit from.

For more information, you could call our TOPS leader, Chris Weider, at 352-465-7861, or our co-leader, Paula Walker, at 239-222-9701.

Ocala Christian Women’s Connection lists luncheon

The Connection’s April luncheon is titled, “Live, Love & Memories,” and takes place from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. April 22 at the County Club of Ocala. It features Becky Burque – Journey Through Photos. Please bring your photo memories. Becky will speak on the topic, “Pictures from the past-possibilities for the future.” The $28 payment must be received by April 14.

The Country Club of Ocala is at 6823 SE 12th Circle.

Call Barb at 612-810-0022 or Bonnie at 407-314-8313 for payments and information.

Check out a farm swap in Dunnellon

Dunnellon Sparr Building and Farm Supply holds a farm swap twice a month from 8 a.m. to noon the first and third Saturdays at 2915 W. Dunnellon Road.

Buy, sell or trade poultry, livestock, anything and everything farm-related.

They are also looking for a food vendor, so if you or somebody you know has a food truck, trailer or food cart and would like to sell at the swaps, contact them at 352-462-6670.

Water and restrooms conveniently located, as well as drinks and snacks. They suggest sellers bring either a canopy or umbrella as there is limited shade.

This is a fairly new farm swap; it was previously the Dunnellon Tractor Supply Co. farm swap.

Restaurant hosts classic car shows

The Front Porch Restaurant & Pie Shop in South Dunnellon hosts a “cruise in” classic car show from 4-7 p.m. the last Wednesday of the month.

Bring your classic car and get a free slice of pie!

The restaurant is at 12039 N. Florida Ave., Dunnellon.