Photo by Kenny Gaines on Unsplash
Welcome back to another PALS Ocala blog! We hope that life has been treating you well throughout March and you are achieving all your goals.
The PALS Ocala website has a page for what we call ‘Partners’. These aren’t partners in the strict sense of capitalism; they represent our partners in building a better Ocala together. If you click the link and go to our website, you’ll discover some of the many charities and organizations Linda and I support. We’re proud of these organizations and the work they are doing for the life and soul of Ocala’s adults, children, families, and even pets.
It’s a collection of some outstanding people. The Humane Society of Marion County helps connect lost or abandoned pets with families who love to give. The Boys and Girls Clubs of Marion County lookout for the most vulnerable kids on Ocala streets. St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital continues it’s 70-year commitment to never give up on sick kids. One Child Matters uses the Internet to find sponsors for children in the poorest regions of the world. Marion County Public Schools works to bring Marion County kids up into fine adults with civic pride and concern for their community. The Arlene Liner Teaching Ministry has just transitioned to a full-time ministry, bringing healing and God’s word to Ocala. The Meadowbrook Church offers spiritual guidance and love in a setting that welcomes every person through its doors in the name of Jesus Christ.
Opening and closing the list is the Ocala Business Leaders, working to raise the standards of business for the betterment of Ocala and her people. We’re so glad to work at a better Ocala with each of you. Thank you for letting us help in our own way.
Speaking of helping, we have a Spring A/C Special you’re going to love!
Now is the perfect time to make sure your car’s air conditioning system is ready for the warmer weather. That is why you should take advantage of our Spring A/C Blast promotion! Pals Ocala Auto Repair is offering a FREE Air Conditioning Evacuation & Recharge during the second quarter of 2021, April - May. This special promo includes a free A/C Evacuation and Recharge when you schedule an appointment for preventive maintenance service. Schedule an appointment at Pals Ocala Auto Repair between the months of April - May. This special applies to most vehicles. See store for details. Some exceptions may apply.
Pals Ocala Auto Repair has new hours of operation starting 4/5/21!
PALS has made a decision to close our shop down on Mondays -- one of our slower workdays -- because most of our customers work Monday – Friday, leaving Saturday as the best day for maintenance on their cars. Most of our Ocala competitors are closed on Saturdays, so closing Mondays will allow us to cut our costs by one day, plus be able to give you a little more coverage when and where you most need it!
The new hours of operation:
Sunday – Closed
Monday – Closed
Tuesday – 8am – 5pm
Wednesday – 8am – 5pm
Thursday – 8am – 5pm
Friday – 8am – 5pm
Saturday - 8am - 5pm
Now, let’s look at the other April Events!
April 1st
April Fool’s Day
April 1st - 3rd
Easter Bunny at The Paddock Mall
Paddock Mall
The Easter Bunny is back at Paddock Mall with a brand new set! Join us for safe and socially distanced photos with the bunny this Easter season. They’ve revamped their photo options and offer pictures with the Easter Bunny and a ‘wall crawl’ photo set from new photographer Sensational Selfies. Call 352-427-8722 to prepay and reserve your spot in advance!
Thursday, April 1 from 4 p.m.-7 p.m.
Friday, April 2 from 3 p.m.-8 p.m.
Saturday, April 3 from 12 p.m.-7 p.m.
April 2nd
Good Friday
Ocala Wetland Recharge Park Grand Opening
2105 NW 21st Street
10:00 a.m.
The City of Ocala will host a grand opening for the Ocala Wetland Recharge Park. The City of Ocala Water Resources department developed the park to help create a wetland ecosystem, improve water quality, boost regional groundwater supplies, and provide educational opportunities for all ages and stages.
For more information about the Ocala Wetland Recharge Park, visit wetlandpark.ocalafl.org or call 352-351-6772.
First Friday Art Walk
South Magnolia Ave, Ocala, Florida
6:00 p.m.
The First Friday Art Walk takes place the first Friday of each month, September through May, from 6 to 9 p.m. First Friday Art Walk is a free event located within Ocala’s historic downtown.
April 4th
Easter Sunday
April 7th
World Health Day
April 8th – May 2, 2021
“Crimes of the Heart” (play)
Ocala Civic Theatre
7:30 p.m.
Pull up a chair at the kitchen table for a slice of Southern Gothic comedy! It’s a delightfully dysfunctional gathering when scandal reunites three sisters at their childhood home in Mississippi.
April 9th
Special Olympics Games Florida
World Equestrian Center
As of publication, we’re still waiting on times, costs, and events to be announced, but this is a great event not to be missed!
Kevin Nealon
Reilly Arts Center
7:30 p.m.
Comedian and former SNL star and writer Kevin Nealon brings his new act to the Reilly Arts Center on April 9th!
Tickets $20 to $55
After Dark in the Park Movie Series “Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax (2012)”
Tuscawilla Park Oak Grove, 500 NE Sanchez Ave.
Time: 8:30 p.m.
After Dark in the Park Movie Series. Be sure to bring a blanket or chairs to sit on. We will have concessions available for purchase like snacks, popcorn, and soda. No registration is required to attend our movies; simply show up, get comfortable and enjoy the show!
For more information, please contact the City of Ocala Recreation and Parks Department at 352-368-5517 or visit www.ocalafl.org/recpark.
April 9th - 11th
PacWest Barrel Race
Southeastern Livestock Pavilion, 2232 NE Jacksonville Road
We’re still waiting on the full details from PacWest, but hopefully, the barrel race will be a fun event to watch and participate in!
April 10th
Second Saturday Art Studio at The Brick
The Brick City Center for the Arts
12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Second Saturday Art Studio at The Brick is a monthly workshop of arts & crafts making and fun play at Brick City Center for the Arts, home of MCA. Inspired by #352Creates, a local movement that engages the idea that creativity connects us and can help promote healthy communities.
April 10th - 11th, 17th - 18th, 24th - 25th
Butterfly & Blueberry Festival 2021
Timberline Farm
10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Come to the Butterfly & Blueberry Festival 2021! Hard to go wrong with beautiful creatures and a harvest of delicious treats available!
Hours:
Saturday 10am – 6pm
Sunday 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
April 12th
National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day
April 15th
National Tax Day -- though it has been pushed back to May 17th this year.
April 17th
Brick City Comic and Toy Show
Southeastern Livestock Pavilion Auditorium, Jacksonville Road, Ocala, Florida 34470
10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
The Brick City Comic and Toy Show is a one-day, family-friendly, all-ages comic and toy show held once a year in Ocala, Florida.
April 23rd
Day of Silence
That takes it to the end of the month on events! Just a reminder that one of the great partners we left out earlier is the American Cancer Society. The American Cancer Society is this month’s featured charity. If you’re looking for an organization to support charitably, we can highly recommend them for the lives they save with screenings and the support they give in Ocala.
Got an issue with your vehicle? Schedule an appointment online and let Pals Ocala Auto Repair take care of you. We are located at 2821 SW College Road, Ocala, FL, 34474. Until next time!