I know there’s something going on.

–         Frida

That lyric sums up what I’m thinking every week, though the former ABBA singer’s 1982 hit single wasn’t written about Clay County happenings.

Having been Clay Today’s editor for barely four months, I am prone to indecision when pinpointing which local events are coming down the pike and determining whether they’re “newsworthy.”

It’s rare when there isn’t a worthwhile occasion in Orange Park, Green Cove Springs, Fleming Island, Middleburg, Oakleaf or Keystone Heights.

With spring in full swing, the calendar is chockablock with festivals involving music, art, food and dogs (Barkfest, anyone?) – in addition to the usual slew of city, county, school board and town hall meetings.

Let’s not forget Sheriff’s NET gatherings, theater plays and concerts, memorial services or ribbon-cuttings – because if I forget such affairs, I will rue the day.

Lord knows Clay Today is always in the loop about charity golf tournaments, because my tireless colleague Leesa plays more golf than Tiger Woods these days.

Given all the community events from pillar to post, it’s helpful when coworkers, readers, business owners and marketing reps share flyers and press releases.

“Teamwork makes the dream work,” but it would benefit everyone if more announcements came directly to me, rather than to my popular predecessor, Don "Noble" Coble. (Evidently, it will take time until contributors realize my name is Jim.)

In any case, despite the fact we’re on the precipice of graduations and June swoon, Clay and vicinity aren’t lacking for events big or small. Let us count the ways:

If you’re into art (who isn’t?) or a green thumb, Orange Park is just the ticket, thanks to the Art & Garden Studio Tours on May 16-17.

Shopping and food more your jam? Then perhaps the 3^rd Saturday Market in the Park – which sets up shop on Walnut Street in Green Cove Springs – is calling your name. That same day, a stone’s throw away at the fairgrounds, is what actor Al Pacino might call a dog-day afternoon, courtesy of Clay County Barkfest. Its purpose is all about supporting and/or adopting our beloved four-legged friends.

To paraphrase Elton John, Saturday night’s all right for ridin’ in GCS with Seamark’s Rodeo at the Ranch.

Prefer to wait until Sunday? There’s always Clay County Eats at the fairgrounds; Orange Park Farmers & Arts Market; or venture to The Dirty Palette in Keystone Heights and roll up your sleeves for Clay Funky Chickens Workshop (probably as fun and messy as advertised).

Wherever the weekend takes you, water and sunscreen ought to be kept within reach, as the local forecast calls for high temps in the mid-90s.

The following weekend will entail more of a remembrance vibe, starting with the Fort Heilman Memorial Day Ceremony on May 24 at Middleburg Museum.

On the holiday itself (Monday, May 26), consider a return to Green Cove Springs for 2025 Riverfest, an eclectic celebration culminating in fireworks. That same morning, Keystone Heights Cemetery will host a ceremony “to honor and remember the brave Americans who made the ultimate sacrifice,” according to Explore Clay’s website.

Here’s hoping the majority of you put excuses aside and roam around. That’s my goal, as I could use more exercise than just yelling at my TV during the concurrent NBA and NHL playoffs.