Labor Day in Ocala, FL

Between Hurricane Irene causing travel issues, and gas prices once again rising, many people are looking to stick a little closer to home this Labor Day weekend. If you're one of them, and you're not sure what to do this weekend, here are a few local options for you:

• Ocala Shrine Rodeo: This year is the 29^th Annual Shrine PRCA Rodeo. Every Labor Day, the Ocala Shriners sponsor this rodeo, with proceeds benefiting the Shrine hospital. They also have a special rodeo at which the boys and girls that are patients at the hospital get to be cowboys or cowgirls for the day. The entire event is family friendly, lots of fun and benefits a great cause.

• Silver Springs: Silver Springs is offering a Labor Day Special that is only available at the gate. On Sept. 5^th, when you arrive, mention WTRS (a local country music station for those that don't listen; it's found at 102.3FM), and you will gain admission for only $10.23. This is a huge discount off the normal admission price.

• Wild Waters: Wild Waters is offering 2 Labor Day weekend specials. On Sept. 3^rd, you can get in for $10.37 (sponsored by radio station 103.7FM WRUF). On Sept. 5^th, you can get in for $9.37 (sponsored by radio station 93.7FM K-Country). Both days, they also have a meal special: the Family 4 Steal is either 4 hot dogs, 4 fries and 4 24 oz sodas for $19.99, or 4 cheese/hamburgers, 4 fries and 4 24 oz sodas for $24.99.

With this being the last big weekend for summer, you should also consider going to one of the lakes or springs in the area. A couple of options are:

• Carney Island: Entry is $5 per vehicle, and is good for the entire day, from sunrise to sunset. You can leave and come back multiple times in the day. There are two swimming areas, one on Little Lake Weir and one on Big Lake Weir. Both have picnic tables, grills, and playgrounds that the kids can play on. There is also a nature trail connecting the two swimming areas. Many visitors like to drop their picnic lunch off at one area, take their car to the other, and then walk the trail. After enjoying lunch and a dip, they walk back to the other area, where they can enjoy another swim.

• Rainbow River: The Rainbow River is well-known for it's beauty. It is a popular tubing river, with many locals and tourists enjoying a relaxing two hour float down the river in an inner tube. It is open from 8am to sunset. At the Head Springs, admission is $2 per person, with children under 6 free. At the tuber entrance, admission is $5 per vehicle (with up to 8 people in a vehicle), and then $10 plus tax per person, which includes the price of tube rental. You can bring your own inner tube if you like. The great thing about the tuber entrance is that you can leave your lunch in your car, and they will take you by tram to the starting point, where you will then float down the river back to where your car is parked. You don't need a second vehicle.

Some other great ideas for this weekend include:

• Fishing

• Barbecuing at home

• Camping

• Hiking

• Take in a movie

Most of all, remember that this is the last long, lazy weekend of summer. Spend time with your family and relax. Enjoy the weekend!