After a three-year absence, the Florida Azalea Festival returns to Palatka today.

Palatka Daily News

When guests arrive at the Larimer Arts Center on Friday, they will be treated to a smorgasbord of sights, smells and sounds.

The latter half of February usually brings a certain excitement for people living in North Florida. New leaves can be seen on many of the trees and sunlight lingers after 6 p.m.

The Florida Azalea Festival and Crescent City Catfish Festival are back and organizers are raring to go.