Yesterday, spring sprang. Here in Fringecrest, nature is waking—unfurling leaves, buds and blooms along Ridgecrest Boulevard and throughout labyrinthine tributary neighborhoods. Dreaming of springtime last weekend, I selected Flower Power as the Alibi's weekly photo contest theme.

Nature proffers sensory gifts aplenty on this second day of spring. And kindred Alibi readers offered up some gorgeous photos of Albuquerque flora on Instagram (@weeklyalibi / #alibiflower). The spectrum of color on display in Burque is proving well worth the wait. Here at the Carrillo casa, winter jasmine and climbing roses exist in various stages of bloom—erupting cadmium yellow and carmine.

Scroll on and smell the metaphorical roses by scoping some of our favorite entries and this week's photo contest victor.

M faces her senseless execution stoically. I am forced to participate. Infuriated, I punch the fat, shamed executioner in the belly. My arm recoils like a spring.

An Arizona wildfire claims the lives of 19 firefighters.

Zimmerman trial update: The jury was able to listen to Zimmerman's interview tape from the night of the Trayvon Martin shooting, which could give clues as to who the "aggressor" was.

Europe wants to know if the U.S. has been bugging them ... otherwise, we can kiss that trans-Atlantic free trade agreement bye-bye.

Sen. Karen Peterson and her partner, Vikki Bandy, become first same-sex couple to legally marry in Delaware!

Wait a minute ... so that's one well (or spring) for 290 water systems? So, what's plan B?

New Mexico orders another trial for Manuel Turrietta, who was convicted for killing Alberto Sandoval in 2006 in a gang-related shooting.

Ashley Browder's memorial banner taken down from the corner of Paseo Del Norte and Eagle Ranch Road.

Wow Claudia! That's a whole pound of meth! How'd you get that in there?

Hello sir, I believe this arm is yours ...

Q: What’s in it for me?

A: Attractive friends and a general feeling of belonging. Plus, free hot dogs from Chicago Dog starting at 8 p.m. First come, first served. Free frozen yogurt from Olo starting at 10 p.m. while supplies last. Candy buffet all night long. Photo Booth Rentals of New Mexico will snap your picture and give you a strip for free. Kayla will paint your skin.

Q: What if I just want to dance?

A: Hedonic revelry is essential. To aid in your pleasure, we present to you: The glimmering math rock of Roo, space voyager Hyperland, the dreamy country of Tall Boys (girls on stilts) and the lo-fi beach synth of Tropical Girls. Not to mention DJ Mello and her soulful psychedelia.

Q: What is a spring social?

A: We think it’s like a garden party in Anne of Green Gables times, but we’re not totally sure. It conjures images of hats with ribbons in them, though we’ve never owned such a thing. We prefer a brighter, more sparkly interpretation. Frozen treats are mandatory. As is dance music. Warm climes preferred.

Q: What will the weather be like on Friday?

A: The triple-dubs predict a balmy º78 during the day with a clear and mellow º50 in the latter part of the evening.

Friday, March 30, Launchpad. Doors at 8 p.m., $5, 21+

Posted to Alibi's Flickr photo pool by our friend lau.sonrisa.

Oh, hello spring!

A tulip hanging on to some water. :)