By Kyra Mayo, Moon News Cloud Contributor

The Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, D.C, is perhaps the national symbol of spring.

However, we don’t need to make the near five-hour drive to the nation’s capital to enjoy the sights of spring. There are many festivities happening right in our backyard. Some may get sufficient amounts of publicity while others may fall right under your radar.

With the weather beginning to break – with the occasional mood swing by Mother Nature – the community has begun to come out of hibernation.

“How do I feel about this past winter? It’s given me cabin fever and I’m so ready to go outside and not have to freeze,” said Moon resident Christine Harmon.

Camps are being held for different events such as one for the Junior Olympics or the Ambridge Nationality Days being held in May. A few miles down the road in Hookstown the Big Rig Extravaganza will be held at the fairgrounds in June. For those looking for something a little more on the wild side can head in the other direction towards the city of Pittsburgh and partake in the Big Lebowski Festival! taking place at the end of this month.

These festivals and events are open to the public and a good opportunity for not only the community involved, but surrounding communities to participate. It is also a good excuse to get out of the house after being cooped up for this past winter.

“I can’t wait to find an excuse to leave the house other than just going to work,” said Moon resident Kelly Smith.

Not limited to just the next few months, these events stretch far into the summer; giving residents at least a dozen different opportunities to find something of interest.

“I’m really looking forward to going downtown for some of the different things going on. The Big Lebowski Festival! sounds like it could be interesting too,” Harmon said.

All times, dates, locations and schedules for these events and more can be found online at www.zvents.com.