It looks like spring has arrived in central New York. Everybody is ready to make the switch from wearing boots to wearing sandals. An interesting new trend in footwear for this season is called Crocs. These lightweight shoes with non-slip soles have a closed toe and a heel strap. Bacteria and odor resistant, these have port holes that let air and water through, so you can wear them on the boat or in water as well.

This new trend comes in several colors, from hot pink and lime green to the more traditional navy blue and black. They can be found at Journeys, Olympia Sports and Altier's Shoe Department at the Fingerlakes Mall.

For the ladies this season, the wedge heel is a popular look for casual and dressy sandals. Ballet flats are also in style and every teen needs a variety of flip flops in different colors. Children are also crazy for Heelys. These are shoes with small wheels built into them. So if it looks like someone is racing by you, they're probably wearing Heelys.

In the world of entertainment, sometimes things will become hugely popular clear out of the blue. The exciting novel “The DaVinci Code” is one of those phenomenons. It has been on the bestseller list since its release a few years ago and has spawned a trend of historical/mystery/thrillers along the way. The paperback was released last month and now both the hardcover and paperback versions are on the top of the charts. Everyone is waiting with great anticipation for the movie version, directed by Ron Howard and starring Tom Hanks. The blockbuster kicks off the summer movie season May 19 at the Fingerlakes Theaters.

If you have young children, then you have no doubt heard of Disney's television movie “High School Musical.” It premiered on the Disney Channel a few months ago and was a ratings smash. The CD became the only television soundtrack to ever hit No. 1 on the music charts, and you can't go anywhere without hearing the songs on the radio. The DVD version of the movie will be released May 23, and when you pre-order your copy now at FYE in the Fingerlakes Mall, you can enter to win a drawing for a free personal DVD player.

There's lots more coming up at the Fingerlakes Mall in May as well. Cayuga County clerk, Susan Dwyer, and staff are returning to the mall May 13 with their popular Passport Day. Last time they were here, they drew quite a crowd of people to fill out their passport applications and get their photos taken, and it's a great opportunity to take advantage of this wonderful program offered on a convenient weekend day. This time, Sheriff Rob Outhouse will also be on hand with his Safety Day Program. Call the county clerk's office at 253-1271 for more information on Passport Day.

The Cayuga County Cornell Cooperative Extension will host a 4H Art Show from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 21. The creations of talented young local artists will be on display. For more information, contact the Cornell Cooperative Extension at 255-1183.

It's time to think summer vacation and Ballantyne RV will host an RV Show May 18 to 21. The company will fill the front parking lot with campers, 5th wheels, RVs and more.

And some new additions have been added to the mall.

LV Nails opened a temporary nail salon near the main mall entrance near J.C. Penney while their brand new salon is being built next to Savannah Bank.

Eagle Cell Phone Accessories and Eagle Body Jewelry are two new kiosks located near Olympia Sports. The pair offers a big selection of iPod, bluetooth and cell phone accessories, and body jewelry and purses, respectively, for sale.Thee Amish Market is set for an early May opening next to PacSun. Amish rockers, chairs, porch furniture, decorations and more will be offered.

Another Internet Hot Spot has been added to Fingerlakes Mall. In addition to the free Internet access offered in the food court, the Riverbend Coffee & Gifts now also has free Internet access in its store, courtesy of Cingular Wireless.

If you're doing your spring cleaning, don't forget that the 15th Annual Book Bonanza is taking donations of used books, audiobooks, videos, CDs and DVDs for the annual used book sale to benefit St. Joseph School on July 8 and 9. The book drop is located near the main mall entrance near Sears. (No textbooks, encyclopedias, Reader's Digest Condensed Books or anything wet or without covers accepted.) For more information on the event, call 224-2941.

Diane La Rue is retail and community events coordinator for the Fingerlakes Mall