When I walked out of my chilly, darkened house this morning, I was pleasantly surprised by a brightly shining sun, a pair of rabbits peacefully chomping clover in my front yard and flowers everywhere I looked.

Spring has arrived, and just in time.

In Suffolk, spring offers many chances to enjoy all the community has to offer.

There are still a few days left to take advantage of Suffolk’s Restaurant Week, which offers cheaper food at some of Suffolk’s best restaurants through Saturday.

Saturday is a big day on its own.

The Suffolk Parks & Recreation Eggstravaganza will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Bennett’s Creek Park, 3000 Bennett’s Creek Park Road. The Nansemond River Preservation Alliance will offer a free Rain Garden Workshop and Demonstration from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at 110 Lookout Circle. And a free fly-fishing session will be taught at 10 a.m. in the Boathouse at Culpepper Boats at Lake Cohoon, 1805 Pitchkettle Road.

And let’s not forget that spring means it’s time for some spring-cleaning. If you find something that’s been hidden away in your attic for years, it might be time to finally part with it. Experts at The Hidden Treasures Antiques Appraisal Show will help you figure out how much your item is worth. The show will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Suffolk National Guard Armory, 2761 Godwin Blvd.

Spring also means the arrival of fundraising season. From barbecues and fish fries sponsored by local groups and churches to the much larger Relay for Life and the Suffolk Humane Society’s Mutt Strut, there are plenty of ways to give back to the community.

Speaking of Mutt Strut, today’s your last chance to submit pictures of your pet to the Suffolk News-Herald/Nansemond Pet Cremation Services’ Priceless Pets photo contest. Entries are $15 for the Top Dog contest and $10 each for the other categories. A portion of the proceeds will go to the Suffolk Humane Society and the fifth annual Mutt Strut.

All photos will be published in our special publication, and winners will be announced at the Mutt Strut. Don’t miss your chance to show off your pet. Send your entries to pricelesspets@suffolknewsherald.com.

And don’t forget to take advantage of all the happenings in Suffolk. See Page 3 for a list of upcoming events and find more online at www.suffolknewsherald.com.