Happy Friday everyone! This is always a great time of year around our area. Whether it's the pond lighting at North Florida Regional Medical Center this evening in Gainesville, or other activities going on this weekend, it's hard to not be in the holiday spirit.

A number of communities are celebrating the holidays this weekend. In Suwannee County, it's time for the 27th annual Christmas on the Square. The celebration in downtown Live Oak, called "A Storytime Christmas", starts at 8 Saturday morning with food, arts & crafts and live entertainment throughout the day. At six Saturday evening there will be a lighted nighttime parade. Just head to Courthouse Square in Live Oak. Your text to link...

To the south in Levy County the City of Chiefland is having it's Christmas Festival Saturday. The fun begins at ten with the festival in Trailhead Park...located by the old train depot on US 19 and SE 2nd Avenue. There'll be food, entertainment and fun for the kids.....including snow! At six Saturday evening is the lighted parade which runs from Chiefland High, south on highway 19 to South 3rd Avenue. Your text to link...

If you're looking to add a member to your family this holiday season you might be interested in the Home for the Holidays Pet Adoption event. The pet adoptathon is set up by a number of local animal rescue groups. Animals up for adoption include dogs, cats, rabbits....and pigs to name a few. Home for the Holidays runs this Saturday and Sunday from 11 to 5. It will be at the Oaks Mall just across the parking lot from the Macy's entrance.

The O'Connell Center in Gainesville is hosting Craft Festival 2011 this weekend. If you're looking to decorate your home, want a unique gift, or just looking for ideas, this may be the event for you this weekend. Over 300 vendors will be at what's referred to as 'North Central Florida's largest indoor craft show'. The show runs Saturday from 10 to 6 and Sunday from 10 to 5 at the Odome on West University Avenue. Your text to link...

Enjoy your weekend!