Happy Friday everyone!  Sports and country music figure prominently in our list of weekend activities.

Tonight is a great night to see the Gator gymnasts in a great matchup.  Two perennial powerhouses, the Gators and the Alabama Crimson Tide, are facing off in the O'Connell Center.  Both teams have tremendous talent and, together with Georgia, are always vying for SEC and national titles.  You can catch the action beginning tonight at 7 in the Odome.   Also in the O'Connell Center, the mens basketball team returns from it's road trip to take on Mississippi State.  Tip off is just after 5 pm Saturday.  Website

Country music fans, Tracy Lawrence is in Columbia County this evening.  The Texas native is performing tonight at Florida Gateway College in Lake City.  Lawrence made a big splash in the country music scene in 1991 with his platinum selling album "Sticks and Stones".  Eight chart topping songs later he continues his respect for traditional country music.  His concert begins tonight at 7:30 at FGC's Howard Conference Center in Lake City.  Website

Continuing the country music theme, a true country giant will be in Gainesville Saturday.  Merle Haggard, regarded by many as one of country music's greatest performers, is appearing at the Phillips Center.  Haggard, or "The Hagg" as he's known, has been on the country chart a few times himself.... with 40 number one hits under his belt.  Showtime is 7:30 Saturday evening at the Phillips Center.  Website

Ben Hill Griffin Stadium is hosting "Stomp the Swamp" Saturday.  The event benefits CARD, UF's Center for Autism and Related Disabilities.  Whether you run the steps or run/walk the inner loop of the stadium, you'll get a work out and support the organization that provides free services in 14 Florida counties.  The registration fee includes breakfast and a shot at some cool prizes.  Registration starts at 9 with the event running from 10 to noon Saturday.  Website

Finally, if you like looking up at the night sky, check out "Stargazing at Paynes Prairie".  You can look through the Alachua Astronomy Clubs' telescopes, sit around a campfire, or go on a hayride.  The event is Saturday night from 6:30 to 9 at Hickory Ranch.  Website
 

Enjoy your weekend!