These low cost services are provided by Dr. Mark Wilson, VL-004 DVM, every 4th Saturday of February, April, June, August, October, and December. Click this Facebook Link or call (352) 867-7788 for more information.
Mary Erickson
Broker Associate
Realty Executives Oceanside
On this week of where the locals go, I'll be talking about The Silver River Museum.
The Silver River Museum and Environmental Education Center is a program of Marion County Public Schools. The museum is located within the Silver Springs State Park in Ocala, Florida, and works in close cooperation with the Florida Park Service. The museum serves school groups Monday through Friday so they are closed to the public on weekdays. However, they welcome and encourage the public to visit the Museum on Saturdays and Sundays between 10 am and 4 pm and invite you to join them for one of their special educational events during the year.
Front Gallery
The Silver River Museum consists of three main galleries and a gift shop. Visitors enter through a main front gallery where exhibits feature prehistoric artifacts dating back 12,000 years, rare Florida fossils, and the natural history of North Central Florida.
History Wing
The second gallery of the museum is the history wing which tells the story of Florida after the arrival of Europeans. Exhibits depict the earliest Spanish explorers, Seminole Indians, the Civil War, steamboats, Silver Springs and more. The construction of history wing was made possible with the generous support of the Felburn Foundation.
Dugout Canoes: Paddling Through The Americas
This exhibit hall features Native American canoes from across North and South America; including several examples from Florida. Exhibits are interactive with hands-on activities for visitors of all ages.
The exhibit was produced by the Florida Museum of Natural History with support from the AEC Trust, Lastinger Family Foundation, State of Florida, and Visit Gainesville. The construction of canoes exhibit wing was made possible with the generous support of the Felburn Foundation.
The Silver River Museum collections consist of over 10,000 objects dating from the Ice Age to the golden age of tourism at Silver Springs. Major collection categories include prehistoric Native Americans, the historic period, fossils, Silver Springs memorabilia and postcards. While some objects are on exhibit, many others are curated and available for research and education purposes. If you are interested in accessing the collections, please contact the museum with plenty of advance notice to schedule an appointment.
Prehistoric Florida
Historical
Fossils
Teaching Kits
The Silver River Museum maintains a collection of teaching kits that are available for loan to teachers at local schools. Kits include hands-on specimens and instructional materials teachers can use to bring a small piece of the museum into the classroom. Contact the museum resource teacher for more information about teaching kits.
Felburn Research Library
The Felburn Research Library collection includes books on biology, botany, zoology, ecology, geology, hydrology, natural history, archaeology, paleontology, history, earth science, and resource conservation. Many of the books are specific to Florida and/or the Southeastern United States. The construction of the library building was made possible with the generous support of the Felburn Foundation.
Marion County Public Schools employees may access the library during normal working hours or search the collections online. School staff may check out library resources from the Felburn Research Library through the Media Specialist at their school
While we do not check books out to the public, visitors may also use the library as a reference collection with prior notice. Library visits by the public should be scheduled at least one week in advance.
Ocali Country Days Festival
Ocali Country Days is scheduled for November 13-14, 2021. This popular event celebrates the pioneer spirit and folk life of old Florida with live music, food, vendors and “old timey” craft demonstrations. Visitors can interact with skilled crafters to learn more about blacksmithing, making sugar cane syrup, cooking over an open hearth, log cabins, traditional Seminole cooking and arts, pioneer cattle and horses, spinning, weaving and quilting, and more.
Silver River Knap-In and Prehistoric Arts Festival
The Silver River Knap-In and Prehistoric Arts Festival is the largest event of its kind in the southeast and takes place on the third weekend of each February. The next Knap-In is scheduled for Feb 19-20, 2022. Flint Knapping is the art of recreating ancient stone tools like spear points and arrow heads. Artisans from across the country attend this unique event to demonstrate making stone tools, pottery, traditional bows and arrows, hide tanning, shell carving, fire making and more. Hands-on activities include archery, tomahawk and spear throwing ranges.
Florida Springs Festival
The Florida Springs Festival is an annual family-friendly two-day event held the first weekend in March at Silver Springs State Park. SpringsFest includes programs by rangers and scientists, glass bottom boat tours, games, food and craft vendors, mermaids, and live music. More details can be found at Florida SpringsFest on Facebook.
The museum volunteers bring a unique strength to the museum and help in many different ways. Some assist with museum tours and field trips, help in the pioneer “cracker” village, work as blacksmiths and serve as first mates aboard the museum tour boat. They also staff the front desk and gift shop, and help with numerous other projects.
Monthly volunteer meetings are held on the first Monday of the month during the school year. Volunteers complete standard Marion County Public Schools volunteer applications and are subject to a Florida Department of Law Enforcement background check. The museum provides training and uniforms, and volunteers are provided worker’s compensation insurance while working.
If you are interested in getting involved, please call the museum and they will be happy to answer questions. Becoming a Silver River Museum volunteer is a great way to meet others, have fun, get outdoors and help with a very worthwhile cause.
If you're interested in buying or selling in the Ocala area, be sure to contact me, Mary Erickson!
Mary Erickson
REALTOR ®
Phone: 386-444-1924
Email: MaryErickson@RealtyExecutives.com
Website: Over55Ocala.com
On this week's edition of where the locals go, I'll be talking about Petting Zoo Ocala.
Petting Zoo Ocala offers a variety of kid-friendly farm animals as well as exotic animals. A stroll through the farm gives visitors a chance to meet camels, llamas, goats, a cow, monkeys, and so many more. They offer pony rides, train rides, and camel rides. A covered picnic area is also available for you to enjoy. They have over 40 years of experience raising and training exotic and wild animals.
Bongo - A Male Squirrel Monkey
Terry - A Ring Tailed Lemur
Sheaba & her baby Bella - One Humped Camels
Cuzco - A Llama
Moomoo - A Male Steer Cow
Boogie - A Raccoon
Lulu - A Pot Belly Pig
Marley - A sheep
Baxley - A Sheep
Charlie & Oliver - Rabbits
Cookie - A Miniature Horse
Pixie - A Miniature Horse
Mr. T - A Sulcata Tortoise
Elliot - A Duck
These are just some of the residents that Petting Zoo Ocala has. They also have zebus, wallabies, bearded dragons, emus, cockatoos, runner ducks, and more!
Summer Water Fun
Water slides and bumper boats. Extra charge upon entry to the zoo. Bring you picnic and stay all day. Also available for your party events during the week. Call for more details at 352-237-3527
Pet Vaccinations
These low cost services are provided by Dr. Mark Wilson, VL-004 DVM, every 4th Saturday of February, April, June, August, October, and December. Click this Facebook Link or call (352) 867-7788 for more information.
Thanksgiving Fundraiser
This fundraising event for the zoo happens every year around Thanksgiving. There are elephant, camel, pony and train rides, as well as an animal show, face painting, and more! More information about this year's funraiser will be posted closer to the event.
Mobile Unit
You can now enjoy some of these wonderful animals at your own party or event! For more information, pricing, or booking please call (954) 205-7925 or go to the mobile facebook page.
If you're interested in buying or selling in the Ocala area, be sure to contact me, Mary Erickson!
Mary Erickson
REALTOR ®
Phone: 386-444-1924
Email: MaryErickson@RealtyExecutives.com
Website: Over55Ocala.com
Get your jazz hands ready, because this week I'll be talking about Ocala Civic Theatre!
Ocala Civic Theatre has been uplifting, inspiring, and entertaining the community for 70 years. Founded in 1950, OCT is one of the largest community theatres in the state and serves 65,000 local residents each season. They are able to present professional-quality live performances thanks to the talents and dedication of volunteers, staff, and guest designers. In addition, OCT’s Education & Enrichment programs reach more than 1,000 learners of all ages year-round through skill-building and performance classes.
The OCT offers year-round multi-generational programs that build confidence, compassion, and community through creative arts.
Classes and Youth Productions
The OCT offers learning and performing opportunities all year. There a after-school classes that offer school-year training in performance and production, as well as performance opportunities. There is also a summer conservatory that offers multi-week performance camps.
Community Outreach
The OCT takes theatre into the community and brings the community to the theatre through Marion County school tours, professional development workshops, STEAM presentations, speaking engagements, and more!
Classes
The OCT offers both on-site and remote year-round training in the theatre arts for learners 5 to 105 years old. Group classes and private coaching are available for performing arts (acting, singing, dancing) and production. The classes feature professional trained teaching artists, thoughtful and directed curriculum, differentiated learning, engagement before information, practical hands-on application for all learners in every class, and opportunities to share work.
Ocala Civic Theatre holds open auditions for all shows. No experience is necessary. Newcomers and theatre veterans alike are welcome and encouraged to audition. Ocala Civic Theatre does not use understudies. Actors must be available for all rehearsals and performances. Copies of this season’s scripts are available at the Theatre and may be checked out from the box office for one week with a $10 refundable deposit. Box office hours are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Please call (352) 236-2274 before coming to make sure a script is in stock. If you check out a script the week before auditions, you must return it by 5 p.m. on the Friday before auditions. Specific audition information for each show is provided in the Cue Sheet and on the Facebook page as details become available. Click here for the latest Cue Sheet on upcoming auditions.
The Golden Troupers is a dynamic group of performers ages 55+ who bring live theatre into the community through a 45-minute readers-theatre program of songs, comedy skits, and magic. The Troupers provide their own sound system, music, props and materials. There is no charge for the performances, although donations to Ocala Civic Theatre and its youth programs are gratefully accepted. To schedule a performance for your club or organization, call Ocala Civic Theatre at (352) 236-2274.
OCT is a volunteer-based organization with a small staff. Every season hundreds of amazing volunteers contribute thousands of hours to make the magic happen: acting, building sets, sewing costumes, shining the spotlight, working stage crew, selling tickets, ushering patrons to their seats, fundraising, and so many other ways. They have many different ways for you to fill your free time, as much or as little as you’d like. No experience is necessary. To find out more about our volunteer opportunities, contact Volunteer Coordinator Craig James at (352) 236-2851, ext. 102, or volunteercoordinator@ocalacivictheatre.com
If you're interested in buying or selling in the Ocala area, be sure to contact me, Mary Erickson!
Mary Erickson
REALTOR ®
Phone: 386-444-1924
Email: MaryErickson@RealtyExecutives.com
Website: Over55Ocala.com
Turn on your music systems and play Silver Springs by Fleetwood Mac, because on this week's edition of where the locals go, I'll be talking about Silver Springs State Park.
ABC Paramount purchased Silver Springs from Davidson and Ray in 1962, and Silver Springs prospered as an attraction. But beginning in the 1970s, new entrants in the Florida attractions marketplace just south in Orlando led to a steady decline in Silver Springs’ attendance. And with that, the resources to properly care for the attraction and its precious natural resources. In 2013, the Florida Park Service took control of the property, merging it with the adjacent Silver River State Park, forming the present Silver Springs State Park. The Florida Park Service has worked tirelessly to restore and preserve both the cultural and environmental resources of the 4,000 acres encompassing the Springs and the Silver River.
Glass Bottom Boats have wowed visitors to Silver Springs since the 1870s with breathtaking views of underwater life and the many springs that feed the Silver River. Take a tour aboard one of the historic Glass Bottom Boats and marvel at the beauty and sheer size of Mammoth Spring, the river’s head spring. You’ll explore many other beautiful feeder springs and see countless species of fish, ancient Native American and Spanish artifacts and even underwater movie props from the days when Hollywood productions flourished at the park!
30 Minute Tour
Glass bottom boat tours run every 30-45 minutes, 365 days a year, and reservations are not necessary. The pricing for the 30 minute boat tour is as follows:
Adults - $12
Seniors 55 and over - $11
Children 6-12 - $11
Children 5 and under ride free
Extended Tour
Extended River Boat Tours are offered Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 11 AM, 1 PM, and 3 PM. Guests of the 90 minute tour must arrive a minimum of 15 minutes before departure. The pricing for the 30 minute boat tour is as follows:
Adults - $25
Seniors 55 and over - $20
Children 6-12 - $20
Children 5 and under ride free
Paddle one of the rental canoes, kayaks or stand-up paddleboards five miles downstream on the pristine and unspoiled Silver River, from the head spring to Ray Wayside Park. They will provide your transport back upstream. Or choose from shorter, one and two hour, out-and-back excursions.
Kayaks
For an unforgettable adventure, rent one of the kayaks. They offer single and tandem kayaks, in both sit-in and sit-on styles, so you can fly solo or share the experience. For an entirely new experience, try one of the clear bottom tandem kayaks! All of the kayaks come equipped with back supporting seats to ensure your comfort.
Canoes
Go old school! Canoes are a great choice for a leisurely and family-friendly float down the river. Because you’re seated above the water, you have an excellent vantage point for spotting wildlife both below and above the waterline. And the stability of a canoe makes it the ideal watercraft for photography. The canoes can seat up to three people.
Paddleboards
Experienced or first timer, all are welcome to enjoy this hot, new watersport on the Silver River. Come appreciate wildlife and the outdoors as you improve your balance, stamina and strength.
Discover a variety of hiking and nature trails ranging in length from less than one mile to a 4.6-mile loop.
Creek Trail: The Park's Main Entrance offers access to the newly created Creek Trail, a 3/4 mile loop that can be accessed behind the Black Bear Pavilion. The trail takes you to Half-Mile Creek, the Silver River's only tributary.
Spring Connector Trail: The Spring Connector Trail, blazed in light blue, connects the Main Entrance to the Silver River Museum via the Sandhill Trail (blazed in yellow) and the Sinkhole Trail (blazed in red). This route is 2.3 miles one-way & over 4.6 miles round-trip.
Sandhill Trail: To hike the Sandhill Trail, park next to the Camping Entrance ranger station. This a 1.7 mile loop trail, blazed yellow, which explores a portion of the park's longleaf pine uplands.
Sinkhole Trail & Old Field Loop: The Sinkhole Trail, blazed red, is a 2.2 mile loop trail, and the Old Field Loop is 0.8 miles. These are both upland trails. For access to these park near the Silver River Museum in the day use area and utilize the 'Sinkhole Trail' archway to the left of the Museum.
Swamp Trail & River Trail: The Swamp Trail (1.9 mile loop, blazed orange) & River Trail (1.3 mile loop, blazed dark blue) are accessible from the Museum. Use the 'River Trails' archway to the right of the Museum. Both feature scenic overlooks of the Silver River.
Almost 5,000 acres of varying habitats provide a wonderful home for many different species of mammals, reptiles, fish and birds. Hike or paddle the park and see what you find! Frequent sightings in the uplands include armadillo, deer, turkey, fox, Sherman fox squirrel and gopher tortoise. Less frequently seen are coyote, bobcat and Florida black bear. The river is home to alligators, turtles, manatees and many species of fish. Bird life is plentiful! Silver Springs is the home to a significant population of limpkin, and many other aquatic and woodland birds.
Cabins
Located beneath shady oaks and beautiful pine trees, Silver Springs’ vacation cabins accommodate up to six people. Each cabin has a full dining area, two bedrooms, one bath, stove, refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher, gas fireplace (October 1 to April 30), central cooling and heating and a large screened porch.
RV & Tent Sites
Fifty-nine spacious sites in two campground loops easily accommodate even large camping units, with a maximum recreational vehicle length of 50 feet. Tent campers are welcome as well. Each site offers water and electric hook-up, as well as a fire ring, barbecue grill and picnic table.
Primitive Camping
The primitive group camping area, set amid shady oaks, is for organized groups only, with preference given to youth groups. The area includes picnic tables and fire rings at each site.
Non-potable water is available and there are no shower facilities.
Silver Springs also has multiple dining locations and can even cater events hosted at the park, such as weddings, family reunions, graduation celebrations, and more!
If you're interested in buying or selling in the Ocala area, be sure to contact me, Mary Erickson!
Mary Erickson
REALTOR ®
Phone: 386-444-1924
Email: MaryErickson@RealtyExecutives.com
Website: Over55Ocala.com
On this week's edition of where the locals go, I'll be talking about Fort King National Historic Landmark.
This property was the original site of Fort King, a major military post during the Second Seminole War. As the first interior fort in Florida, Fort King was a symbol of the United States government’s resolve to conquer an inhospitable land. Soon after the war concluded, Fort King was turned over to the people of the newly established Marion County, becoming the county seat and first county courthouse.
Today, Fort King is a 40-acre National Historic Landmark owned jointly by the City of Ocala and Marion County. The adjacent memorial site is owned by the Daughters of the American Revolution – Ocala Chapter and leased to the City of Ocala and Marion County for 99 years. The site is managed by the City of Ocala. Funding assistance and logistics support is provided by a 501(c)3 organization, Fort King Heritage Foundation.
A Fight For Freedom: An Attack on Fort King
On December 7th and 8th from 10 AM to 4 PM, Fort King is hosting an event for the reenactment of Osceola's attck on Fort King and the demise of Indian Agent Wiley Thompson - an event that lead to the start of the Second Seminole War. Experience time period vendors, traditional skills workshops, food, drinks and games! Admission is $5 per person, veterans and kids under 5 are free. Parking and tram is also free.
Members of Fort King’s Heritage Foundation help bring engaging living history to the community and to visitors from all around the world. Members will also enjoy special benefits which include:
Your membership and contribution help bring living history to the community. Events are hosted throughout the year at the park including our annual re-enactment. Not only has the fort had visitors from every state in the union, they’ve welcomed guests from around the world to visit and learn about our rich Florida history. Ft. King National Historic Landmark hosts Marion County middle school students each year allowing them to witness the reenactment.
The Fort King mission includes:
You can also sign up on their website to volunteer with the Fort King Heritage Foundation a well as helping at out Fort King!
If you're interested in buying or selling in the Ocala area, be sure to contact me, Mary Erickson!
Mary Erickson
REALTOR ®
Phone: 386-444-1924
Email: MaryErickson@RealtyExecutives.com
Website: Over55Ocala.com
