Ocala Electric Utility is hosting a free event this evening to celebrate 125 years of serving the community.
The celebration will kick off at 5:45 p.m. at the Downtown Square (1 SE Broadway Street in Ocala) with a celebratory ribbon cutting, and Mayor Kent Guinn will read a proclamation.
The family-friendly festivities will follow from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. with live music featuring Left on Broadway, face painting, a photo booth, bucket truck rides, cake, and a chance to meet Theodore the Electric Bear. Vendors will also be in attendance, including Jordan Shapot Art, Red Dog Balloons, and Kona Ice.
Attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs.
Founded in 1898, Ocala Electric Utility is a locally owned and operated utility with 21 substations located within a 160-square-mile territory, and crews maintain over 1,200 miles of power lines and 40,000 power poles. OEU services over 50,000 homes and businesses throughout the city.
Earlier this year, Ocala Electric Utility was one of 13 Florida public power utilities to receive a Florida Municipal Electric Association (FMEA) Safety Award. In addition, OEU was recognized in January for its efforts to restore power quickly and safely following significant weather events that included Hurricanes Ian and Nicole.
For more information, visit Ocala Electric Utility’s website or Facebook page.