you can purchase fresh food, like breads, baked goods and more from 9am to 2pm in the beautiful sunshine of central Florida. Our favourite purchase though? the fresh fruits and vegetables! a prime example of one of the many booths of fresh food vendors is the Red Wagon who offer fresh farm foods and organic purchases foryur culinary excitement! they are also part of an awesome group at www.naturallygrown.com It's founded by farmers and preferred by food lovers! Want to know "who's your farmer?" go the website and you'll find a lot of cool information. check it out! And enjoy the freshly picked apple, stay hungry my friends, stay hungry!
Every Saturday the square is filled with the hustle and friendly bustle of the ever sweet and savory smelling and cheerful farmers market. you can purchase fresh food, like breads, baked goods and more from 9am to 2pm in the beautiful sunshine of central Florida. Our favourite purchase though? the fresh fruits and vegetables! a prime example of one of the many booths of fresh food vendors is the Red Wagon who offer fresh farm foods and organic purchases foryur culinary excitement! they are also part of an awesome group at www.naturallygrown.com It's founded by farmers and preferred by food lovers! Want to know "who's your farmer?" go the website and you'll find a lot of cool information. check it out! And enjoy the freshly picked apple, stay hungry my friends, stay hungry! ****photos supplied by T. Dunnam, rights and permissions granted.
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Let's do a quick recap of the first night and food tour for film makers and participants of the first annual silver springs film festival here downtown, from our view point at the corner of first and fort king!
We got off to a great start meeting all sorts of film makers, directors, actors and such from all over the world. They enjoyed a tour of downtown and wondered the streets of the square like kids at a theme park! Laughter and smiles were everywhere. There was models, fire eaters, bathtub bartenders and free drinks! The line outside the historic Marion theatre wrapped out past magnolia ave so you could see excited film fest goers from here! The chocolate shop had lovely scents pouring out as their door swung open and closed from people getting fresh goodies. Doc of rock featured a fun hookah lounge and hula hooping. The air was filled with a festive creative feeling. With the numbers of people and how much fun was had we can definitely say the first night of this awesome event was a success! Can't wait to do it all again (but different!) For artwalk and film fest night two tonight! Be sure to do your scavenger hunt and bingo to get a full taste of downtown! We made them both specifically for this weekend, so take advantage! The Silver Springs International Film Festival is an international cultural event to elevate awareness of Ocala/Marion County, FL, Florida's Silver Springs State Park and the area's contributions to the history of cinema and the cultural landscape of Florida.
The first Festival is set to be held in Downtown Ocala in April 3rd - 6th, 2014 in the beautifully restored Historic Marion Theatre. the festival will feature q & a's with many celebs and film makers from across the world, and a spotlighted artwalk and food/shoppe For more information on this awesome event vsit their website at www.springsfilmfest.com An outdoor sculpture competition is to be hosted in Tuscawilla Park.
it will consist of ten sculptures over a one year period. the event will be apart of a brochure and mobile app tour for visitors to experience. The deadline for applicants to enter their sculpture is july 31st. The first Installment of art is predicted to be October 14th. The Prizes for the the winning sculptures are as follows: Best of show- $2008 2nd place- $1000 Honorable mention- $500 Peoples Choice- $500 with a $1000 stipend to offset moving expenses. There is also a possible scheduled amphitheater to be built new in Tuscawilla Park or added on to the back portion of the already being reopened arts auditorium within the park by the discovery center. The City will be making some new changes and enhancements to the downtown square!
We have an inside look at what will be happening and we just wanted to share it with you! These renovations are scheduled to begin late may or June and will be finished October first at the latest. They will be done in a way to prevent loss of parking and less noise and annoyance to those who work and enjoy the downtown square on the daily! The south side of the square will be flattened out & the star pattern on the square itself will be redone with pavers to prevent slippery when wet hazard and add a decorative eye catching look to freshen it up! The Kiosk sign will be replaced with a scrolling LED sign that will feature events, times & locations for the downtown area! And the stage area attached to the gazebo will be getting upgrades too! There is also a four year signage project for a Downtown wayfinding system which will cover: water-tower sign kiosk on south side with business info & events, parking lot info with a numbered parking system to make parking easier. There is also talk of a possible city funded Skate Park in the years to come if the funding is available so there is a designated SAFE place for kids to skateboard than the sidewalks and square itself. Remember you heard it first here at Ocala Square'd! Stay tuned for more updates concerning our awesome Downtown Square! "The Ocala Citizens Academy is a free, exciting, seven-week program that will touch upon virtually every facet of city government. When the course is completed, participants will have a comprehensive view on City of Ocala departments and how they operate. The program gives participants the opportunity to: To apply, please fill out the application and photo release form and return to Jackie McGuinness at [email protected]. You can also fax the application to 352-629-8391 . The deadline to apply is Friday, March 15, 2013.
ABC News asked a great question: "what difference would it make if everyone promised to buy more American-made products? The United States has fewer manufacturing jobs now than we did in 1941, the same year as the attack on Pearl Harbor, but if every American spent an extra $3.33 on U.S.-made goods, it would create almost 10,000 new jobs in this country. What products are you purchasing or have purchased in the past that are Made in America?"(see article here http://abcnews.go.com/WN/MadeInAmerica/mailform?id=12912252) They issued a challenge to be on the hunt and shop local for made in the USA so for the holiday season we're on it! and we want you to join us on the challenge Here are some on the square locations that feature made in the USA items, and they are all under $66! First off we'll start off with some easy and quick gifts at the Lime Cabinet here you can knock off a few proud parrot heads on your lists! For the satchel carrier in your family we've got hand made in the USA bags for all types ranging from only $15 to $60! Handmade coffee cozies to stop you from burning your hands on your holiday hot drink. each one unique and handcrafted here in ocala for only $10 each! Muffins to keep your hands toasty on those cold nights walking to see the lights downtown on the square, made right here in town. so cute! only $15 a pair! "King of the Keg" beer glasses made in Oregon $18 a glass! each one a different color and design! Scarves! perfect for stocking stuffers and quick keep warm and fuzzy gifting! $25 in an array of styles all made in the USA! Now we head over to The Ocala Wine Experience and this doll has some great selections! Here is her pride and joy: "Horse's Ass" made, bottled and labeled in the usa! $15.99 a bottle! That's a good time for a great price! Take it to liven up that annually boring office Christmas party! Also over at the Ocala wine experience she has beautiful window pane art done locally! Each pane is only $49.99 Two of my favorite tastes: Chocolate and raspberry ..oh and port....but port is not a taste it's a GodSend. But you heard right: Chocolate Raspberry Port for only $18.99 a bottle from an american winery! Have golfer in the family? let the hit the grass with these quirky balls by Horses Ass! Made in the usa for only $12.99! They also do these great gift baskets for any budget(including the under $66!) that feature all made in the usa wine and goodies! all hand selected and put together the most tastefully fun design! Over at Brick City(MCA) they have some great local themed made in the usa items too! Like this nifty book by ocala author titled "Riverboat Landing" for $39.99 Have Furry or feathered friends in your backyard? Then here's something for them too! Birdhouse Gourds hand painted and grown locally in Marion county. each unique and darling! This one is only $35 Help give your woodland neighbors a new hotspot on your porch with this other great made in the USA gourdhouse! $25 at Brick city center for the arts! And what's a visit to MCA in Ocala's budding art scene without taking some art home? Like these pieces by Nancy Inez, each one only $40 and beautifully done locally! And now we swing by over to see those dames at Jezebel's! They have plenty of made in the USA items and we'll just show you a few! Here's some Jewelry by Classic Hardware. I'm in love with this bracelet for only $48! Jezebel's are the Exclusive carriers of their work in FL and only get one of each piece so I Guess i need to get it asap! Especially since it's made with an eco-friendly mix metal base, Classic hardware can boast they are green without turning my skin green! The Jezebel's also sell Kate Mesta DogTags. designer dogtags made in California by designer to the stars for only $40 each! each one is unique and exclusive to central fl! all different designs and burned metal styles from rockabilly and vintage inspired to eurotrashchic and steampunk or religious! Only the sweetest of treats come from the heart and city of brotherly love! cupcake soaps hand made with fresh ingredients by Margarita Bloom for only $9.99 at Jezebels! Bathing now becomes a just dessert! These Necklaces are by "Mama's Lil' Babies" a mother & daughter team from California based on Victorian etchings on light neckwear for only $36 you know that nifty retro apron your grandma donned for making cookies? well now you can have one too made by Grandma Jez! each with unique fabric and special designs. and pot holders too! Ranging from $25-$55! Jezebel's also carries makeup to go with your swinging glad rags and accessories. this neat little gift set from Beseme' Makeup has that lush red lipstick and darling scarf for those rides down route 66 in your retro car! $36 and you can wear the same makeup as the cast does in the upcoming release of "The Great Gatzby" which Beseme' is apart of makeup team for those flapperesque faces! Now we hop over to Face & Body Tonics & Spa! Get yourself some relax time while you shop for others this holiday season! This great little trinket and goody holders are Locally made for $34.95 with wonderful texture and colorful choices! want beautiful white teeth without breaking the bank or going to another continent? try Face & Body's $49 teeth whitening products! You can be seafoam fresh with these $4-$42 babies made in south Florida, only at Face & Body Tonics! $6.95-$14.99 variety of beauty products made in Ocala by a certified esthetician at Face & Body Tonics! $9.99 at Face & Body Tonics! $54.99 made in the USA cocktail dress at Vava chic a lovely plus size day gown from $54.99 at Vava chic another good made in the USA look, $54.99 at Vava chic. Those look mighty comfy! $39 at Vava chic $4.99, Vava Chic $14 hat & a $35 baby sack from Olivia & Co, a great place to shop for kids! $53 for this whole look for your darling from Olivia & co on the square! $13-$34 at Oliva & Co! $60 locally made little outfit! Olivia & Co aim for cute and strike again! $53 Olivia & co. I'm in snack heaven at Shannon Roth & company! Look at all these cute made in the usa cookies in all american hand decorated cookie jars! they range $3.50-$11.00 $12.95 Unique and made in the usa cards at Shannon Roth & Company. $25 at Shannon Roth & Company. direct from North Carolina and only for $35 at Shannon Roth & Company. $9.50 a piece at Shannon Roth & Company. Now we hop over to Doc Of Rock, a quaint little smoke shop, tattoo & Piercing Parlor that sells all sorts of beautiful all american hand made crafted smoke arts and pipes plus cool gifts all year long! This beauty is only $55. $25 at Doc Of Rock. Mystic Timber Wands at Doc Of Rock for only $14 The $36 Original Wrist Hookah at Doc Of Rock. Beautiful Glass for $55, a work of art at Doc Of Rock. Over at Grow lacy has these great kidswear items, a bunch made in the usa for under $60 These Scarves $10-$20 $3-$10 made in Ocala hair bits n bobs. $65 vintage Minnie mouse dress Letter pillows $5 made custom made to order on 5-7 days
Here is the cities official response to our questioning of raising the price of parking meters!
Historically the revenue derived from parking meters and reserved parking has not been sufficient to adequately cover the parking program expenses or to allow for a parking reserve fund which means citizens at large who may or may not utilize downtown parking are subsidizing the program. As a result, the City has implemented a variety of efficiency measures to reduce the cost of the parking program which have reduced costs but unfortunately have not achieved the balancing of revenues to expenditures in large-part due to the low parking rates charged to its users. Therefore, City Council approved an increase in the meter rate from $.25 per hour to $.50 per hour which was also recommended to the City by its parking consultant and which is expected to assist in balancing revenues to expenditures and is consistent with or in most cases lower than what many other jurisdictions are charging. Jeannine Robbins Manager, Office of Public Communication City of Ocala What is your opinion on this, Ocala? Did you know there will be over 30 artist at this new artwalk?! we do and we are so excited to share them with you!
here's a sneak peak at what to expect tomorrow!!! In no particular order The City of Ocala & The Ocala BBA bring you: Stephanie Cangemi- Paintings & Hemp Jewelry Nancey Ishaz- Acrylic Paintings Jessica Lane- Acrylic and oil paintings! Hugo Cruz- Photography Alan Height- acoustic Guitar/singer Kent Weakley- Photography Richard Marr- Wood turning Amy Klusmeyer- Watercolors, inks & oil Paintings Ambria & Aspen olmstead- mixed media & child artist Joan Beck- Carved & etched egg & custom glass work John freeze- Hand blown glass work Diana Mcnamee- Polymer Clay art Marci Sandler- digital Photography Daniel Yerdon- stained/fused glass & Jewelry Christine Schroeder- acoustic guitar/singer Sheri Gruver- Acrylic Paintings Linda Longo- Ceramics Philip D. Breske - Photography Jody Schaible- reprurposed silverware Jewelz Face & Body Art Christine Archer- Jewelry Linda Ballentine- Equestrian art Elizabeth Letourneau- acrylic paintings lisa whitener- Paintings Janie Mosley- Oil & Mixed media Paintings Brian Harris- Photography Rita marie- Carbone David June- oil Paintings Liza Fitzpatrick- Acrylic Paintings Josie Alverez- Acrylic Paintings The Appleton Museum Terry O'brien- acrylic paintings Marion Audubon Society- painted rainbarrels Sarah Kantz- characture artist ocala art groupe "trails show" Plus: Theatrical performances from Insomniac theatre's Macbeth & OCT's The Tempest! With performances from Howard Middle school & Ocala Symphony Orchestra! Tons of local bussinesses getting in on the fun too! stroll downtown and enjoy the first edition of the new and improved FIRST FRIDAY ARTWALK! see you all there, -O2 crew! Great BREAKING news everyone! Tired of never having change for parking meters and having to drive around and fight for a space without a meter? well the city is going to be using select meter spaces with a mobile app called "PassportParking"(available on Iphone and android app markets) that will help us out with that! Ocala will be the first FL City to install this program with St. Pete right behind us! The city is aiming to have it in full effect August 22nd in select spots, leaving some old school meters for those of us who leave our cells at home! You'll be able to pay via voice or text on this app! another cool thing- if you are in a shoppe and want to stay a little longer or feel like having a few more drinks downtown you can just add more time on your phone! Remember you heard it here first on Ocala square'd!
For more info check out: http://www.passportparking.com/paybyphone |