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“Off the Beaten Path Florida Arts Tour” returns to local artists’ studios in February

2/1/2022

After a hiatus in 2021, Lake County artists will once again open their private working studios to visitors during the annual Off the Beaten Path Florida ArtsTours.

The local self-guided tour of eight participating studios takes place on February 26 and 27 and features 12 artists spread across Eustis, Mount Dora, Leesburg, Tavares and Weirsdale. Various cultural institutions such as art museums will also be open to the public during the hours of the tour.

Visitors to the studios can watch demonstrations, enjoy light refreshments, and shop for unique, original works of art. Artists’ works to be displayed include paintings, sculptures, textiles, jewelry, ceramics, woodworks, photography, printmaking, and illustration.

On each day of the tour, all studios will be open free of charge from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For interactive maps to the Lake County studios and information on each artist click here.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, visit the Mount Dora Buzz website and download the free mobile app. Free subscriptions to Mount Dora Buzz monthly updates are available here.

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Mount Dora's last Antique Extravaganza of the season comes Feb. 18-20

2/1/2022

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For the last time of the season, Mount Dora will play host to Central Florida's massive and eclectic shopping experience on February 18, 19 and 20.

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.

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 admission 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, 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 hosts Scottish Highland Festival on February 19 & 20

2/1/2022

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ABOVE: The collection of flags flying at the previous Scottish Highland Festival in Mount Dora. (Mount Dora Buzz file photo)

Kilts, bagpipes, Scottish-themed vendors, live music and traditional Scottish athletic games will fill downtown Mount Dora parks for two days during what’s become a nine-year tradition. Mount Dora Scottish Highland Festival will take place February 19 and 20 at Donnelly Park and Elizabeth Evans Park. The family-friendly festival features tartan parades, Highland games, bagpipes and drums, Scottish reenactors, border collies, Highland dancing, and more.
Once again, Evans Park on the waterfront will host the Highland Athletics and a British Car Show on February 19th and border collie demonstrations on the 20th.
Festival-goers can enjoy live music throughout the weekend at Donnelly Park. The lineup features Celtica Nova, an international act blending Great Highland bagpipes with melodic rock. The Byrne Brothers, Tom Keefer, Ennis Pruitt, and Celtic Conundrum will also be performing.
Máiréad Nesbitt, founding member of Celtic Woman, will have a concert at the Mount Dora Community Building located at 520 N. Baker Street at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday. Tickets to the show are $25 and $35.
Mount Dora Scottish Highland Festival hours are 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Saturday and 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday. Entrance into Donnelly Park requires a $10 ticket for admission each day. All events at Evans Park are free.
The Medieval Mile is a new addition to Mount Dora Highland Festival. It’s a one-mile run on February 19 that starts at 8:00 a.m.at Elizabeth Evans Park at the southern end of Donnelly Street.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, visit the Mount Dora Buzz website and download the free mobile app. Free subscriptions to Mount Dora Buzz monthly updates are available here.

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Mount Dora Arts Festival draws top artists on February 5 & 6

2/1/2022

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ABOVE: Mount Dora Art Festival. (Mount Dora Buzz photo)

Mount Dora Arts Festival draws top artists on February 5 & 6
Historic downtown Mount Dora will transform its New England-style charm into a sea of vibrant art on February 5 and 6, when hundreds of the United States’ best artists show their works at the 45th annual Mount Dora Arts Festival.

The juried festival, organized by Mount Dora Center for the Arts, has been ranked among the top 20 art festivals in the country and provides art lovers the opportunity to shop for fine arts, artisan jewelry, and pottery created by approximately 300 of the most talented professional artists from all over the United States.

Downtown Mount Dora’s many diverse restaurants will be open to satisfy the culinary cravings of visitors, plus all of the historic district’s unique shops will be open for more opportunities to find something special.

This family friendly event will feature a Kids Zone located at Donnelly Street and 6th Avenue next to the stage.

The free festival is from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both days. Visitors who arrive early may be able to find free street parking within walking distance. Other patrons may find a space at nearby private parking lots, or park-and-ride shuttles located at 900 Lincoln Avenue and Mount Dora Christian Academy at 301 W. 13th Avenue in Mount Dora. Due to large crowds and narrow streets, pets are strongly discouraged for their own well being and that of other visitors.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, visit the Mount Dora Buzz website and download the free mobile app. Free subscriptions to Mount Dora Buzz monthly updates are available here.

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Eustis gears up for 120th Annual GeorgeFest

2/1/2022

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The City of Eustis is gearing up to celebrate George Washington’s birthday with lots of festive activities scheduled. 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 “Let the Good Times Roll.”

GEORGEFEST CARNIVAL (FEB. 24-27)
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 24 at 5:00 p.m. and continues through Sunday, February 27 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 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. 25)
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. 26)
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. 26)
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. 27)
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. 27)
Enjoy a free concert at Ferran Park’s bandshell stage on the edge of Lake Eustis starting at 1 p.m. This year the event features Thomas McClary, founder of The Commodores. McClary, a Eustis native, and the Commodores are known for classic hits like “Brickhouse,” “Three Times A Lady,” and “Easy.” Bring your own lawn chair or blanket.

Scroll down for the complete schedule of events for GeorgeFest weekend.  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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Arts & Entertainment

“Off the Beaten Path Florida Arts Tour” returns to local artists’ studios in February

Mount Dora's last Antique Extravaganza of the season comes Feb. 18-20

Mount Dora hosts Scottish Highland Festival on February 19 & 20

Mount Dora Arts Festival draws top artists on February 5 & 6

Eustis gears up for 120th Annual GeorgeFest

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

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