MOUNT DORA BUZZ - Arts & Entertainment

EUSTIS CELEBRATES GEORGEFEST THROUGHOUT FEBRUARY

2/1/2021

The City of Eustis is gearing up to celebrate George Washington’s birthday with a month-long list of festive activities. This year marks the 120th time the city will gather its community, neighboring cities and visitors to honor the country’s first president. GeorgeFest is the longest running celebration of its kind in Florida and the second longest running in the entire U.S. This year’s theme is “Spirit of Eustis.”

RUNNING OF THE GEORGES 5k RUN (FEB. 6)
Day of Race Registration is 6:30 a.m. at Ferran Park. The race begins at 8:00 a.m.

GEORGEFEST CHILI COOK-OFF (FEB. 6)
Tasting begins at 4 p.m. at Ferran Park. The People's Choice winner receives a $500 a cash prize. The Humane Society of Lake County will be at the park with pet adoptions from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.

GEORGEFEST CARNIVAL (FEB. 25-28)
The annual Georgefest Carnival will once again be set in Historic Downtown Eustis. There will be rides for all ages, along with food vendors and carnival games. It kicks off on Thursday, February 25 at 5:00 p.m. and continues through Sunday, February 28 closing at 9:00 p.m. Thursday Night (Wristband Night) tickets are available for pre-sale for only $15 and include unlimited rides.

Hours:
Thursday (Wristband Night) 5:00 - 10:00 p.m.
Friday 5:00 - 11:00 p.m.
Saturday 11:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Sunday 12:00 - 9:00 p.m.

FIREWORKS SHOW (FEB. 26)
Eustis ends the first night of Georgefest with a bang! The GeorgeFest Fireworks Show takes place right over Lake Eustis at 9:00 p.m. Spectators gather at Ferran Park to enjoy the best vantage point.

GEORGEFEST DOG JOG (FEB. 27)
GeorgeFest Parade kicks off with a one-mile Dog Jog, the much-loved tradition that shows off patriotic pooches as they walk or jog along the parade route beginning on the corner of Bay Street and Stevens at 9:45 a.m. Prizes are awarded for the top finishers, as well as for the most patriotic dog.

WASHINGTON’S BIRTHDAY PARADE (FEB. 27)
Starting at 10 a.m., the streets of Eustis will be flooded with families eager to view the artistic floats that will glide through Bay Street.

GEORGEFEST ANNUAL BASS FISHING TOURNAMENT (FEB. 28)
Anglers will get their lines in the water early to compete for the guaranteed $8,000 in prizes (based on 100 boats). Co-presented by Florida BASS Nation, the annual tournament is in honor of Private First Class Derek Gibson, a Bronze Star recipient from Eustis killed in action during Operation Iraqi Freedom on April 2, 2007.

GEORGEFEST HEADLINER CONCERT (FEB. 28)
Enjoy a free concert at Ferran Park’s bandshell stage on the edge of Lake Eustis. Bring your own lawn chair. Time is still to be announced.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, this month, click here. Discover the area's online event calendar here. Also download the area's free mobile app.

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DINOSAURS DESCEND ON MOUNT DORA LIBRARY

1/5/2021

They’re back! Dinosaurs have once again invaded the lobby of W.T. Bland Library in Mount Dora, but this time a T-Rex is among the prehistoric reptiles.

Kids, as well as kids at heart, are invited to experience the museum-grade dinosaur replicas. crafted to scale by Planet Earth Sculptures, a Mount Dora-based company. These lifelike models reflect the newest scientific theories that many dinosaurs had fur and feathers. The precise features of the reproductions were vetted by academics in the field, as well as museum curators.

RELATED: Check out the area's local entertainment calendar

“We are so pleased to be able to offer this exhibit to our patrons for the second year in a row,” said Library Manager Cathy Lunday. “The fact that these models are all to-scale really lets your imagination soar and contemplate what their lives might have been like.”

Mount Dora is only a pitstop for these creatures, as the models are destined to be a traveling exhibit for participating museums. Works from Planet Earth Sculpture are on display in the Smithsonian Institute and various natural history museums across the country.

The captivating dinosaur display can be viewed now through the end of February. W.T. Bland Library is located at 1995 North Donnelly and is open Monday through Friday, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. For more information, call (352) 735-7180, option 5.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, this month, click here. Discover the area's online event calendar here. Also download the area's free mobile app.

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DRIVE-IN LASER LIGHT SHOW COMES TO EUSTIS

1/1/2021

ABOVE: Lasers show by Cabin Fever, the organizer of the Eustis event. (Photo provided by Cabin Fever)

Who knew drive-ins would be making a comeback, but it’s become the perfect entertainment option this season. Later this month a travelling drive-in laser light show will entertain carloads of people at Eustis Fairgrounds for one weekend.

On January 21, 22 and 23, two shows per night will feature music, mesmerizing lasers and graphic effects. Guests will pull into their parking spot and tune to the designated FM station for instructions and sound. Every parking space will have its own tailgate area for guests to bring their own chairs, blankets and refreshments.

RELATED: Entertainment calendar for Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis.

“This is a Drive-in Laser Show intended to offer safety and social distancing. To prevent the spread of COVID-19, we ask that you remain around your vehicle during the duration of the show,” wrote the organizer Cabin Fever Productions on its event information.

Showtimes start at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. each day and the family-friendly shows last between 35 and 40 minutes. The event is rain or shine and tickets can be purchased from the event's Facebook page. The cost is $25 per car and tickets can be purchased here. Lake County Fairgrounds is located at 2101 County Rd. 452 in Eustis.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, this month, click here. Discover the area's online event calendar here. Also download the area's free mobile app.

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HUGE ANTIQUE EXTRAVAGANZA COMES TO MOUNT DORA ON jANUARY 15-17

1/1/2021

Vintage lovers and treasure hunters are getting giddy.

Once again, Mount Dora will play host to Central Florida's massive and eclectic shopping experience on January 15, 16 and 17.

Three times a year  Renningers Antique Center organizes the Antique Extravaganza, the motherlode of vintage and antique shopping, set in the rambling hills under majestic oaks.

Make no mistake. There is antique shopping and then there is the “Extravo” shopping. That’s the term seasoned buyers and “pickers” use for the event that boasts over 800 dealers during its three-day run spread on a scenic portion of a 130-acre property.

RELATED: Entertainment calendar for Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis

Dealers from across the U.S. descend on Mount Dora to offer a tremendous variety of vintage finds and fine antiques at every price. Eager collectors, decorators and vintage shoppers from across Florida show up in droves to uncover treasures and find the best deals.

Extravos only happen the third Friday, Saturday and Sunday of November, January and February. Shoppers and the curious can roam the hills from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday admittance costs more, but eager shoppers get first dibs on hard-to-find treasures. Sunday shoppers get better bargains, but some vendors do pack up early.

Parking is free. Admission is $10 on Friday, $6 on Saturday, and only $4 on Sunday. A three-day pass is $15. Renninger’s Antique Center is located at 20651 US Hwy 441.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, visit the area's website and download the area's free mobile app.

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BEST HOLIDAY COCKTAILS IN MOUNT DORA, TAVARES & EUSTIS

12/18/2020

ABOVE: The White Christmas cocktail served at Olive Branch Mediterranean Bar & Grille in Mount Dora

‘Tis the season to be jolly, so Mount Dora Buzz scoured local bars to find festive libations that are sure to bring a few rounds of holiday cheer. Here’s the top picks of this season’s holiday elixirs:

ABOVE: Bad Santa mulled cocktail at Crafted Concoctions (photo by Miracle Pop-Up)

Bad Santa
On one of Florida’s cooler evenings, warm up with this mulled wine with tawny port, orange liqueur, and Christmas spices. This hot cocktail is sure to turn you warm and cozy.
Crafted Concoctions
115 E. Main Street, Tavares

RELATED: Entertainment calendar for Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis

ABOVE: Christmas Carol Barrel served at Crafted Concoctions. (Photo by Miracle Pop-Up)

Christmas Carol Barrel
This fun craft cocktail is served in a barrel and features Reposado tequila, coffee liqueur, dry Curaçao and spiced chocolate.
Crafted Concoctions
115 E. Main Street, Tavares

ABOVE: Egg Nog Martini at the Olive Branch.

Egg Nog Martini
A spiked version of the seasonal favorite, this rich and smooth recipe calls for Early Times whiskey, Fireball and fresh eggnog topped with ground cinnamon.
Olive Branch Mediterranean Grille & Bar
115 W. 3rd Avenue, Mount Dora

RELATED: 2020 Best of Mount Dora winners

ABOVE: Grinch Cocktail served at The Olive Branch.

Grinch Cocktail
There is nothing “bah-humbug” about this festive elixir. It’s a colorful mix of Midori melon liqueur with the perfect amount of lemon juice and one sugar cube.
Olive Branch Mediterranean Grille & Bar
115 W. 3rd Avenue, Mount Dora

ABOVE: Mistletoe Mojito at Momiji Japanese Restaurant.

Mistletoe Mojito
Muddled and shaken to perfection, this spin on the classic light rum, fresh mint and lime cocktail adds cranberry juice and is garnished with fresh cranberries and served in a handled mason jar.
Momiji Japanese Restaurant
24400 State Rd. 44, Eustis

RELATED: Local Dining Guide

Peppermint Patty Martini
This dessert cocktail is like an adult York Peppermint Patty in a glass. The recipe mixes Peppermint Schnapps, Dark Creme De Cacao, coffee liqueur shaken with heavy cream. It’s the perfect Christmas drink mix for Santa.
Momiji Japanese Restaurant
24400 State Rd. 44, Eustis

ABOVE: Floral Spritz available at Pisces Rising.

Seasonal Floral Spritz
Refreshing and bubbly, this is perfect for Florida’s holiday season. This cocktail combines Absolut vodka, pear juice, elderflower, Champagne, hibiscus simple syrup and a splash of lemon and on top of that it’s garnished with fresh rosemary and an orchid.
Pisces Rising
239 W. 4th Avenue, Mount Dora

ABOVE: Snickerdoodle Martini at Momiji Japanese Restaurant.

Snickerdoodle Martini
The decadent, creamy martini is dessert in a glass and it’s hard to have just one. Vodka, Irish Cream, butterscotch schnapps and Amaretto are shaken with half-and-half. Oh, Lawd!
Momiji Japanese Restaurant
24400 State Rd. 44, Eustis

ABOVE: Spiked Peppermint Hot Cocoa at Pisces Rising.

Spiked Peppermint Hot Cocoa
The holiday season isn’t complete without classic hot chocolate topped with melting marshmallows. This adult version of the seasonal favorite is spiked with Peppermint Schnapps and is guaranteed to warm your bones.
Pisces Rising
239 W. 4th Avenue, Mount Dora

ABOVE: White Christmas Cocktail served at The Olive Branch

White Christmas Cocktail
Decadence at its best. Coconut and vanilla vodka blended with white chocolate liqueur and topped with coconut shavings, this drink is delicious and beautiful.
Olive Branch Mediterranean Grille & Bar
115 W. 3rd Avenue, Mount Dora

Enjoy! And please remember, don’t drink and drive. Happy Holidays! For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, this month, click here. Discover the area's online event calendar here. Also download the area's free mobile app.

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MOUNT DORA CITY COUNCILMAN PENS "TALES OUT OF SCHOOL"

12/1/2020

He’s known about town as the approachable city councilman with talent for listening. Now, Mount Dora is seeing a new side of its elected official -- novelist.

This year Marc Crail, who represents Mount Dora’s District 4, penned “Tales Out of School,” a semi-autobiographical novel that follows the rookie year of a young teacher. The main character stumbles and bumbles his way through thanks to a lot of luck and the support of a very understanding principal and colleagues. There are lots of highs and lows and plenty of funny tales, many of which are true, according to Crail. The book could be the ideal gift for teachers this year.

Before moving to Mount Dora, Crail spent his entire 35-year career in education working in Northeast Ohio, During that span, he taught fifth and sixth grades for five years and became an elementary principal before ultimately serving as a Superintendent of Schools for 17 years.

Mount Dora Buzz asked the councilman-turned-author a few questions about his 229-page unexpected journey into semi-autobiographical fiction:

BUZZ: What made you decide to write "Tales out of School"?
CRAIL: I just thought that America was looking for a book a bit sexier than “Fifty Shades of Gray,” more poignant than “Of Mice and Men,” and at the reading level of Harry Potter. The other reason is that is that I’ve been laid off from Disney’s Animal Kingdom for more than seven months due to the pandemic and I needed a project.

BUZZ: How long did it take you to write the novel?
CRAIL: The stories have been rolling around in my head for years now. Once I decided to go for it, it took about five months to complete. There’s no bad language, and the font is fairly large so it’s appropriate for all audiences.

BUZZ: Tell me about your experience as an educator and administrator in the school system.
CRAIL: I enjoyed every minute of each of my jobs. I was very fortunate to have worked with extraordinary kids, some of the best teachers in the universe in communities (mostly small to middle-sized towns) where education was a high priority and for caring and thoughtful school boards who gave me the opportunity to do the things I believed would make a real difference for our students. No one has been luckier than me.

BUZZ: What would you like readers of your book to walk away with?
CRAIL: Teachers have long been undervalued, as well as underpaid, but the work they do is incredibly important to our society and to the future of America. We must allow and encourage our teachers to be creative to meet the unique needs of their students. Textbooks and state tests have value but relationships among parents, teachers and students are far more important.

“Tales Out of School” is available locally at Barrel of Books and Games in Mount Dora and can be ordered in paperback for $10.99 or for electronic readers for $3.99. There are other books with the same title, so be sure to purchase the one by Marc Crail.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, this month, click here. Discover the area's online event calendar here. Also download the area's free mobile app.

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NEW MOUNT DORA-OPOLY BOARD GAME NOW AVAILABLE

12/1/2020

For board game lovers, things just got a little closer to home for the holidays. Mount Dora has now joined over 50 other Florida cities with its own version of an American classic. Mount Dora-opoly launched this fall and features popular local landmarks, businesses and streets in the quaint Central Florida town.

Using rules similar to those of Monopoly®, players can snatch up Goblin Market, the Donnelly House, One Flight Up. the lighthouse and other recognizable local spots and streets to build their property-trading portfolio. Like the classic game, a long or shorter version of Mount Dora-opoly can be played.

RELATED: Discover Mount Dora's Shopping Guide

Mount Dora-opoly is made in the U.S. and produced by Late for the Sky Productions. The company has created similar games for over 500 cities and universities across the U.S. for over thirty years.

“We research several cities and communities around Florida to make a very localized game about a specific area,” said Bill Schulte, a co-owner of Late for the Sky. “We always make sure that the locals love their town before we take on a project. We try to make the content as authentic as possible.”

The company has no affiliation with Hasbro, the makers of Monopoly® and does not use any of its protected trademarks, according to Michael Schulte, Marketing Manager for Late for the Sky.

The game retails for $19.98 and is sold exclusively at Walmart’s Mount Dora location.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, this month, click here. Discover the area's online event calendar here. Also download the area's free mobile app.

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PSSST! SANTA WILL TOUR MOUNT DORA NEIGHBORHOODS DEC. 1-3

11/23/2020

Every year Santa and Mrs. Claus visit Mount Dora neighborhoods with a few of their local friends. This year, Santa will tour neighborhoods on three evenings: December 1, 2, and 3.

Santa covers a lot of ground touring the city, so he relies on the generous help of Mount Dora's Police and Fire Departments. The sound of loud sirens will fill the evening air as Santa and his festive motorcade travel throughout the city from approximately 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. each of the three nights. Residents shouldn’t be alarmed when they hear the prolonged sound of emergency vehicles on those three evenings and just understand it’s Santa spreading some local cheer. This year, Mount Dora Police Officers will be wearing masks and those handing out candy will also be wearing gloves.

RELATED: Local Holiday Events Guide for Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis

One of Santa’s stops is always right in the heart of downtown Mount Dora among its millions of twinkling lights. The Central Florida town has earned a reputation as the best little Christmas town in Florida.

Mrs. Claus reports Santa loves Christmas in Mount Dora, so his 2020 tour schedule covers a lot of the city and rotates a lot of neighborhoods every year. Residents of neighborhoods not on this year's tour can see Santa at Donnelly Park, Target or Walmart at one of the times below.

Santa exact arrival times can be unpredictable due to traffic and unforeseen delays, but his elves assured Mount Dora Buzz that it's always well worth any wait that might occur.

DECEMBER 1

Normandy Drive, Overlook Drive, Dogwood Mountain, Downtown Mount Dora, Hammock Oaks Apartments, Eudora Chase Subdivision, Spring Harbor Apartments, Village Grove Subdivision, Tri-Cities Shopping Plaza, Walmart, Target

DECEMBER 2

Northeast Community, Downtown Mount Dora, Southeast Community, Cobble Hill Subdivision, Dorset Subdivision, Overlook Subdivision, Chautauqua Subdivision, Donnelly Park

DECEMBER 3

Bristol Lakes Apartments, Country Club of Mount Dora, Loch Leven Subdivision, Lancaster at Loch Leven Subdivision, Summer View Subdivision, Summerbrooke Subdivision, Elevate 155 Apartments

Santa's route is subject to change according to Mount Dora Police Department. For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, this month, click here. Discover the area's online event calendar here. Also download the area's free mobile app.

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'PLAID IN THE PARK' RETURNS DEC. 11

11/23/2020

Dust off your kilt! This season's new event will have its Celtic Christmas celebration in downtown Mount Dora on December 11.

Plaid in the Park is a free monthly event featuring Celtic and Scottish style music, including the City of Mount Dora Pipes and Drums band, and The O'Possums, plus street vendors set up along 4th Avenue selling food and drinks. Event organizers offered varying entertainment each of the three months the free event will be held in Sunset Park. Plaid in the Park began in October and this month marks the final scheduled event.

The Scottish festivities were organized by Mount Dora Sister Cities Association (MDSCA) along with the City of Mount Dora, and Mount Dora Pipes and Drums Band to celebrate the culture and traditions of Scotland and to provide the public an opportunity to learn about Forres, Scotland, Mount Dora’s Sister City. Scottish Clans, kinship groups among the Scottish people that are identified by their own tartan plaid patterns, can socialize at a Gathering of the Clans Booth.

RELATED:  Discover December local events for Mount Dora Tavares and Eustis

Julie Campbell, Vice President of MDSCA described the Plaid in the Park as “a night for everyone to be Scottish, no matter where you’re from. Most people don’t need a reason to wear a kilt, but this is definitely a good one.”

Social distancing and mask reminders will be placed throughout the outdoor venue and a hand sanitizer station will be available. Vendor booths will be spaced apart to aid in the social distancing.

RELATED:  Things to do in Mount Dora, Tavares and Eustis

Plaid in the Park is from 6 to 9 p.m. in Sunset Park, located on the corner of Alexander Street and 4th Avenue in Mount Dora.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, click here.   For local things to do, click here and for the area's free mobile app, click here.

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LETTERS TO SANTA GET OFFICIAL MAILBOX IN MOUNT DORA

11/19/2020

Updated 12/16/2020

Once again, Santa has taken note that historic Mount Dora is arguably the best little Christmas town in Florida.

Like last year, elves have quietly delivered an official mailbox just for letters to Santa in front of Linda and Jeanette Bokland’s cheerfully-painted historic home.

RELATED: Holiday Event Guide for Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis

Kids can now drop their well-wishes, questions and requests to Santa in the bright red mailbox between November 21 and December 20. Last year, just over 500 letters were dropped in the box, so this year, 30 local elves will help process the letters.

SInce Saint Nick is busy supervising his mischievous elves before Christmas, Mrs. Claus will be personally replying to the letters that include a return address. The mailbox is located at 201 W. 11th Avenue and no postage is necessary.

Separately, Mount Dora Post Office on Old U.S. 441 has its red Santa letter box out again this year, and there is another scarlet box for Santa letters on the corner of Donnelly at 8th.  Once again, Santa and Mount Dora have shown why it's the best little Christmas town in Florida.

Be sure to check out the city's impressive holiday lights at Mount Dora Marina and downtown's Donnelly Park.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, click here. Download the free Mount Dora Buzz mobile app here and follow the Mount Dora Buzz Facebook page .

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SPRAWLING ANTIQUE EXTRAVAGANZA COMES TO MOUNT DORA NOV. 20-22

11/18/2020

ABOVE: Antique Extravaganza at Renningers in Mount Dora. (Mount Dora Buzz file photo)

Vintage lovers and treasure hunters are getting giddy.

Once again, Mount Dora will play host to Central Florida's massive and eclectic shopping experience this weekend.

Three times a year Renningers Antique Center organizes the Antique Extravaganza, the motherlode of vintage and antique shopping, set in the rambling hills under majestic oaks.

Make no mistake. There is antique shopping and then there is the “Extravo” shopping. That’s the term seasoned buyers and “pickers” use for the event that boasts over 800 dealers during its three-day run spread on a scenic portion of a 130-acre property.

RELATED: Find the holidays events for Mount Dora, Tavares and Eustis.

Dealers from across the U.S. descend on Mount Dora to offer a tremendous variety of vintage finds and fine antiques at every price. Eager collectors, decorators and vintage shoppers from across Florida show up in droves to uncover treasures and find the best deals.

Extravos only happen the third Friday, Saturday and Sunday of November, January and February. Shoppers and the curious can roam the hills from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday admittance costs more, but eager shoppers get first dibs on hard-to-find treasures. Sunday shoppers get better bargains, but some vendors do pack up early.

Parking is free. Admission is $10 on Friday, $6 on Saturday, and only $4 on Sunday. A three-day pass is $15. Renninger’s Antique Center is located at 20651 US Hwy 441.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, visit the area's website and download the area's free mobile app.

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MOUNT DORA PLANT & GARDEN FAIR TAKES ROOT ON NOV. 14 & 15

11/1/2020

ABOVE: Mount Dora Plant & Garden Fair in Donnelly Park (Mount Dora Buzz file photo)

Gardeners and green thumbs will descend into Mount Dora for the 26th annual Mount Dora Plant and Garden Fair on November 14 and 15.

Once again the event will be held under the oaks at Donnelly Park in the heart of the city’s historic downtown.

The free festival features native and exotic nurseries from across Florida, as well as vendors selling garden decor and nature-inspired items. Gardeners can expect to find blooming orchids, flowering shrubs, fruit trees, and camellias, as well as succulents, bamboo, bromeliads, bonzai and other specialty plant vendors. There will also be vintage garden items and statuary for sale to enhance outdoor space. Gardeners can also seek advice from experts on plant care and other related topics.

RELATED: Mount Dora Arts Festival is on for February 2021

Food and beverages will be available for purchase and volunteers will be on hand to help cart plants to cars, so visitors don’t have to fret about buying plants too big to carry.

The hours are Saturday, November 14, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday the 15th from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Drivers should look for signs for public parking lots.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, click here.   For local things to do, click here and for the area's free mobile app, click here.

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TWO LOCAL WRITERS EARN COVETED GOLD AWARDS

10/22/2020

Mount Dora is known for its creative community of award-winning visual artists and stellar musicians. However, the area’s immense creativity also extends to a bevy of extraordinary writers.

Last week two members of a long-established local writers group, Writers One Flight Up, won prestigious Royal Palm Literary Awards from The Florida Writers Association (FWA).

Linda Kraus of Mount Dora won two trophies for Published Poems, the Gold Award for “Casual Sex” and the Bronze Award for “A Naked Emperor.” Kraus, a retired Film Studies professor in Massachusetts, has won four previous Royal Palm Literary Awards.

Tavares resident William Opperman won the Gold Award for Unpublished Short Story for his entry, “New to This.” Opperman is the long-time copy editor of Mount Dora Buzz.

This year marked the 19th annual competition and 549 entries were submitted for judging and valuable feedback. In all, the competition covered 28 adult genres and five youth genres, with published and unpublished entries considered separately. The complete list of 2020 winners is available here.

“I have six other pieces that didn’t even make the finals, but the feedback will help me make them better, perhaps for next year’s competition,” said Opperman, who is also a screenwriter and a former I.T. professional.

The Florida Writers Association is a nonprofit organization that supports the state’s established and emerging writers. The organization currently has 1,800 members and membership is open to the public.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, click here.   For local things to do, click here and for the area's free mobile app, click here.

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MOUNT DORA CHANGES UP HOLIDAY LIGHTS TRADITION

10/20/2020

It’s a festive and decades-old tradition that garnered Mount Dora the reputation of being arguably the Best Little Christmas Town in Florida. This year, the beloved tradition will continue, albeit with some changes due to COVID-19.

City crews are working hard to hang the nearly 2 million lights downtown, but this year the impressive light display will be expanded to create a more walkable display that includes Simpson Cove, as well as part of Gilbert Park. Spectators will be able to stroll from downtown’s Donnelly Park to Mount Dora Marina’s jaw-dropping Christmas display and continue to Simpson Cove and the park to enjoy more lights.

RELATED: Things to To in Mount Dora, Tavares and Eustis

Joe Lewis, owner of Mount Dora Marina and Boating Center, says this year's LED display will be bigger, better and brighter than ever before. “In my view, people need a great Christmas experience more than ever before, and it's our pleasure to be able to help out a little.” This marks the 24th year Lewis and his small crew of elves have worked overtime to produce what is believed to be the largest private light display in Central Florida.

As usual, the lights will be turned on sometime during the last two weeks in November. However, this year the City of Mount Dora will forego its crowded Light Up ceremony and won’t give advance notice of the date in order to reduce the crowd size and create a safer environment. Once the lights are on, Mount Dora Buzz will post it on its Facebook page so residents and visitors can make plans to enjoy the display without the large crowds. The towering musical Christmas tree will also return to Sunset Park in November.

Mount Dora’s holiday lights will remain up until Mount Dora Arts Festival in early February so residents and visitors have plenty of time to enjoy it.

RELATED: Mount Dora Arts Festival is a Go in February

Lewis and his wife, Suzy, will host their annual “Light Night for Tykes” when they open the gates to their magical winter wonderland to benefit Toys for Tots on Saturday, December 5th from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. It’s the only night the inside of the sprawling illuminated display is open to the public (see video below). The charity event collects toy donations for underprivileged children by asking for a new, unwrapped toy to gain admission. The marina is located at 148 Charles Avenue at downtown Mount Dora’s lakefront near the lighthouse.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, click here. For local things to do, click here and for the area's free mobile app, click here.

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MOUNT DORA’S 45TH ANNUAL ARTS FESTIVAL IS A GO!

10/12/2020

After careful consideration and COVID-19 precautions, the 45th annual Mount Dora Art Festival will proceed as scheduled in February. Typically, the juried show features approximately 300 of the nation’s top artists, but this year organizers are aiming for 200 in order to accommodate social distancing of booths.

In an effort to keep artists and visitors safer, Mount Dora Center for the Arts (MDCA), the organizers of the popular two-day festival, will space booths 10 feet apart and masks will be required for visitors and vendors.

This year Florida’s art festivals are receiving fewer applicants than in previous years. The challenge is twofold. One reason is due to the cancellation of some festivals on the art show circuit which has made travelling to Florida’s remaining festivals less profitable for artists. The other reason is the artists’ concern over COVID-19 safety due to events that often draw large crowds. In order for artists to participate, they must have confidence the festival will be both safe and profitable. In pre-Covid-19 years, the highly ranked art festival reportedly drew approximately 200,000 people over the two days.

RELATED: Things to Do in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis

Mount Dora Arts Festival will take place on February 6 and 7 on downtown streets in the heart of the quaint historic district. The deadline for artists to apply is October 15. However there is a chance the deadline could be extended, according to Nancy Zinkofsky, MDCA’s Executive DIrector. The jurying process will begin the first week in November.

Artists interested in applying can go to Zapplication.org and enter Mount Dora Arts Festival and then fill out the application and pay the $25 fee.

Funds from the event help sustain MDCA’s programming and art classes, free events, exhibits, lectures and kids’ summer camp scholarships.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, click here. For local things to do, click here and for the area's free mobile app, click here.

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