Good Times | Entertainment in Citrus County

The Gulf Coast Manatees Homeschool Group invites kids to its Summer Shenanigans Camp for daily or weeklong fun.

Upcoming dates for the camp are June 8, 10, 12, 15, 17 and 19, and July 13, 15 and 17. Camp is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and locations include Hunter Springs Park, North Oak Church, Citrus Springs Church of God in the gymnasium and Whispering Pines Park and pool.

Get ready for fun days of creativity, sports, learning and team building. Daily drop in is $30; $75 per week, with $5 off per sibling.

Everyone is invited to the third annual Unity Pride Family Fest at Unity of Citrus from 3-7 p.m. Saturday, June 13, 2628 W. Woodview Lane, Lecanto.

Join the party and support the LGBTQ+ community. There will be music, dancing, vendors, raffles, games and catered food. Come paint a rock to memorialize your favorite pet and leave it at the Rainbow Bridge. Pride Santa will be there, as will live mermaids.

There is no charge, dub donations are appreciated. Please leave pets at home.

Regal Railways will present a model train show and sale from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 13, at the Florida National Guard Armory Crystal River, 8551 W. Venable St., Crystal River.

Over 70 tables and vendors will be selling model trains of various gauges and accessories. There will be a running train layout(s). Everyone is invited to the family-friendly event. A food truck will be there with lunch and snacks for sale.

Admission is $6; children younger than 12 are admitted for free.

Everyone is welcome at the Second Sunday Sunset Drum Circle on June 14 at 6 p.m. at Fort Island Gulf Beach Park, 16000 W. Fort Island Trail, Crystal River. If it is raining at the beach at start time, the drum circle will be canceled. Summertime weather is iffy late afternoons.

This is the 19th year drumming and dancing at the beach approximately two hours before sunset. Bring drums, small percussion toys, flutes and your dancing feet. Also bring chairs, beverages and bug spray, possibly sun protection. No dogs, smokes or alcohol are permitted, as this is a family friendly gathering and the park rules prohibit most of those things anyway. Porta potties and free parking are available.

Please leave the top of the circle nearest the sidewalk open for multiple or large drums and instruments and sit in the inner circle only if you have a drum or instrument. Spectators are welcome to sit in outer circles.

A paved sidewalk enables the handicapped to join us with wheelchairs and walkers. This drum circle welcomes all ethnicities, educational and financial levels. Please join us in accepting everyone.

For more information, visit Facebook under Citrus County Drum Circle or call Charlotte Key more than two hours prior to the drum circle at 352-344-8009 and leave a message for a return call.

Gulf Coast Manatees Homeschool Group, a local nonprofit homeschool organization serving families throughout Citrus County and surrounding areas, invites the community to attend its upcoming Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser on Friday, June 20, from 4-7 p.m. at VFW Post 8189 in Homosassa.

Tickets are $10 for spaghetti, salad and bread. Drinks are extra to support the veterans.

The family-friendly fundraiser will help support educational programs, enrichment opportunities, physical education activities, community events and upcoming fall programs offered through the nonprofit organization. Gulf Coast Manatees Homeschool Group is dedicated to providing affordable educational experiences, family-centered activities, field trips, arts programs, and community connections for homeschool students of all ages.

Join the Key Training Center from 5-9 p.m. Friday, July 17, for its 42nd annual Reach for the Stars Dinner Auction at the Chet Cole Life Enrichment Center 5495 W Safari Lane, Lecanto, to celebrate their 60th anniversary and the kickoff of this year’s Run for the Money events.

Enjoy entertainment, a delicious meal, open bar and the excitement of bidding on a wide range of live and silent auction items as we celebrate six decades of supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Tickets are available now for $100 or a table for $800. Text RFTS26 to 76278 for tickets.

A new temporary exhibit honoring the 100th anniversary of the historic Orange Hotel will be on display thru July 5 at the Old Courthouse Heritage Museum. The display is a result of the collaboration between the museum and the Citrus County Historical Society.

Visitors can explore artifacts from the local landmark, including original menus, room keys, dishware and vintage postcards. The Orange Hotel, renamed the Crown Hotel in 1981, now serves the community as Crown Court, an assisted living facility.

The museum is located at 1 Courthouse Square in Inverness and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Citrus Springs Library is having a free Ice Cream Social on Saturday, June 20, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

This is a thank-you for the public’s supporting the library and to welcome newcomers to the community.

The library is at 1826 W. Country Club Blvd., Citrus Springs. Call 352-489-2313.

The Citrus Friendship Quilt Guild will meet Thursday, July 2, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. This is an hour earlier than before.

The guild meets at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 439 E. Norvell Bryant Highway, Hernando.

They will also meet from noon to 3:30 p.m. Thursday, July 16, at the church. Monthly meetings are the first and third Thursdays at that location.

Founded in 1988, the guild enjoys friendship, programs, workshops, retreats and community service projects benefiting local charitable organizations. Activities include monthly sewing days, fat quarter drawings, door prizes, annual Guild Challenge in November and a December auction and luncheon.

All are welcome – from beginners to experienced quilters. For more information, email Esther Klay, eklay@yahoo.com.

Dreaming of turquoise waters, white sandy beaches and the ultimate island getaway? Enter for your chance to win an unforgettable seven-night Caribbean vacation to beautiful St. Maarten and benefit the Key Training Center.

Picture yourself soaking up the sun at the breathtaking Flamingo Beach Resort while enjoying the perfect mix of relaxation, adventure, and island culture. Travel dates are Sept. 27 to Oct. 4, with accommodations for two to four guests with a king suite with balcony or patio, living room with sleeper sofa and dining area and kitchen. The package includes $3,000 to use toward airfare, rental car and dining.

Tickets are $20 each and $50 for three. Only 1,500 tickets will be sold. Drawing date is July 17 at the Key Training Center annual dinner auction. Winner need not be present.

Plaza CDJR Cruise-In will be from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, June 27, at the dealership, 2077 State Road 44, Inverness.

This bimonthly event is hosted by Plaza CDJR and the Citrus MOPARS Car Club. It is free and open to all makes, models and years of cars and trucks. Food and beverages will be available to show entrants and guests while supplies last.

There will be spectator parking available on the hill behind the service department. No one should arrive before 9:30 a.m. during setup for the event.

Come join a meeting with the Citrus Garden Club at 9 a.m. on the first Thursday of the month, September-November and January-April, at the Recreation Building at Whispering Pines Park, 1700 Forest Drive, Inverness. The December and May meetings are held on the first Thursday at the Citrus Hills Golf & Country Club.

There’s a social with refreshments, presentations on horticulture and native plants, floral designs, raffles and an informative program during every meeting.

The club maintains a butterfly garden at Whispering Pines Park along with maintenance of the grounds at the Pine Hill Cemetery in Inverness. During each season they have fundraisers to provide scholarships for seniors, send kids to camps, fun workshops, field trips, conventions and special interest groups.

The Citrus Garden Club continues to promote the love of gardening and floral design as well as Florida-friendly landscaping. They work in communities promoting National Garden Week and Arbor Day.

For more information, contact Nancy Wilcox, president, 352-348-8788.

The Widowers/Widows New Social Group for Citrus County is a safe, informal place for friendship, support, activities and shared interests.

Start living your life again! The group meets the first and third Mondays each month and has fun activities all month.

For information, contact Darla, 352-270-5118 or 530-575-7688.

The Nature Coast Dulcimer Players host weekly acoustic music jam Monday afternoons from 3-5 p.m. at the Historic Hernando School in Hernando.

A free instructional group meets from 2-3 p.m. in the same location.

Adults of all levels are welcome to join the jams. For more information, call 352-344-1204.

As of this month, the Citrus Friendship Quilt Guild will meet at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 439 E. Norvell Bryant Highway, Hernando. The guild meets from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. the first Thursday of the month and from 12:30-3:30 p.m. the third Thursday of the month.

Founded in 1988, the guild enjoys friendship, programs, workshops, retreats and community service projects benefiting local charitable organizations. Activities include monthly sewing days, fat quarter drawings, door prizes, annual Guild Challenge in November, and a December auction and luncheon.

All are welcome – from beginners to experienced quilters. For more information, contact Esther Klay, eklay@yahoo.com.

Serving west central Florida, Hands on Woodturners (HOW) meets at 6:45 p.m. the third Wednesday of each month. Meetings are held at the Lions Club, 72 Civic Circle, Beverly Hills. Individuals interested in, or participation in the woodturning craft are welcome to attend.

Club meetings include the display of members’ work, woodturning demonstrations and provide opportunities that increase the interest and skills of members. Guests are always welcome.

The TOOFAR Country Music Jam meets every Wednesday from 1-3 p.m. at the TOOFAR Foundation building at 9228 E. Gospel Island Road in Inverness.

We welcome musicians, singers, and audience listeners. Everyone is invited to come join the fun!

Pickup games at the Westside Pickleball Club are held at Bicentennial Park Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., and Tuesday and Thursday evenings beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Beginners to intermediate levels, and those new to the game enjoy this fun sport. Just introduce yourself, dress appropriately and wear court shoes. Text 352-212-6949 to leave a message for Bob.

Mark your calendars for Kid Movie Wednesday at the Valerie Theatre! Catch family favorites like “Ratatouille,” “Moana,” “Toy Story 4” and more, screening on select Wednesdays at noon and 2:30 pm for just $1 each.

No ticket refunds or exchanges, and tickets can be purchased online or at the Box Office. The Valerie Theatre is at 207 Courthouse Square, Inverness. For more information and show dates, call 352-341-7850.

The Beverly Hills Shuffleboard Club welcomes new members and invites players to join them at 1 p.m. any Wednesday for a free day of play at Central Ridge Community Park on Civic Circle, Beverly Hills.

For information, contact Mary at 802-274-8523 or Terri at 859-279-5561.

The Citrus Bridge Club welcomes new players of all skill levels to participate in playing duplicate bridge. Come and make new friends in a friendly social atmosphere at the club located in the Tree Top Plaza at 1647 W. Gulf to Lake Highway, Lecanto.

The summer schedule is Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 1-4 p.m. with a free lesson at 12:15 p.m. Wednesday.

The Floral City Heritage Council announces their Heritage Museum is open on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Museum is at 8394 E. Orange Ave. in the Floral City Town Center and for small groups it may be open by appointment during the summer. Call the museum director, Tom Ritchie, at 352-726-2743.

The Portrait Group of the Citrus County Art Center welcomes those interested in drawing and painting. They have a model, comfortable setting and a range of artists from beginning to experienced. They meet at 9:30 a.m. on Fridays at the Art Center, at 2644 N. Annapolis Ave., Hernando.

For information, call John Bescher at 352-220-8530 or n4dxi@aol.com.

The Old Courthouse Heritage Museum presents free events for children on the first and third Saturdays of each month.

Each event will take place from 1 to 3 p.m. and are recommended for children ages 3 and up. Since space is limited, parents and guardians should pre-register by calling the museum at 352-341-6428.

From the Homosassa Page Turners to the Ridge Readers Book Club, there is a book club for everyone at Citrus Libraries.

Book clubs are great social gatherings where one can share his/her recent readings. They provide an environment for discussion on a variety of topics, promote deeper engagement with the book, encourage critical thinking, provide diverse perspectives and foster a perpetual love of literature.

With these benefits in mind, consider joining one of the book club gatherings offered at Citrus Libraries location.

The Homosassa Page Turners meet every first Thursday at the Homosassa branch from 3-4 p.m.

At the Floral City branch, meet with the Book Share group every third Friday from 11:30-12:30 p.m.

The Ridge Readers Book Club gathers at the Central Ridge branch in Beverly Hills on the last Wednesday of each month from 3-4:30 p.m.

These library programs are free and open to everyone. For more, go to the library’s website, attend.citruslibraries.org/events. Additional information about programs and events can also be found by following @CitrusLibraries on Facebook or Instagram.

Bring a glove to Bicentennial Park behind the Crystal River airport at 9:30 a.m. Tuesdays or Wednesdays and participate in a game of softball or just spectate.

A group of ages 55 and older (age flexible) men and women gather to pick teams and enjoy the exercise and fresh air. No league fees or team commitments. Experience is helpful but not required. Everyone can play.

For information, call Wally at 352-212-0986.

Join the City of Inverness at the Depot Pavilion for Tower Tunes every Wednesday from noon to 2 p.m.

Music at the Depot Tower Stage will feature a variety of talented artists. Bring a chair and relax while enjoying the beautiful outdoors.

If you would like to showcase your musical talents by being a part of Tower Tunes, reach out to events@inverness.gov or call 352-726-2611, ext. 1303.

The Citrus County Amateur Radio Club covers topics including electronics, meeting with ham radio operators, getting an amateur radio license, how signals taking less energy than a light bulb can travel thousands of miles, and others related to amateur radio operation.

Interested parties can attend next month’s meeting at The Citrus County Emergency Operations Center, 3549 Saunders Way, Lecanto.

For information, contact John Bescher at n4dxi@aol.com or 352-220-8530.

A community theater group is planning a series of plays at the Valerie Theater in Inverness.

Artistic Director Patrick Erhardt said the Valerie Players needs performers, directors and people to work behind the scenes.

The weekly Hernando Jam meets at 11 a.m. for intermediates and noon for beginners every Tuesday at the Historic Hernando School at the intersection of U.S. 41 and County Road 486. The event is free and open to everyone.

Attendees should bring their favorite and a music stand if they have one.

For information, call 352-566-2328.

A Women’s Mahjongg Club is forming for residents of Sugarmill Woods. The version that will be played is the Wright-Patterson (not the American version).

The Floral City Crafters meet from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays at the Floral City Baptist Church, 8545 Magnolia St.

The crafters are a group of knitters, crocheters, quilters, jewelry makers and more who share their love of crafts and spend time together. Attendees can bring their crafts or learn a new one.

There is a $2 fee for each weekly meeting. For information, call 352-637-5423 or 352-726-5658.

Join the Sunshine Poets’ monthly meeting and poetry reading at 10 a.m. the last Thursday of each month at the Central Ridge Library in Beverly Hills.

Attendees are welcome to bring poems to share or just listen. If you would like the members to critique your poems, bring several copies on which they can write suggestions. Attendees are also welcome to join the group afterward for lunch at a local restaurant.

Additional details are available on the Sunshine Poets Facebook page. For information, email Cheri Herald, Sunshine Poets president, at sunshinepoets@gmail.com.

Citrus Bridge Club has face-to-face games at 1 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday in the Tree Top Plaza, 1647 W. Gulf to Lake Highway in Lecanto.

Ruby Life Master Mike Swartz offers a series of beginner lessons from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Thursdays. While geared toward the beginner player, current bridge players will also find Swartz’s lessons are a good refresher.

In an effort to keep all participants safe, proof of vaccination will be required for the regular games and for Swartz’s lessons. Masks are recommended but optional.