Happy Friday everyone! Despite the heat, June is a great time to get out and enjoy our area....and this weekend is no exception.

Almost nothing sounds better on a hot afternoon than a cool slice of watermelon. Newberry celebrated the fruit a couple of weeks back...and now it's Chiefland's turn. The 58th Annual Chiefland Watermelon Festival will be a great place to cool off Saturday. There will be free watermelon stations, live entertainment, plus food, arts and crafts and activities for the kids. There'll be a parade at 11am. You might even want to try out the watermelon contests. The festival goes from 8 to 4 Saturday in downtown Chiefland's City Park.  Website

The Wellborn Blueberry Festival is tonight and Saturday. This is the 19th year for the festival. You can enjoy entertainment in downtown Wellborn tonight. You can start the day Saturday with the Blueberry Pancake Breakfast (sounds good!) It runs from 7 to 10 in the morning. The parade follows at 10:30. There will be kids games, arts and crafts, and live music throughout the day. The festival wraps up around 5 p.m. To get there take I-75 north to Lake City, then go west on U.S. 90 about 10 miles. Check out the "Weekend Spotlight" link on our website for detailed directions.  Website

If you've ever wondered what it takes to be a fire fighter, you can find out Saturday. Gainesville Fire Rescue is hosting it's first Citizens Fire Academy. It involves hands on training...including donning protective fire suits, working with hoses, climbing in fire engines, and other activities. You also can learn more about putting out fires...AND search and rescue. The academy runs Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm at the Support Services Bureau, 1026 NE 14th Street in Gainesville.  Website

Tonight in Marion County you can have some great barbecue and help a good cause. The ARC Marion Foundation is hosting the 11th annual "Hog for Hope". The event benefits the developmentally disabled clients that ARC Marion serves. You can expect live music, with plenty of food and drink options. And you can get in on the drawing for a new Harley. Hog for Hope is tonight at ARC Marion, 2800 SE Maricamp Road in Ocala.  Website

Enjoy your weekend!