Happy Friday everyone! As we get closer to summer, the warmer afternoons make one think about the springs, or the beach. A cool slice of watermelon to help you cool off is nice too.

Saturday marks the 67th year for the popular Newberry Watermelon Festival. There'll be plenty of the tasty fruit to sample plus a variety of activities to enjoy at the event. The parade downtown starts at 9 am. There'll be plenty of chances to compete...with hog calling, watermelon eating and seed spitting to name a few. Add in food and activities for the kids and you have a cool way to enjoy a warm day. The festival this year is at Oak View Middle School on highway 27 and 41 in Newberry. The event runs from 9 am until about 6 pm.  Website

Starke in Bradford County will be a great place to hunt down some barbecue tonight and Saturday. Boots-N-BBQ is an event that raises funds to help Bradford County students go to Santa Fe College. Teams will be competing in a BBQ cook-off. There'll be great barbecue, obviously, plus fried gator, funnel cakes and other treats. If you go tonight you'll hear Jacksonville's own Molly Hatchet perform. Boots-N-BBQ goes until 10 tonight and Saturday from 9 to 6 at the Bradford County Fairgrounds in Starke.  Website

Gainesville Fire Rescue and Sweet Dreams Ice Cream are hosting their Touch-A-Truck event Saturday. It's your chance to check out and climb on some of the big vehicles you see around our area. There'll also be bounces houses, food and other things to do. The event is from 9 to 2 Saturday on the soccer fields next to Citizens Field in Gainesville.  Website

The Williston Airport is the site for the Levy County Public Safety and Hurricane Preparedness Expo. You can check out emergency vehicles, see K-9 working dogs and get info about the upcoming hurricane season. The expo goes from 10-3 Saturday.  Website

HOPE, Horses Helping People, is having it's fundraiser timed to the second stop of the Triple Crown. The Feast on the Farm Preakness Party will feature the race, music, dinner and a silent auction. It all helps HOPE raise money for horse assisted activities for folks with special needs. The party runs from 4 to 9 Saturday evening at Rembert Farm in Alachua.  Website

Enjoy your weekend!