Mount Dora's annual Independence Day Parade, sponsored by Lake County Rotary, is this Saturday, July 4th.  The procession starts at 10 a.m. and proceeds to downtown (see route map at right).

Attendees are encouraged to bring canned food donations for Lake Cares Food Pantry, the non-profit that benefits local families in need.  The food pantry has a downtown drop-off location along the parade route on the corner of 4th and Alexander Street.  All donations made will be matched by Main Street Leasing as part of the Local Love Food Drive.  

For more local 4th of July celebrations and fireworks information click here.   

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EUSTIS - After weeks of construction, a greatly improved playground is ready to open tomorrow.  The ribbon cutting ceremony at 3pm will feature hot dogs and slushies for the kids while supplies last. 

The new playground was part of phase one of the planned Ferran Park improvements which also included replacing sidewalks, installing new irrigation and landscaping. Phase two improvements are set to begin later this year and will include beautification of Park gateway entrances, additional parking, landscaping and signage.
 
The Ferran Park Master Plan aims to revive the park to allow for maximum public use.  Some ideas suggested by the public for future improvements include expansion of the pool deck, inclusion of a water feature, such as a splash pad or water park, connectivity to the existing Lake Walk and possibly, a skateboard park.
 
Ferran Park is the first public park constructed in Eustis. It is named after the city's pioneer and local businessman, Edgar L. Ferran.  The Park began with the purchase of land between Clifford Avenue and Orange Avenue in 1913. It is also home to the Alice B. McClelland Bandshell, built in 1926, which is located on the north end of the Park.  The Bandshell was refurbished in 1992 and placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1994.

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EUSTIS  – The city will be celebrating Independence Day with a Hometown Celebration during its day-long event in Ferran Park, downtown.  . The Hometown Celebration begins Saturday, July 4, 2015 at noon and includes free live music, a free kid zone, games, sailboat rides, vendors, food and a spectacular fireworks finale over Lake Eustis at 9:30 p.m.
 
Entertainment on the bandshell will include:Jerico, the Jeff Howell Blues Band, the Smoking Torpedoes, Paragon Color Guard and Bay Street Theatre.
 
Kids will love the free Kid Zone where they can experience the new playground structure in Ferran Park, show off their dance moves at Studio 19’s hip-hop dance party and play life-size lawn games including KerPlunk, Jenga and Twister. Other free Kid Zone activities include an obstacle course, bounce house, face painter and balloon animals.
 
The Eustis Aquatic Center, located in Ferran Park, will be open for a free, open-swim from noon through 4 p.m. The Lake Eustis Sailing Club will be providing sailboat rides and demonstrations on the shores of Lake Eustis in the Park from 5 – 7 p.m.
 
The public is invited to support our troops overseas with Operation Interdependence. Visit the Day of Service area to create a card and survival bracelet then fill a package with items to be sent to the troops. Before leaving, snap a picture of thanks at the photo booth to include in the package.
 
“There will be something for everyone to enjoy at this fun-filled family event,” said Erin Bailey, the City’s Event Coordinator. ”We invite attendees to come early and enjoy some great food, games, vendors and music, prior to the fireworks.” 
 
The night will be capped off at 9:30 p.m. with an explosion of fireworks over Lake Eustis. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs.

More local Independence Day events are available at  www.MountDoraBuzz.com/calendar

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