It’s early March in Lower Alabama, and Mardi Gras is over and done with. In other parts of country they’re still shoveling snow, but here we’re watching the wildflowers and weeds sprout up in yards that already need a trim.

Sprouting up right along with them: A bumper crop of early spring festivals and fundraisers, many of which capitalize on the glory of being outdoors on the coast before it gets hot.