The holiday season is the perfect time of year to express gratitude for our loved ones. A gesture of kindness, no matter how small, always counts. Small business owners depend on the support of their communities to continue their mission. This holiday season, consider how your business can give back to your community.

If you have driven on Silver Springs Boulevard recently, you may have seen traffic cones, caution tape, camping chairs, and even some large sets of aluminum bleachers. It’s that time of year again! The Ocala Christmas Parade marks its 65th anniversary this year and is truly a beloved community tradition. While our community has changed so much since the parade first started, it remains one of the most attended local events of the season.

Are you and your family looking for a festive way to usher in the holiday season? On Saturday, November 19, Downtown Ocala will host its 38th Annual Light Up Ocala event from 4-9 p.m.

Fine Arts for Ocala (FAFO) is hosting its 55th Annual Ocala Arts Festival on Saturday, October 22, and Sunday, October 23 from 10 am- 5 pm. Every year we look forward to this opportunity to support over 150 local artists and performers.

Ocala’s First Friday Art Walk returns this evening from 6-9 p.m. in Ocala’s Downtown Square. First Friday Art Walks take place on the first Friday of each month from September to May and showcase the talents of some amazing local artists. Tonight there will be art demonstrations and hands-on art activities for all ages. Ocala’s Art Army will have a free make-and-take art activity, and Ecliff will be performing live music. Many of the downtown shops and businesses will have extended business hours on the square, with plenty of opportunities for you to purchase art from local artists. Come out and support Ocala’s local art scene! We hope to see you there!

Supporting local artists is a wonderful way to connect and contribute to your community. Ocala has so many skilled artists, and the latest exhibition presented by the City of Ocala and the Magnolia Art Exchange sets out to celebrate the student and emerging artists in our community.

Shopping local and supporting local businesses is a powerful way to encourage local economic growth.

This Friday, April 1, will be the First Friday Art Walk in Ocala’s historic downtown square.

On Friday, March 25 from 7-10 p.m. Tuscawilla Art Park will host an outdoor theater under the stars as part of their After Dark in the Park program.

Ocala’s First Friday Art Walk celebrates the retro sounds of 1960’s Motown this evening from 6-9 p.m. on Ocala’s Downtown Square.

Many larger cities have apps to help connect consumers to small businesses, and we are excited that Ocala finally has its very own!

Ocala Main Street offers historic walking tours each month, and this month they are offering a Valentine’s Special.

Ocala’s First Friday Art Walk is a beloved monthly event that supports local artists, musicians, performers, and businesses.

Do you have plans this evening? Kick-off 2022 by supporting local Ocala artists, performers, and businesses at the First Friday Art Walk from 6-9 p.m.

The Bring the Harvest Home Food Drive is taking place in our community right now and will continue till Friday, December 3. Donations will benefit the Salvation Army, Interfaith Emergency Services, and Brother’s Keeper. Please consider contributing what you can to help our community.

On Saturday, Downtown Ocala will host its 37th Annual Light Up Ocala event.