It’s no secret that Ocala is home to a huge equestrian community, and that HITS fans and participants– the hunters and jumpers– are a big part of that community. But they tend to die off a bit in the summer and return back in autumn. Did you know that many of the seasonal guests we see are snowbirds?
No, not actual birds– that’s a term for people who summer in the Northern states and winter in warm places like sunny Ocala. Snowbirds have a lifestyle where they leave the comforts of their Northern homes to migrate south with the birds every year. Whether staying with family or living in their own situation, there’s a steady influx of visitors every year, usually older retirees looking to live longer and sweeter in our warm climate!
They come from as far away as New Jersey, Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin. Every year, we see them come in around October or November, and they stay until April or May. Some come in regular vehicles– sedans, trucks, even compacts, and own homes in our area. But some come with motor homes, travel trailers, and small campers. These snowbirds don’t own a home and live in their vehicles for months at a time.
Many of these snowbirds come to PALS for service. It does make great sense, of course: The Villages are nearby, and we’re very close to I-75, as well as the World Equestrian Center. Added to that, our long reputation for care makes us very popular among the snowbird crowd. Add to that their love of our dogs and it's easy to see why PALS has a lot of Snowbird pals!
Take it from Chuck:
"We see a large amount of snowbirds in the Spring, headed home, and in the Fall, coming down. Whenever they have any kind of maintenance or car trouble in general, they come to us. But, they all don't drive cars. Some of them have fifth wheelers that they're pulling behind a big truck that may need repairs, or they have a class A, B, or C motor coach that may need some repair. We work on all of those vehicles to keep those snowbirds road-ready to go."
Do you have a vehicle you've brought hundred of miles south for the season? Want to have it repaired or checked out before you set back out on the road north? Bring it to PALS!
EVENTS
May 2nd
Grab a chocolate frog and your Bertie Botts Every Flavor Jelly Beans! Time to celebrate the series that teaches us that people are defined by their own choices!
May 3rd
A very important day! Join us in celebrating the enormous contribution the teachers of Marion County make to our city!
May 3rd - 7th
World Equestrian Center
Another canine show is coming to Ocala! The 2022 National Specialty's main venue will be located at the World Equestrian Center (WEC) in Ocala, Florida and hosted by the American Belgian Malinois Club. Events will take place in Arena 3. For exact times please refer to the Malinois Club website.
May 4th
May the 4th be with you! If Star Wars teaches anything, it's that no one should be treated as if they are beyond redemption, and that actions taken in anger rarely benefit our world. Join in on the fun with a screening of one of your favorites in the franchise!
May 4th - 8th
World Equestrian Center
USEF/AHA/USDF/WDAA Sanctioned Arabian and Half Arabian Regional Championship show- Halter/Performance/Dressage/Western Dressage/Sport Horse/Jumping. This is a free event for spectators! Opportunities to interact with Arabian Ambassador horses! Spotlight Stallion Auction will be held on Wednesday evening.
May 5th
No, it’s not Mexican Independence Day– but did you know that Cinco De Mayo is a day with enormous implications for the United States of America? Read about it at the link!
May 6th
Marion Oaks Community Center
5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Free Event! Show Off Your Ride - If you can roll in we want to see your RIDE! No fee to enter your ride. Free for all those who want to come and check out all the cool rides! This event is located at the Marion Oaks Community Complex.
Webb Field at Ed Croskey Center
7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
The Levitt AMP Ocala Music Series is a joint partnership between the Marion Cultural Alliance and the City of Ocala bringing free, accessible music to citizens and residents in our community. Each year we provide 10 shows with 20 artists, 10 cultural arts not-for-profit intermissions and 1 public art project, all completed throughout the 10 week Levitt AMP Ocala Music Series. In addition, we celebrate and activate Webb Field, a central public green space. For some, the series is the only opportunity to access cultural arts programming. Through the series, attendees access over 7 genres of music, national, regional and local artists as well as learn about 10 not-for-profit cultural arts organizations that are providing year-round programming locally. The series is a safe community space that transcends socio-economic barriers and unites our community socially and civically with the love of free live music. Rain can’t stop the music! Inclement weather will move the concert series indoors to the E.D. Croskey Center. We have new sound panels to improve the sound indoors and need your support to help keep music in public spaces. Stay tuned on our Facebook page for a rain relocation announcement.
May 7th
World Equestrian Center
10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
WORLD EQUESTRIAN CENTER Saturday, May 7, 2022
Taking place on the same day as the Kentucky Derby this extraordinary event will feature a fabulous display of exotic, classic and muscle cars placed for display in an all new world class resort. Our venue, the World Equestrian Center is located in the horse capital of the world, Ocala, Florida and is the largest equestrian complex in the United States. It is nestled on 1,000 magnificent acres and features a luxurious 5-star hotel located at the heart of the equestrian resort. The hotel will feature 248 extra-large suites where guests can take in this world-class event in luxury and comfort. The hotel will also feature retail space, restaurants, craft cocktail bars and more. Cars will be displayed on in front of the hotel on pavers in the grand plaza. Guests will experience automotive designs by Porsche, Ferrari, Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Lamborghini, Aston-Martin, McLaren, and more. Guests can enjoy fine wines & festive cocktails along with exciting culinary offerings from a multitude of cafes and restaurants located onsite. If you own an exotic, classic, muscle car or unique motorcycle you may like to display it with us. For details click the link below.
May 8th
It’s Mom’s special day! Treat her right!
May 12th - 15th
Ocala Civic Theatre
Once upon a time in long-ago France, a prince is turned into a beast for his heartless ways. The curse must be broken by true love before the last petal falls from an enchanted rose. But the magic truly begins when Belle, a spirited young woman from a nearby village, enters the Beast’s spellbound world… This “tale as old as time” is brought to life in a spectacular stage version of the classic fairytale!
May 13th
Insomniac Theatre Company
7:30 PM
Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark Shadowcast, Presented by Insomniac Theatre Company, Inc. May of 2022 presents the next in our shadowcast series with “Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark.” If you have not seen one of our shadowcasts before (and really, where have you been?), that is where our performers recreate films shot-for-shot, in our own wacky and creative style, while the original movie plays on screen. Recent shadow casts have included “The Princess Bride,” “Jaws,” and “Jurassic Park.” This love letter to two very different forms of entertainment is a must-see format of fun and nostalgia.
Webb Field at Ed Croskey Center
7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
The Levitt AMP Ocala Music Series is a joint partnership between the Marion Cultural Alliance and the City of Ocala bringing free, accessible music to citizens and residents in our community. Each year we provide 10 shows with 20 artists, 10 cultural arts not-for-profit intermissions and 1 public art project, all completed throughout the 10 week Levitt AMP Ocala Music Series. In addition, we celebrate and activate Webb Field, a central public green space. For some, the series is the only opportunity to access cultural arts programming. Through the series, attendees access over 7 genres of music, national, regional and local artists as well as learn about 10 not-for-profit cultural arts organizations that are providing year-round programming locally. The series is a safe community space that transcends socio-economic barriers and unites our community socially and civically with the love of free live music. Rain can’t stop the music! Inclement weather will move the concert series indoors to the E.D. Croskey Center. We have new sound panels to improve the sound indoors and need your support to help keep music in public spaces. Stay tuned on our Facebook page for a rain relocation announcement.
May 13th - 15th
World Equestrian Center
Date: 05/13/22
Friday 4:00PM-9:00PM, Saturday 10:00AM-7:00PM, and Sunday 11:00AM-7:00PM
Spookala is bringing to you horror movie celebrities, vendors, props, discussion panels, live music, & more! Tickets: $15 - $40, Kids 10 & under are free! Venue parking is free! For more information please go to our website: www.spookala.com
May 14th - 15th
Majestic Oaks Ocala
Horse Trial Divisions will be from starter through Preliminary. Ribbons will be awarded first through sixth place in each division. Public is invited to watch the shows but seating is not provided. You are encouraged to bring your own chairs. Shows occur in open air events. Parking is provided along side the horse trailers. We will have a Vendor Village set up during the Horse Trials by the new show jumping arena. There will be food trucks, tack stores, feed stores, and everything in between.
May 14th
World Equestrian Center
8:00am - 11:00am EDT
Bring the family to the WEC Grand Plaza as we roll out a berry celebration of spring with live music, yard games and more. Enjoy the best blueberry fare, including blueberry pie, jam and beer. Shop at the artisanal farmer’s market with fresh and handmade goods from local vendors. The festival itself is free and open to the public. Blueberry Pancake Breakfast
Gather outside of Arena 4 on Saturday, May 14 to feast on all-you-can-eat blueberry pancakes! Get your fresh hot cakes for just $10 starting at 9am—then spend the rest of the day celebrating Blueberry Festival at World Equestrian Center, Blueberry Festival 5K Fun Run - 8:00 am - 9:00 am EDT Join us for the first-ever Blueberry Festival 5k fun run! Enjoy the beautiful World Equestrian Center – Ocala facility on foot like never before. The professionally-designed race course is open to all ages. Go at your own pace and enjoy the scenic views as you complete the full-facility loop at a run, jog, walk or amble and finish under the arch on the WEC Grand Plaza. Stay for the blueberry pancake breakfast (9am) and all-day Blueberry Festival activities to follow the race. Pre-registration is required at www.runsignup.com/wecblueberry5k. Race is not timed. Entry includes race t-shirt, finishers medal and race bib. Registration cost is $20/entry for registrants received before May 1, then increases to $25/entry.
Ray Wayside Park
8:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Kayak and Koffee - Come enjoy kayaking, coffee, pastries, and great company! Paddle the Silver River at the break of a new morning. Launch at 8:00 A.M. from Ray Wayside Park (Ocala Boat Basin) located in eastern Marion County just off State Road 40. Ages 15 and up. Cost is $50 per person, per outing. Register online at https://parks.marionfl.org/home-parks or call (352) 671-8560 for additional information. Weekend outings on the River, ideal for beginners and those interested in nature and wildlife-viewing. Equipment provided. Fee is $50 / person. Fee includes equipment and refreshments prior to the outing. Paddlers will meet at 7:45 am at the location provided. Please wear weather-appropriate clothing; hat, bug spray and sun screen if desired. Bring a bottle of water.
3:00 PM
This troupe of 12 artists, singers, dancers, and musicians bring a high energy performance that combines fine art, live music, singing dancing, humor, and interaction in a frenzy of movement and color. Audience members are encouraged to participate throughout the show through dancing, singing and body rhythm. At the end of the performance the entire audience is invited on stage to view the artworks that are created during the presentation and enjoy a unique view of the show, meet the troupe and walk through a gallery of live art!
May 19th - 22nd
Ocala Civic Theatre
Once upon a time in long-ago France, a prince is turned into a beast for his heartless ways. The curse must be broken by true love before the last petal falls from an enchanted rose. But the magic truly begins when Belle, a spirited young woman from a nearby village, enters the Beast’s spellbound world… This “tale as old as time” is brought to life in a spectacular stage version of the classic fairytale!
Cutting is a western-style equestrian competition in which a horse and rider work together before a judge or panel of judges to demonstrate the horse's athleticism and ability to handle cattle.
May 20th
Webb Field at Ed Croskey Center
7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
The Levitt AMP Ocala Music Series is a joint partnership between the Marion Cultural Alliance and the City of Ocala bringing free, accessible music to citizens and residents in our community. Each year we provide 10 shows with 20 artists, 10 cultural arts not-for-profit intermissions and 1 public art project, all completed throughout the 10 week Levitt AMP Ocala Music Series. In addition, we celebrate and activate Webb Field, a central public green space. For some, the series is the only opportunity to access cultural arts programming. Through the series, attendees access over 7 genres of music, national, regional and local artists as well as learn about 10 not-for-profit cultural arts organizations that are providing year-round programming locally. The series is a safe community space that transcends socio-economic barriers and unites our community socially and civically with the love of free live music. Rain can’t stop the music! Inclement weather will move the concert series indoors to the E.D. Croskey Center. We have new sound panels to improve the sound indoors and need your support to help keep music in public spaces. Stay tuned on our Facebook page for a rain relocation announcement.
May 21st
Speak like the Star Wars Jedi master today, you will!
May 26th - 29th
Ocala Civic Theatre
Once upon a time in long-ago France, a prince is turned into a beast for his heartless ways. The curse must be broken by true love before the last petal falls from an enchanted rose. But the magic truly begins when Belle, a spirited young woman from a nearby village, enters the Beast’s spellbound world… This “tale as old as time” is brought to life in a spectacular stage version of the classic fairytale!
May 27th
Lake Lillian
5pm - 9 pm
Held the fourth Friday of every month at Lake Lillian, this monthly event features lots of family fun! Centered around various food trucks, families can come and enjoy music, free activities for children and shop with local business and craft vendors while enjoying yummy food.
Black Box Theatre
7:30 PM
The Global Jazz Collect is lead by the UF Director of Jazz Studies Scott Wilson and Latin Grammy Award winner and UF head of Music Business and Entrepreneurship, Jose Valentino. This electrifying group showcases funk and bepop music in a high energy multicultural musical setting.
5/30
Honoring our fallen soldiers and peacekeepers.
Thanks for reading this far! We hope you’ve enjoyed our blog, and we’ll see you in June for the next one! Oh, and May 3rd is National Teacher’s Day, so we hope you’ll consider volunteering or donating to our partners at the Public Education System of Marion County this month! Visit Pals Ocala Auto Repair at 2821 SW College Road, Ocala, FL, 34474, and schedule an appointment online to keep your vehicle safe on the road!