After two glorious days of sunshine and drying winds, it is back to more rain for the weekend. Unfortunately, it is frustratingly becoming the new normal for Lismore and the Northern Rivers.

A high-pressure system over Victoria is causing strong southeasterly winds along the NSW coast, which is bringing showers for the next six days.

The rainfall is not a worrying amount, but it is annoying as sporting fields and golf courses cannot dry out to get participants playing their beloved sport. Check your local clubs for conditions.

The Bureau is forecasting 1 to 10mm on Saturday and 1 to 9mm on Sunday with an 80% to 90% chance of rain, although we will also see some sunshine.

This weekend is the calm before the storm, with a host of events coming up in the next few weeks:

• Gemfest - next weekend, 17 and 18 May (Gemfest 2025)
• Primex - starts next Thursday, 15, 16 and 17 May (Primex Field Days)
• Beef Week - 24 May to 1 June
• Lismore Lantern Parade - 21 June

Now, all we need is some fine weather to give these events the best chance to be well attended.

This weekend, there was a cancellation due to the rain. The Lismore Turf Club's Ladies Race Day was to run tomorrow (Saturday); however, consistent rain has killed the grass on parts of the track.

Of course, this Sunday is Mother's Day, so there will be plenty of lunches and barbecues happening around Lismore and the Northern Rivers.

If you are looking for gift ideas, check out the Lismore Farmers Markets at the Lismore Showground tomorrow morning from 7:30am.

John Trapp will entertain you as you enjoy a coffee, tea or breakfast and shop for mum or your fresh, homegrown fresh fruit and vegetables.

Up in the hills, the Channon Markets are still on at Coronation Park between 9am and 3pm on Sunday. THE CHANNON MARKETS HAVE NOW BEEN CANCELLED.

As they say on their Facebook page, "Wander through stalls filled with handmade gifts, delicious treats, live music, and the warm community spirit we’re known for. Whether she’s into art, plants, pampering or pastries—there’s something here to make every mum smile."

There are two gigs on at the Northern Rivers Hotel this weekend, including Katie Brooke on Saturday evening between 5 and 8pm, and soloist Karnage for the Mother's Day Sunday Session between 1 and 4pm.

The Northern Rivers Hotel is having a Mother's Day Lunch (11:30am to 2:30pm) and Dinner (5pm to 8:30pm), call 02 6627 6119 to make a booking.

The Lismore Workers Club has a number of acts to see in May and June; they include:

• Tommy Memphis with a FREE gig playing iconic '80s songs next Saturday, May 17.
• Who's Bad - the ultimate Michael Jackson tribute on Friday, May 30
• Kevin Bloody Wilson on Wednesday, June 25.

You can book and check out the rest of the year's lineup, including Dorothy the Dinosaur, Herman's Hermits and Fleetwood Max, by clicking here.

Fuel prices have remained steady over the last three weeks. Here is the list of service stations saving you the most money in each town:

• E10 is 175.9 across Lismore, 172.5 at The United on Johnston Street in Casino, and 162.5 at the Mobil on River Street, Ballina.
• Unleaded 91 is 175.9 at the Astron on Ballina Road near the Workers Club in Lismore, 174.5 at The United on Johnston Street in Casino, and 165.5 at the Mobil on River Street, Ballina.
• U95 is 185.9 at the Liberty on Ballina Road and the Independent on Wyrallah Road, East Lismore, 193.9 at the EG Ampol on Canterbury Street, and 175.9 at The Shell at 273 River Street, Ballina.
• U98 is 193.9 at the Astron and the Liberty on Ballina Road in Lismore and the Liberty on Union Street, South Lismore, 194.9 at Liberty's on Hare Street and Centre Street in Casino, and 185.9 at The Shell on River Street in Ballina.
• Diesel is 181.9 at the Astron on Ballina Road and the Caltex on Leycester Street in Lismore, 184.5 at The United in Casino, and 182.5 at The Mobil and The Metro on River Street in Ballina.

Have a great weekend and Happy Mother's Day!

Now, have a laugh with the Friday Funnies.....