Seth Johnson
Spring forward, fall back. The phrase is important twice a year, and as everyone winds their clocks this weekend, they’ll need to remember the order.
Or, more likely, you can leave it to your smartphone to figure out while you spend the next week changing your coffeemaker, oven, microwave and car clock to match.
Despite one less hour this weekend, plenty of area events look to make up for the loss by packing in the fun. Here are some options to enjoy:
Outdoor movies in Gainesville, Jonesville
Both Tioga Town Center and the City of Gainesville will kick off a movie series this weekend. They even opted for the same movie: Encanto.
Luckily, Tioga will show the Disney film on Friday night at 7 p.m. and Gainesville will hold a 6:30 p.m. showing on Saturday at Depot Park so you can watch the film twice.
Arrive early for both to get food from the various restaurants or food trucks and grab a nice spot on the lawn.
Here’s a list of future Tioga movies for you long-term planners:
- April 8—Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway
- May 13—Luca
- June 17—Soul
- July 8—Sing 2
- August—Clifford the Big Red Dog
28th Annual Florida Gateway Pro Rodeo
Held in Lake City, the Florida Gateway Pro Rodeo will cover the whole weekend from Friday through Sunday. A Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association approved event, spectators will see bull riding, barrel racing, steer wrestling, team roping and more.
Tickets at the gate cost $15 for adults and $5 for ages 6-12, while admission is free for kids 5 and under. You can also purchase advance adult tickets online for a discount.
The gates open at 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday for a 8 p.m. rodeo start. On Sunday, the gates open at noon for a 2 p.m. start.
Lower Suwannee Art & Nature Festival
An assortment of artists, artisans and food vendors will descend on Glen Dyals Park (21354 SE Hwy 349, Suwannee, FL 32692) on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Located just a few miles from the gulf, the festival will have plenty of painting and photography of Florida coast and aquatic wildlife, food vendors and nonprofit booths.
NHRA Gatornationals
The checkered flag will wave this weekend for the National Hot Rod Association’s Gatornationals event Friday through Sunday at the Gainesville Raceway.
The high octane drag racing is sure to get your pulse pumping.
You can find more information and tickets online at various price levels including one day tickets or weekend packages.
Cast & Blast Sportsman’s Expo
Held at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Saturday’s expo will feature hundreds of vendors highlighting outdoor products and services.
The expo will last from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on March 12. You can pre-register online or just show up.
Suwannee River Youth Fair
This 70th annual event for Dixie, Gilchrist and Levy counties is happening over a three-week period this month in Fanning Springs.
The fair technically opened last week, but this weekend it will have a full slate of events, including horse, poultry, bull and heifer shows on Saturday. The full schedule is online.