A SUMMER SURPRISE

Something extraordinary appeared last weekend in Mount Dora.    Large crowds.  A sight not typically seen in the dead of summer.  

The first annual Mount Dora Seafood Festival, originally concepted to boost the Village Market in its off-season, shattered organizers' expectations   The two-day event drew in 10,000-15,000 visitors, according to VisitMount Dora, the event's organizer.  

The inaugural event had a steady flow of visitors streaming through downtown to devour conch fritters, mahi empanadas, seafood tacos, paella, plus shrimp and crab cooked a plethora of ways.    The extensive line-up of food vendors included three local restaurants'; Pisces Rising, Cody's on Fourth and Lake Dora Sushi & Sake.

Approximately 3,500 reggae enthusiasts that banked on the rain staying away attended the Alex Marley concert Saturday evening.

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