A fabulous Friday until the trough from Queensland makes its way to the Northern Rivers tonight. Once the showers ease early tomorrow morning (Saturday), the weather should start to improve for the weekend.

It doesn't mean the rain will disappear, and we will see clear blue skies, but it does mean a shower or two and a 50-60% chance of rain with blue sky appearing at times.

Certainly, some positive news for the organisers of Gemfest and Primex and those wishing to get along to each event.

Norco Primex 2025 has its final day tomorrow, with a full schedule of events, which you can read below. Saturday is typically Primex's busiest day as exhibitors look to make the most of wet 2025.

Gates open at 9am and close at 4pm. at the Richmond Valley Events Centre in Casino.

As for Gemfest, their gates also swing open at 9am tomorrow and close at 4pm, with Sunday's times 9am to 3pm.

About 150 tailgaters have arrived in Lismore with a plethora gemstones, minerals, fossils and jewellery that always attract large crowds into the Lismore Showgrounds in North Lismore.

Due to the continuous rainfall and the sodden ground, there is very limited parking available for the general public. There are disabled parking spots available and a pickup/drop-off area.

You are encouraged to use the free shuttle bus that will be running from the CBD to the North lismore War Memorial, and then a short walk to the main gates.

There are two pick-up points in the CBD. The first at the Transit Centre on Molesworth Street, and the second opposite Browns Creek carpark at the Koori Mail.

The free shuttle bus will run from 9am to 1pm on a continuous 10 minute loop and again from 2pm to 4pm on Saturday and 2pm to 3pm on Sunday.

You can get a 2-for-1 event deal at the Lismore Showgrounds. Visit the Lismore Farmers Markets, open from 7:30am, and then make your way to Gemfest.

On Sunday, the Lismore Free Market is on at the Lismore Community Gardens on Brewster Street between 9am and 11am.

Yes, all items are free. Nothing is for sale, can be bartered or traded. Items include food, household items, books, bikes, toys etc.

While talking about free things to do around town, the Lismore Workers Club has a free concert on Saturday night with Tommy Memphis on stage playing songs that shaped the generation who grew up in the 1980s.

Click here to book your free ticket.

Coming up at the Workers Club is:

• Who's Bad - a tribute to Michael Jackson on Friday, May 30.
• Kevin Bloody Wilson on Wednesday, June 25
• Dorothy the Dinosaur on Sunday, July 27 at 10am and 12noon.

Live music at the Northern Rivers Hotel, Bridge Street, North Lismore this weekend, includes Adam Gardiner tonight (Friday) from 7pm to 10pm and Lonesome Boatmen and special guests for the Sunday Session from 2:30pm.

There are a couple more events to put in your calendar:

• Beef Week - 24 May to 1 June
• Lismore Lantern Parade - 21 June

Some good news at the petrol bowsers with fuel prices down about 3 cents a litre at various service stations. Diesel owners will save money in the three main centres.

Here is the list of the cheapest service stations, saving you the most money in each town:

• E10 is 175.9 across Lismore, 172.4 at The United on Johnston Street in Casino, and 159.5 at the Mobil on River Street, Ballina.
• Unleaded 91 is 169.9 at the Astron on Ballina Road near the Workers Club in Lismore, 174.4 at The United and the NightOwl Puma on Johnston Street in Casino, and 161.9 at the BP North ballina on Southern Cross Drive.
• U95 is 185.5 at the two Independents (Brad and Sharon) on Terania Street, North Lismore, 193.9 at the EG Ampol on Canterbury Street, and 173.9 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 183.9 at The Shell on River Street in Ballina.
• Diesel is 175.9 at the Astron on Ballina Road and the Caltex on Leycester Street in Lismore, 177.4 at The United and NightOwl Puma in Casino, and 182.5 at The Mobil and The Metro on River Street in Ballina.

Have a great weekend!

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