The final weekend of winter is expected to be mostly sunny, with a windy Saturday, and cooler temperatures than the springlike 25 degrees we have experienced this week.

Tomorrow (Saturday) is the day to secure any loose items, as the winds turn westerly and strengthen to 20 to 30 km/h in the morning, then tending southwesterly in the late afternoon. The winds are expected to be light on Sunday.

The top temperatures being forecast by the BoM are 20 degrees, after a cool start, especially on Sunday, which is expected to be 6 degrees.

There will be colder-than-normal conditions for the thousand or so participants in the 2025 Darrel Chapman Fun Run on Sunday morning.

The 10km and Half Marathon runs get underway at 7am from Woodlark Street, just after the coldest part of the day, and the family-friendly 4km Walk/Run starting at 9am. Registrations are available on the day from 6am.

Road closures will be in place on Sunday in the CBD and along Winterton Parade and Woodlawn Road.

The run will begin on Woodlark Street, turn right into Molesworth Street and continue along Winterton Parade and Woodlawn Road, with runners looping back near the railway bridge on Numulgi Road.

All roads adjoining the route will be closed to traffic between 5am and 12noon. Residents living along the route who have no alternative way to exit their properties are asked to speak with the on-site Traffic Control. They will assist with safely escorting vehicles within the closure area. However, where possible, residents are asked to stay off the road for the duration of the road closures (5am to 12noon).

The other big event over the weekend is the Wardell River Festival. It is not within the Lismore LGA; however, the short 20km drive will see you in the middle of a celebration of music, community and river culture.

The Wardell River Festival is a new one-day event by the Richmond River at the Richmond Street Community Greenspace (western end). It will showcase music, markets, food, art and activities between 1pm and 8pm.

On Sunday, the monthly Lismore Rainforest Botanic Garden Butterfly Guided Walk will take place from 10am at 313 Wyrallah Road, Monaltrie (enter the Lismore Waste Facility and turn right).

Linda will tell you about the mysterious habits of our beautiful local butterflies and the plants they depend on.

Meet at the visitor's centre at 9:45am for an easy 1-hour walk. The cost is $5 for adults, with children free. Cash only.

Email bookings are essential through publicity@friendslrbg.com.au.

ARTS

It is the final weekend of the 2024 Archibald Prize exhibition at the Lismore Regional Gallery.

That leaves six sessions to view the incredible portraits created by the 57 finalists. The cost is $15 for general admission, $10 for concession holders, and children under 16 are free. Click here to book your tickets.

MARKETS

Visitors to the Lismore Farmers Markets will appreciate the sunny weather tomorrow at the Lismore Showgrounds in North Lismore.

Fresh fruit and veg, breakfast, tea & coffee, live music by Croaker & the Honeybee and a happy community spirit will take place between 7:30am and 11:30am.

The Nimbin Markets are backing up because August is a five-Sunday month. So, head to Cullen Street for food, coffee, recycled inventions, innovative ideas, and unique artisan wares that can only be made in Nimbin between 9am and 3pm.

FREE STUFF

There are plenty of free activities for the family to do over the weekend, including the Rail Trail at South Lismore, the new skatepark in the CBD, bush walks and Heritage Park on Molesworth Street in the CBD. Check out the Things To Do button in the Lismore App.

COMING UP

• 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 Short Fuse performing Saturday night from 7.

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

Fuel prices were stable across the region this week. 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 176.9 at the Coles Express on Dawson Street and the EG on Diadem Street near The Square in Lismore, 171.9 at The United on Johnston Street in Casino, and 165.5 at the Mobil and The Metro on River Street, Ballina.
• Unleaded 91 is 174.9 at the Astron on Ballina Road, 173.9 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.....