Happy Friday everyone! It looks like it's going to be a great weekend around north-central Florida....with good weather and a variety of things to do.

Our first event continues part of last week's theme....good country music. The Orange Blossom Opry in Weirsdale is the place to see award winning country music singer Crystal Gayle this weekend. Gayle, sister of country legend Loretta Lynn, topped the country charts 18 times in the 70's and 80's...including her 1977 hit "Don't It Make My Brown Eyes Blue". Show times are 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday. Your text to link...

If sports are more to your liking you may want to head to O'Connell Center Saturday evening. The Gator Men's Basketball team is home this weekend to face off against the Tigers of LSU. The 14 and 4 Gators are looking to improve their record following last Saturday's victory at South Carolina. Tip-off is just after 6 p.m. in the O'dome on the UF campus. Your text to link...

If you're REALLY looking to enjoy the great outdoors, how about Stargazing at the Prairie? The Friends of Paynes Prairie and the folks from the Alachua Astronomy Club are hosting and evening of observing the night sky. The club supplies the telescopes to look at the stars and planets. You can also enjoy a cool evening hayride, sip hot chocolate and make smores around a campfire. Just head to Hickory Ranch at Paynes Prairie. The event runs from 6:30 to 9 Saturday evening. Your text to link...

Runners...this is the weekend for the annual Ocala Marathon. Runners from over 40 states and 7 countries participated last year. The race weekend kicks off with the Ocala 5k Run beginning Saturday morning at 7:30....with a 5 Points of Life Kids Marathon starting at 9. Sunday the 26 mile full marathon begins at 7 a.m....with a half marathon starting at 7:15. New this year is the start and finish line....now at the Paddock Mall near the Sears Auto Center. Your text to link...

For detailed directions to any of the events we feature on the Planner, go to wcjb.com. Click on "More Local News", and look for the links in the "Weekend Planner" story.

Enjoy your weekend!