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Scarecrow Row Celebrates Two Decades of Tradition

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Administrator
Local
30 October 2025
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Snow White Theme Adds Fairy-Tale Flair to Annual Alachua Event

ALACHUA ‒ Downtown Alachua has once again come alive with a colorful cast of characters as Scarecrow Row returns to Main Street, marking two decades of fall fun, community spirit and small-town creativity.

For the past 20 years, the Alachua Chamber of Commerce has transformed the city’s historic Main Street into a festive corridor filled with handmade scarecrows that capture the whimsy and warmth of the season. From spooky to silly to storybook-themed, each creation reflects the imagination of local businesses, organizations and volunteers who decorate the light poles that line the heart of downtown.

This year’s theme — “Snow White” — brings a fairy-tale twist to the annual “Spooktacular Night.” Seven dwarfs, wicked queens, enchanted mirrors and apple-bearing scarecrows are among the sights greeting visitors and shoppers as they stroll through the downtown district. Each display is entered into a friendly competition, with three winners to be selected for creativity and presentation.

What began as a small local promotion has become one of Alachua’s most beloved seasonal traditions. Every October, community members gather along Main Street and in the Alachua Town Centre area to craft, decorate and admire the growing lineup of scarecrow displays. Early in the month, groups of families, employees and volunteers can often be seen assembling their creations, fastening hats, fluffing straw and fine-tuning costumes before the judging begins.

The event is part of a larger effort by the Chamber of Commerce to celebrate downtown businesses and strengthen community ties. Chamber officials say Scarecrow Row not only brings fun and foot traffic to the area, but also supports future events and programs through sponsorships.

Funds raised from Scarecrow Row help support community favorites such as Trick-or-Treat on Main Street and the annual Christmas Parade, both free public events that draw crowds from across the region. These efforts, Chamber representatives said, help promote local commerce while offering families accessible, hometown celebrations.

The scarecrows lining Main Street range from the eerie to the adorable, reflecting the diversity and humor of the Alachua community. Some display homespun charm with straw hats, denim overalls and flannel shirts, while others go all out with intricate costumes and haunting details. The only limit, organizers say, is the imagination of those who make them.

As Halloween approaches, the scarecrows remain on display throughout October, attracting visitors and photographers alike. Downtown businesses often use the occasion to decorate storefronts, host fall promotions and encourage visitors to linger and shop local.

Scarecrow Row also serves as a precursor to one of Alachua’s biggest family celebrations — the annual Trick-or-Treat on Main Street, scheduled for Friday, Oct. 31, from 6 to 8 p.m. The downtown streets will be closed to traffic as more than 1,000 costumed children fill the sidewalks, collecting candy from local businesses and community groups. The evening transforms Main Street into a lively, family-friendly festival of lights, laughter and Halloween spirit, bringing the community together for what has become one of the Chamber’s most anticipated events of the year.

For Alachua, Scarecrow Row has become more than a seasonal decoration contest. It’s a celebration of community, creativity and the welcoming spirit of a small town that loves its traditions and sets the stage for Trick-Or-Treat on Main Street. As the light poles of Main Street and Alachua Town Centre don their festive figures once again, the event continues to weave together local business, artistry and the magic of fall.

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Athletes And Community Unite for Special Olympics at Legacy Park

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22 October 2025
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Athletes and volunteers celebrate at Legacy Park in Alachua during the Northeast Regional Special Olympics, where teams from across the region competed in softball, flag football, deadlifting, and pickleball. / Photo special to Alachua County Today

ALACHUA – The spirit of inclusion and community came alive at Legacy Park this past weekend, as the City of Alachua hosted the Northeast Regional Special Olympics, drawing athletes, families, and supporters from across the region.

The event was a powerful display of teamwork, made possible through a partnership between the City of Alachua’s Recreation & Culture Department, the Alachua Police Department, High Springs Police Department, and the Alachua County Sheriff’s Department. Together, they delivered one of the most uplifting and well-attended Special Olympics gatherings in the area’s history.

Throughout the day, athletes competed in softball, flag football, deadlifting, and pickleball, each contest filled with determination, encouragement, and joy. Viewing areas were packed with cheering families and volunteers, creating an electric atmosphere that celebrated every participant’s courage and hard work. The event was not defined by medals or scores but by moments of perseverance and shared pride.

Behind the scenes, dozens of volunteers and city staff worked tirelessly to coordinate logistics, manage events, and ensure that athletes and families felt welcomed and supported. Their dedication underscored the city’s ongoing commitment to inclusion and community-building through recreation.

Legacy Park, a centerpiece of Alachua’s recreational life, provided an ideal backdrop for the games, with its accessible facilities and open layout giving participants the space and visibility they deserved. For many families, the day represented more than competition—it was a celebration of human spirit and connection.

Organizers noted that the success of this year’s Northeast Regional Special Olympics has set a new benchmark for future events in Alachua. Dates for the 2026 and 2027 competitions will be announced in the coming months, with the community already expressing enthusiasm for continuing the tradition.

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Hundreds rally in Gainesville for Walk to End Alzheimer's, Event Raises $113,000 for Alzheimer’s Care, Support and Research

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17 October 2025
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Photo by Mark Ebey / Special to Alachua County Today

~ The following is a press release provided by the Alzheimer's Association. It has been published here as received, without additional reporting or editing by Alachua County Today staff. ~

GAINESVILLE, Fla., October 14, 2025  –  Nearly 1,000 Gainesville-area residents gathered Saturday at Trinity United Methodist Church for the annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s, raising funds and awareness for a disease that affects more than 12% of Floridians age 65 and older.

Participants walked through the church grounds carrying colorful flowers that symbolized their personal connection to Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Blue flowers represented those living with the disease, yellow honored caregivers, purple remembered loved ones lost, and orange showed support for a future without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia.

Gainesville resident Allie Jaffe carried a yellow flower in honor of her mother, who is living with Alzheimer’s. The diagnosis, she said, came as a shock to the family.

“This was devastating to me as my mom has always been the pillar of strength in our family,” Jaffe said. “She is still my mom, but not the mom from years past. I can still make her laugh, and that’s a good day.”

More than 7 million Americans are currently estimated to be living with Alzheimer’s, a progressive brain disease that affects memory, thinking and behavior. Florida has the second-highest number of residents living with the disease, making local support and fundraising efforts vital.

Walk Chair Christina Ebey said she walks in honor of many loved ones impacted by Alzheimer’s, including her grandmother and aunt, and the recent advances in treatment.

“I walk because every step brings us closer to hope, awareness and a cure,” Ebey said.

Continued funding for research has led to new FDA-approved treatments that can slow the progression of Alzheimer’s. For the first time, families have hope for more time with their loved ones. However, these treatments are available only in the early stages of the disease, underscoring the importance of early diagnosis.

"This Walk is so important because it brings our community together to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s and the impact it has on families every day,” said Ritchie Pickron, development manager for Walk to End Alzheimer's Gainesville. “By participating in this event, we’re not only funding critical research and treatments, but also helping people recognize the warning signs and understand where to turn for help. Awareness is the first step toward earlier diagnosis, better support, and ultimately, a cure.”

The event was nationally presented by Edward Jones. To date, participants have raised more than $113,000 to benefit care, support, research, advocacy and awareness initiatives through the Alzheimer’s Association Central and North Florida Chapter.

Donations are being accepted through Dec. 31 at alz.org/GainesvilleWalk. 

Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s®

The Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Since 1989, the Alzheimer’s Association mobilized millions of Americans in the Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk®; now the Alzheimer’s Association is continuing to lead the way with Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Together, we can end Alzheimer’s. 

Alzheimer's Association®

The Alzheimer’s Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Its mission is to lead the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Visit alz.org or call 800.272.3900. 

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Market on Main Revives Downtown Alachua’s Weekend Scene

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16 October 2025
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ALACHUA ‒ Downtown Alachua added a new rhythm to its weekends on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, as the long-anticipated Market on Main officially debuted at Skinner Park, reintroducing a weekly market experience that celebrates local craftsmanship, small business, and homegrown creativity. From handmade soaps and jewelry to jams, cakes, greenery, woodworking, and tallow-based lotions, the market offered a vibrant mix of sights, scents, and flavors that signaled a fresh chapter for downtown activity.

Organized by the Alachua Business League, the new market is designed to showcase the creativity and entrepreneurship of local residents while giving downtown a renewed weekend attraction. The event marked the first regularly scheduled market in the city in several years. Opening-day attendance was steady, with shoppers filling the park early to browse, sample goods, and mingle with neighbors.

Previous farmers markets in Alachua — including those once hosted by the Alachua Chamber of Commerce — eventually faded as vendor participation and attendance declined. Organizers of the Market on Main say this new version was built for sustainability, featuring seasonal scheduling and a focus on locally made, artisan-quality goods alongside a selection of traditional produce.

Through March 2026, the market will operate Saturday mornings from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Beginning in April, it will transition to “Summer Nights,” taking place Fridays from 5 to 8 p.m. through September. The dual schedule is designed to accommodate both vendors and visitors while offering flexibility during Florida’s warmer months.

The market’s variety reflects how the community’s small-business culture has evolved — from traditional farming to a diverse network of local makers, hobbyists, and independent retailers. The goal is to provide both a venue for traditional farmers market products and a platform for local entrepreneurs, as well as a welcoming gathering place for residents.

The Market on Main’s debut also comes amid regional discussions about the future of local markets. The long-standing Alachua County Farmers Market in Gainesville — in operation for more than 40 years — may soon close or relocate as county officials consider new uses for its site on U.S. Highway 441.

Alachua’s new market offers a convenient alternative for vendors and shoppers alike, combining the accessibility of downtown with the walkable, family-friendly character that defines the city’s historic district.

Although Skinner Park serves as the current site, city leaders are developing plans to eventually move the market to Main Street itself. A bollard system now in design would allow temporary street closures between Northwest 150th Avenue and Northwest 148th Place for community events such as the Market on Main, parades, and downtown festivals.

For many attendees, Saturday’s debut was about more than shopping — it was a chance to reconnect with neighbors and celebrate the creativity that defines small-town life. With strong community support, organizers hope the Market on Main will become a weekly tradition that showcases local talent, supports small business, and strengthens Alachua’s growing downtown identity.

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University of Florida Unveils Fastest Supercomputer in Higher Education

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14 October 2025
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GAINESVILLE, FL  — The excitement was palpable as University of Florida leadership, corporate partners and state officials gathered for the unveiling of the country’s fastest university-owned supercomputer Tuesday at the institution’s East Campus, officially launching the next generation of the groundbreaking HiPerGator system.

The event marks the latest milestone in the university’s artificial intelligence initiative, which began in 2020 and serves as a national model for harnessing AI to build America’s future workforce and boost the country’s national competitiveness. 

Elias G. Eldayrie, senior vice president and chief information officer, welcomed more than 125 guests to the ceremony, including representatives from UF’s Board of Trustees and cabinet, NVIDIA and U.S. Representative Kat Cammack. 

Student groups showcased how they use AI at the university, providing a living demonstration of the system’s power. Attendees saw AI in action, from the Swamp Launch Rocket Team’s aircrafts to the Gator Motor Sports vehicle to the award-winning UF Steel Bridge and the research of iGEM, the world’s premier synthetic biology competition. 

“As Florida’s flagship university, UF has embraced a bold and audacious vision: to be the nation’s AI university. Our commitment to AI is not just promoting economic growth across the state and giving our students the tools they need to be America’s next generation of leaders,” said UF Board of Trustees Chair Mori Hosseini. “It’s also protecting lives, preserving resources, feeding the world, improving health outcomes, and making Florida stronger, safer and better prepared for tomorrow.”

HiPerGator representatives gave tours of the updated machine, including a replacement of the NVIDIA DGX A100 “Ampere” SuperPOD from 2020 with a DGX B200 “Blackwell” SuperPOD, which measures 30 times faster than the previous HiPerGator generation. 

The $33 million purchase is a highly anticipated step in a long-standing engagement between NVIDIA and UF that has resulted in a comprehensive push to integrate AI education and research across every academic discipline at UF. 

A team of about a dozen experts installed the 63 NVIDIA DGX B200 nodes, with each 8 NVIDIA Blackwell graphics processing units (GPUs), for a total of 504 GPUs.

HiPerGator recently ranked No. 3 in the world for speed (how quickly it responds to an AI question) and No. 4 for efficiency (how many AI questions it can handle at once), according to the standard MLCommons benchmark. 

“Every part of this university is a playground for AI,” said UF Interim President Donald W. Landry. “This land-grant institution has succeeded in what we want to see across the state… The combination of vision, partnership and dedication leads us to this moment.”

UF’s extraordinary computing infrastructure has played a key role in the university’s reputation, faculty recruitment and retention, and fast-rising research prowess. This upgrade of UF’s supercomputer continues the evolution from HiPerGator 1.0 (2013-2021) to HiPerGator 2.0 (2015) to HiPerGator 3.0 and HiPerGator AI (2021), each version faster and more powerful than the last.

More than 60% of UF’s $1.33 billion annual budget for research goes toward projects that rely on HiPerGator.

With more than 100 new AI faculty and 230 AI and data science courses, HiPerGator’s exceptional computational capabilities support a wide range of teaching and research advances in areas from engineering and medicine to history and astronomy. In the past year, the system supported nearly 7,000 users from across the Southeast. One service enabled by HiPerGator is NaviGator AI, which offers UF faculty, students and staff access to more than 40 large language models to experiment with generative AI. 

“What this group of folks and leadership has done represents a model that is going to transform the nation,” UF alumnus and NVIDIA cofounder Chris Malachowsky, a key partner and donor in UF’s sweeping initiative to lead the country in creating the next AI workforce. 

“This is a testament to the machine to be exploited and taken advantage of,” Malachowsky added. “Take it and run. It’s bold and powerful and impactful.”

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