This week's rainfall amount varied depending on how close to the coast you were.

Lismore recorded the lower end of forecast rainfall, with 38.8mm recorded since Tuesday afternoon. On the other hand, Ballina recorded 154.2mm since the rain began on Tuesday morning.

The good news is that the front that was hanging around the east coast of Australia has moved to the east, leaving us with a warm, sunny Saturday and a shower or two for Sunday, but only up to 1mm.

The weather forecast only gets better as next week progresses. Clear blue skies and springlike maximum temperatures of 25 degrees will be with us on Wednesday.

The big event this weekend is the free LOLA Festival tomorrow (Saturday) in Lismore's CBD between 1pm and 9pm. LOLA is an acronym for Laneways of Lismore Arts.

You can enjoy everything from creative activities, immersive lighting experiences, displays and unique artistic expressions, along with market stalls, food vendors, an outdoor bar and Lismore’s vibrant and diverse food and dining offerings.

For a full list of what's on, where and what time, read our earlier story LOLA Festival: here's everything you need to know for Saturday.

During the LOLA Festival, Mayumi from Paul Meccanico is holding a Fashion Contest and Parade tomorrow. Everyone is invited to watch both the Contest and Parade.

The Fashion Contest starts at 3pm at the Paul Meccanico shop at 133 Keen Street Lismore.

Watch the participants having their individual model pose professionally photographed by award-winning photographer R.J.Poole.

Five winners will receive a Paul Meccanico bag, each worth up to $450. There are three categories: Individual, Pair, Parent & Child.

The Fashion Parade starts at 3.30pm in the Starcourt Arcade, entrance via Molesworth Street.

You can watch the participants on the Catwalk being filmed and photographed with great music and atmosphere. Go along and enjoy being part of the audience.

MARKETS

The Lismore Farmers Markets will get underway with clear skies tomorrow morning (Saturday) from 7:30 at the Lismore Showgrounds.

Koala Gardens will be at the markets every Saturday morning starting tomorrow. Fresh local fruit and vegetables are on offer as well as breakfast, coffee & tea and many other items. Luke Vassella will be performing live from 8 to 11am.

The Sunday markets head north of Lismore to Nimbin this weekend. In fact, that will be the case for the next two weekends, as they are on the 4th and 5th Sunday of each month, and August has five Sundays.

Sunday's weather is partly cloudy, so make a day of heading to the hills and experiencing the unique offerings Nimbin offers, including the markets, between 9am and 3pm on Cullen Street.

ARTS

It is your second last weekend to see the 2024 Archibald Prize at the Lismore Regional Gallery at The Quad in the CBD.

Since opening the exhibition in early July, Lismore Regional Gallery has seen over 7,000 visitors go through its doors to view the prestigious artwork.

There are three viewing sessions over the weekend:

• 10am to 12 midday
• 12 midday to 2pm
• 2pm to 4pm

You need to book your tickets here. The cost is $15 general admission, concession $10, with children under 16 free.

There is a free day of viewing next Thursday, August 28 between 10am and 6pm. You can book those tickets here.

COMING UP

• Darrell Chapman Fun Run - Sunday, August 31, from 7am
• Alstonville Wollongbar Fun Run - Sunday, September 14, from 7:30am
• Nimbin Show - Saturday and Sunday, September 20 & 21
• 2025 Lismore Workers Club Lismore Cup - Friday, September 26, from 12 noon

LIVE MUSIC

The Northern Rivers Hotel in North Lismore has Katie Brooke performing tonight from 6:30, and Short Fuse on Saturday night from 7pm.

The Lismore Heights Sports Club has the Neil Diamond Show tomorrow night (Saturday) from 6pm. $60 gets you a three-course meal and all the classic songs written by one of the world's great entertainers.

There are two major nights coming up at the Lismore Workers Club in September and October:

• Oh What A Night! - A musical tribute to Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons: September 20 at 8pm
• The Flying Forties - Penny Pavlakis, Greg Gould and friends celebrate the music of Bing Crosby, Ella Fitzgerald, Judy Garland, Nat King Cole and more with their 9-piece big band: October 4 at 8pm.

CHEAPEST PETROL PRICES

Casino has seen E10 and U91 drop by another 1 cent per litre in the last week, following last week's 3-cent reduction. Lismore and Ballina prices were stable. Ballina is still the cheapest town to fill the tank over the weekend, especially if you are there after 8pm, when prices tend to drop another 10 cents a litre.

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

• E10 is 174.9 across Lismore, 171.3 at The United on Johnston Street in Casino, and 165.5 at the Mobil and The Metro on River Street, Ballina.
• Unleaded 91 is 175.9 at the Astron on Ballina Road, 173.3 at The United on Johnston Street in Casino, and 167.5 at the Metro and the Mobil on River Street, Ballina.
• U95 is 184.5 at Brad's Independent on Terania Street, North Lismore, 198.9 at the Independent on Canterbury Street, and 179.5 at The Metro on River Street, Ballina.
• U98 is 192.9 at the Astron and Liberty on Ballina Road in Lismore, and the Liberty on Union Street, South Lismore, 194.9 at the two Independents on Hare and Centre Street in Casino, and 187.5 at The Metro on River Street in Ballina.
• Diesel is 180.9 at the Astron on Ballina Road in Lismore, 181.9 at The United and the Casino Roadhouse on Johnston Street, and the two Liberty's on Hare and Centre Street in Casino, and 187.5 at the Mobil and The Metro in Ballina.

Have a great weekend!

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