Happy Friday everyone!  Spring is less than a week away...with tons of things to do outside. 

The big event this weekend is the NHRA Gatornationals.  This is the 44th year for the event.  Whether you like the top fuel dragsters, pro stock motorcycles or other classes, there'll be plenty to see.... and hear out at Auto Plus Raceway.  Qualifying continues on Saturday...with the championship rounds Sunday.  If you haven't been, the raceway is on County Road 225, just north of NE 53rd Avenue in Gainesville.  Website

Farther to the north of Gainesville, a somewhat quieter event.  The town of White Springs and Stephen Foster State Park are hosting the Wild Azalea Festival through Saturday.  Tonight's festivities include live music and a street dance in town at 7.  Lots of stuff going on Saturday.... like a pancake breakfast starting at 8 am.  You can check out the wild azalea sale, kids activities... and a lot more from 10 to 4 Saturday.  Website

Saturday, Live Oak in Suwannee County is home to the Live Oak Chocolate Festival.  From 9 am to 6 pm there'll be chocolate, arts and crafts and music throughout the day on East Highway 90.  From 6 to 8 Saturday evening you can enjoy an open-air concert at Millennium Park on West Highway 90 in the downtown district.  Website

If you like old machines, Dudley Farm State Park is holding its Antique Tractor and Car Day Saturday.  You can check out antique autos... and see the antique tractor club members plow fields with equipment dating to the 1930's.  The event goes from 9 to 2 Saturday at the park on West Newberry Road, 7 miles west of I-75.  Website

Speaking of farms, on Saturday the University of Florida's Dairy Unit is hosting Family Day at the Dairy Farm.  You can see how milk is produced, check out how butter is made...and even visit with the cows.  The activities run from 9 to 2 Saturday at the UF Dairy Unit, 13200 NW 59th Drive... just north of Gainesville near Hague.  Website

Finally, in Lake City the Florida Gateway Pro Rodeo goes through Sunday at the Columbia County Fairgrounds.  Website      And lots of sports on the UF campus.  Website

Enjoy your weekend!