All Categories - MOUNT DORA BUZZ

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Tavares resident William Opperman won the Gold Award for Unpublished Short Story for his entry, “New to This.”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 In all, the competition covered 28 adult genres and five youth genres, with published and unpublished entries considered separately.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.

Local Entertainment Calendar

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.

Sign up for Mount Dora Buzz

Local Entertainment Calendar

Paid political ad.

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.

Sign up for Mount Dora Buzz

Local Dining Guide

MOUNT DORA'S GIANT CORN MAZE OPENS OCT. 3

10/1/2020

ABOVE: This year's giant corn maze is themed "Farm to Table." (Photo supplied by Long & Scott Farm)

It’s an annual tradition in Mount Dora. Lose your sense of direction and then try to find your way out of a towering corn field.

The 18th annual corn maze at Long & Scott Farm, located outside of Mount Dora, opens on October 3 with a Farm-to-Table themed labyrinth cut into the field. In previous years, the popular seasonal attraction reportedly brought in an estimated 1,500 - 2,000 weekend visitors.

Visitors that dare can enter the giant 6.5-acre corn maze and attempt to find their way out of the tall and twisting corn field. No need to panic--before an anxiety attack kicks in, participants can raise a flag to surrender and be promptly rescued.

There is also a half-acre mini corn maze for smaller guests, and a cooling mist labyrinth. The popular agri-tourism attraction also features an oversized jumping pillow, super slide, kids' zip line, expansive wooden play fort, covered picnic areas, hayrides, kids’ fishing, food vendors and country market.

Scott's Maze Adventure is open on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. between October 3 and Dec. 13. It is recommended to get there early to avoid long lines. Latest entry is 3 p.m. The farm is located at 26216 County Road 448A, Mount Dora.

Admission is $12; children 3 and under are free. Kids 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Hayrides are $4 per person and kids’ fishing is $2. Large groups can make reservations for admission on Tuesdays through Fridays.

Scott’s Country Market & Café is now open for the season on Tuesday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m and Sunday noon to 5 p.m. Find the list of local pumpkin patches here.

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.

Sign up for Mount Dora Buzz

Entertainment Calendar

THE BEST LOCAL PUMPKIN PATCHES

10/1/2020

It’s arguably the most fun family activity leading up to Halloween: the annual trek to the pumpkin patch in search of the perfect pumpkin.

Here’s a list of local pumpkin patches that run the gamut from a place to simply purchase great pumpkins to larger farms with fun activities for kids:

COMMUNITY PUMPKIN PATCH

East Lake Chamber of Commerce
24214 Sorrento Avenue (formerly SR 46), Sorrento
Choose from a selection of pumpkins in a variety of shapes and sizes, and enjoy storytime every Saturday at noon. The Chamber has increased the distance between pumpkin platforms to allow for social distancing and requests customers to wear masks and socially distance from other family groups. Handwashing stations will be available throughout the Patch.
Dates/Hours: 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. every day until October 31 or until the last pumpkin is sold. Cash and checks accepted.

FALL IN THE FIELD

Renningers Antique Center, 20651 US Hwy 441, Mount Dora
Every year this weekend show celebrates the season with a designated area featuring an impressive selection of unique heirloom pumpkins. The event also offers fall decor, primitive antiques, vintage items and an adjoining craft show.
Dates/Hours: October 3 & 4, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

RELATED: Fall in the Field and Craft Show come to Renningers in Mount Dora

LONG & SCOTT COUNTRY MARKET

26216 CR 448A, Mount Dora
Plenty of pumpkins and photo opportunities are outside the entrance to Scott’s Country Market. On weekends families can also enjoy the corn maze, bounce pillow, and more. Pumpkins are available beginning in early October.
Dates/Hours: Tues - Saturday, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Sunday 12:00 - 6:00 p.m.

A LOT OF PUMPKINS

Santa’s Christmas Tree Farm
35317 Huff Road, Eustis
This farm with a shaded pumpkin patch also offers orange and white pumpkins priced by size. There are also hayrides, maze, zip lines, pony rides and farm animals. General admission on days when all activities are offered range from $3 to $6 and advance booking is necessary in order to limit the number of guests.
Dates/Hours: Open weekends through October 31.

RELATED: October events for Mount Dora, Tavares and Eustis

SUNSATIONAL FARMS

40541 Roger Giles Road, Umatilla
This farm has transformed its landmark giant orange to a jack-o’-lantern as a symbol for the season. Its free weekly Fall Farm Festival in October features a pumpkin patch, and tickets can be purchased for games, a maze, the bee train, face painting and more. A food truck will be on site and the farm store will be open for ice cream, shaved ice and more.
Dates/Hours: Saturday, October 3 10, 17 and 24 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

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.

Sign up for Mount Dora Buzz

SCARECROWS RETURN TO DOWNTOWN MOUNT DORA

10/1/2020

They’re back! For years they were the seasonal sign of the arrival of fall in downtown Mount Dora. Now, after a long hiatus, the tradition of a Scarecrow Stroll returns to the city from October 5 to November 9.

RELATED: Mount Dora kick off CycleTober

To celebrate the upcoming season, the City of Mount Dora encouraged residents, business owners and groups to create their own scarecrows in a TV-or movie-theme to enter into its free contest. To level the playing field and promote originality, commercially made scarecrows were not allowed. Prior to the start of the contest, the whimsical straw statues were dropped off to City staff for installation, but the creators are responsible for maintaining their entry.

RELATED: Find out other local happenings in October on the area's Entertainment Calendar

Mount Dora leaders are hoping the festive figures attract visitors to stroll downtown, which in turn may help local businesses. A select panel of judges will score the scarecrows and the winners will be announced at the City Council Meeting on November 3.

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.

Sign up for Mount Dora Buzz

STEAMPUNK SHOW ATTRACTS THE CREATIVE AND THE CURIOUS TO MOUNT DORA ON OCT. 17 & 18

10/1/2020

Phantasmagoria performs at the Steampunk Industrial Show (Mount Dora Buzz file photo)

What happens when you combine Victorian costumes with innovative technology and the industrial age? To make it really interesting, add heaping spoonfuls of drama and fantasy.

The result is Steampunk, a fantastical world where Albert Einstein, the wild west and Mad Max collide.

Renninger's Steampunk Industrial Show has grown to what is arguably the largest festival of its kind in the Southeast. The free event is set under the oak trees of Mount Dora and features some of the best people-watching in Central Florida. Goggled time-travellers stroll among the show’s vintage vendors, steampunk entertainers, impressive live music and artists. The event takes place twice a year in January and October.

RELATED: View the local entertainment calendar for Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis

“Steampunk,” first coined in 1987, refers to the Victorian age of steam-powered machines melded with the “punk” attitude of non-conformity, creativity and unrestrained individuality. This increasingly popular science-fiction genre is present in art, music, fashion, film and especially literature.

The family-friendly Steampunk Industrial Show runs October 17 through 18 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Renninger's Antique Center, 20651 US 441, Mount Dora. Watch the local entertainment calendar for the upcoming schedule of events. Parking and admission are free.

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.

Sign up for Mount Dora Buzz

NEW SCOTTISH EVENT KICKS OFF IN MOUNT DORA

10/1/2020

Dust off your kilt! A festive new fall event will have its inaugural night in downtown Mount Dora on October 9.

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, plus street vendors set up along 4th Avenue selling food and drinks. Event organizers plan to offer varying entertainment each of the three months the free event will be held in Sunset Park.

Plaid in the Park was 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. Among the various raffles at the nearby MDSCA booth will be a putting green with golf green fees as prizes.

RELATED: Discover Octobers 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.”

Masks are strongly recommended at the family friendly event, said Campbell. 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

The downtown event is scheduled for the second Friday in October, November and December from 6-9 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.

MOUNT DORA HIGH PREPARES FOR "FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS"

9/12/2020

ABOVE: Mount Dora High School head football coach Cameron Porch.

This summer the fate of the high school football season seemed precarious. Coaches and players are used to moving targets and obstacles, but COVID-19 brought unprecedented hurdles to prepare for and overcome.

Typically, high school football teams workout and practice all summer in advance of the season, but this year preparation was delayed and uncertain. Although the team began getting into shape earlier this summer with temperature checks before outdoor workouts, the start of actual practice using footballs and other equipment was delayed. Full-contact practice did not start until last week, just two weeks before their first game.

The varsity football tradition of Friday Night Lights is now just around the corner with the first of four home games kicking off on October 9 followed by Homecoming on October 16 (see entire schedule below).

Mount Dora High School’s new head football coach Cameron Porch joined the program last January and prepared the Hurricanes for their abbreviated season with their season-opener near Gainesville on September 25. The short Hurricane season only gives the varsity team seven games and junior varsity four games. Although capacity in the stands is limited, Porch hopes the community can support the local players, band and cheerleaders by either attending or watching on livestream.

Porch has already succeeded in one of his early goals for the team -- to expand its very thin roster from last season. The average number of boys per school in 11-player football in 2018-19 had fallen to 70.6 according to the National Federation of High School Associations. Last season, Mount Dora High School fell short of that average, but Porch has since recruited 20 new players even with negative impacts of the pandemic.

Under Porch’s leadership, the Hurricane football program secured new uniforms and new equipment for the game field, and created a more intimate atmosphere for the kids to enjoy themselves.

Since first meeting the team eight months ago, the coach has noticed the players have matured and they are starting to grow together through the hard times. Porch, who stresses attendance and effort to his players, said this season’s Canes have shown impressive resiliency during these trying and uncertain times. “We've been through a lot in a short amount of time, but they've continued to do what we ask and that will take us a long way,” said Porch.

High school football players often dream of competing on the next level -- college. At his introductory meeting last February, Porch expressed one of his priorities is helping those players with college opportunities and assisting them in the recruitment process which has been made more uncertain due to COVID-19. In return, the coach just asked them for one thing: effort -- not only on the field and in the weight room, but also in the classroom and the greater community--the effort, in short, to be a good person.

The new coach brought his 16 years of high school coaching experience to Mount Dora High School after coaching in the Gainesville area and Georgia. Many of the Florida football programs were struggling when Porch came on board, and he helped turn them around. That transitional experience may be just what the Hurricanes need during this challenging season. Meanwhile, the head coach hopes the team will fight through any hard times and continue to grow as men. He also hopes the players’ resilience rubs off on the school’s student body.

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.

(Click on image to enlarge schedule)

RENNINGERS HOSTS 'FALL IN THE FIELD' AND CRAFT SHOW IN MOUNT DORA ON OCT. 3 & 4

9/5/2020

Craft lovers were disappointed after the cancellation of the big annual Mount Dora Craft Fair in October. Now festival-goers have a little something to smile about with the announcement of a different and smaller, October craft show tucked in the rolling hills of Mount Dora.

On October 3 and 4, Renninger's Antique Center will organize and host its new outdoor craft fair in combination with its annual “Fall in the Field” event set in the open-air among majestic live oaks.

RELATED: Cycletober comes to Mount Dora in October

Every year “Fall in the Field” features vendors selling primitive fall decor, antiques, vintage items, and food. The seasonal event’s impressive heirloom pumpkin patch features unique pumpkins, gourds, fall garlands and corn stalks in all sizes, and other fall decor.

There will also be interactive seasonal activities like a class to create a pumpkin/succulent garden, and a free children’s craft tent with mini pumpkin painting. The University of Florida will also be on hand with its Mobile Teaching Lab with educational information about edible Fall plants. Gale Brisa of “Vignette It,” an inspired home decor resource, will be the event's special guest.

Gates are open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both days and there is ample free parking. Admission is also free in this pet-friendly event located at 20651 U.S. Highway 441 in Mount Dora.

A call for crafters currently underway.  The cost for a space for crafters is $95 total for the two days.  Interested crafters should call Toni Moody at 407-947-3961.

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.

Sign Up for Mount Dora Buzz

LAKE COUNTY MUSEUM OF ART TO UNVEIL INSPIRING NEW EXHIBIT

9/1/2020

ABOVE: Exhibit artwork by Shane Mulcahy, age 14.

Art lovers have something to look forward to in September. Lake County Museum of Art (LCMA) is hosting “Spectral Evidence,” an art exhibit that opens on September 4 in their downtown Tavares gallery. The inspiring exhibit of creative artists is the result of a collaboration with the UCF-Center for Autism and Related Disabilities and the museum.

This collection of art demonstrates expressions by artists on the Autism Spectrum, who see life from a different perspective. The artists express a liberating take on themes, materials, detail, and density. The creative work actively points to the genius of many individuals who embrace and work through the challenges of autism, and who strive every day to find their place.

RELATED: Mount Dora to host auction to benefit artists in September

This is the third year the museum has hosted the popular and inspiring event. This exhibit will run from September 4 through 26. The opening reception is September 4 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. and is open to the public. LCMA is located at 213 W. Ruby Street in Tavares.

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.

Sign up for Mount Dora Buzz

MOUNT DORA ART AUCTION WILL SUPPORT LOCAL ARTISTS AND NON-PROFIT

9/1/2020

As the spread of COVID-19 continues to affect the economy, the Mount Dora arts community has taken a financial blow due to the cancellation of art festivals and shows across the country.

In order to help local artists during this challenging time, Mount Dora Center for the Arts (MDCA) is hosting a special online fine art auction titled “Be a Part of It” running September 19-20. Last month, the community art center encouraged artists of all media to submit works of art for the auction. The artists will get fifty percent of the sale price at the MDCA auction. The other half of the proceeds will go to help fund art educational programs at the center.

RELATED: Find more Mount Dora events on the area's entertainment calendar.

Over 60 artists submitted their work for consideration and MDCA expects approximately 90 auction items. The public is invited to preview the items in the MDCA gallery on September 14 - 18, between the hours of 12:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. A link to the auction and other details were not available at press time, so guests should inquire at the MDCA gallery or visit their website for more information.

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.

MURALS TO START POPPING UP IN DOWNTOWN MOUNT DORA

8/30/2020

ABOVE: Front of new mural by Simie Alex at Baker Street & 5th Avenue parking lot.

In February, the City of Mount Dora put the call out for creativity, and artists answered. Treating blank eyesores as expansive canvases in a community of creative souls, the City sought artists to paint murals on four large outdoor trash compactor enclosures that dot its downtown parking lots and alleys.

Now, one of the enclosures has been transformed with a beautiful mural of a blue-faced woman blowing the seeds off a dandelion. The other panel of the enclosure is a mural of the seeds drifting away. The colorful mural is located in the small parking lot on Baker Street and 5th Avenue.

One-hundred-nineteen eager individual artists and creative teams sent in submissions which were then sent to the members of Mount Dora’s Public Arts Commission to narrow their choices. Unfortunately, COVID-19 slowed down the selection process due to a delay in meetings.

Each selected artist or team of artists will receive a $1,400 commission after the mural is complete. No design theme was required, so the artists’ submissions were evaluated based on their artistic merit, creativity, professionalism and expectation of project completion.

Artists residing inside and outside Mount Dora were encouraged to apply, especially those with previous mural experience or public art installations. Applicants were required to submit work samples, a resume, references, and design proposals.

The other three mural locations are the compactor enclosures located at 4th Avenue and Alexander Street, 3rd Avenue and Donnelly Street, and 4th Avenue and Dora Drawdy Way.

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

ABOVE: Back of new mural by Simie Alex at Baker Street & 5th Avenue parking lot.

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.

Sign up for Mount Dora Buzz

LADY OF THE LAKES RENAISSANCE FAIR CANCELLED DUE TO COVID-19 CONCERNS

8/28/2020

The annual Lady of the Lakes Renaissance Faire, the most profitable fundraiser for the Education Foundation of Lake County, has been canceled due to concerns about the coronavirus.

The event, which draws thousands of visitors to Lake County, was originally scheduled for the first two weekends in November.

During the five days of the Renaissance Faire, attendees are taken back to the time of Shakespeare and enjoy period music, live performances, activities, food, and vendors. They also meet characters from the 17th century who engage with them and even lead participants in an interactive game to solve a mystery.

“After careful consideration and consultation with many parties involved with the event, we came to the heartbreaking conclusion that we cannot move forward with the Ren Faire and ensure the health and safety of our attendees, volunteers, vendors and cast,” said Carman Cullen, Executive Director of the Education Foundation of Lake County. “This is the latest and biggest fundraiser that we have canceled this year. It will have a serious impact on our ability to fund programs that support the success of Lake County teachers and students.”

Interactive virtual activities surrounding the canceled 2020 Lady of the Lakes Faire will be planned for later this fall. The 2021 event has been scheduled for November 5, 6, 7,13 and 14.

“Additionally, we will announce a new special event for the 2021 Renaissance Faire that will be an exciting addition to the fun and interactive activities the event is known for,” said Cullen.

“The Bubonic Plague closed the Globe Theater in 1593, 1603 and 1608. Now this coronavirus has closed our wonderful faire,” said Lord Edward, proprietor of Lord Edward’s Pub and provider of bawdy entertainment at the Lady of the Lakes Renaissance Faire. “My sole comfort is knowing that next year’s event will be even better. I hope others join me in designating the shillings they would have spent at the Faire to supporting the programs that help our children and teachers.”

The Education Foundation of Lake County accepts donations on its website at LakeRenFaire.com by mail sent to 2045 Pruitt Street, Leesburg, FL 34748, or by calling 352-326-1265.

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.

Sign up for Mount Dora Buzz

MOUNT DORA CANCELS ANNUAL OCTOBER CRAFT FAIR

8/10/2020

It was a sign of the times, and only a matter of time. The planning, money and safety required to organize and host one of the largest craft fairs in the country was too big of a hill to climb during the current pandemic.

Mount Dora’s 36th Annual Craft Fair, scheduled for the last weekend in October, was officially cancelled today. The sprawling event typically takes six to nine months to plan and draws over 100,000 visitors to the quaint Central Florida town over two days. The result is one of the most lucrative weekends of they year for the city’s downtown merchants.

“With the issues of COVID-19, it has become apparent that several more events will be cancelled. VisitMountDora and the City have agreed that we will cancel the Mount Dora Craft Festival this year.” said Mayor Cathy Hoechst in a recorded phone message to residents.

Nearly 400 crafters come from across the U.S. to line Mount Dora’s downtown streets with their white tents filled with handmade items and art. This year, organizers only received about half the number of vendor applications it normally attracts. Due to COVID-19, much of the national craft show circuit, which is what many exhibitors follow for income, has been disrupted, and many out-of-state exhibitors aren’t travelling. Approximately half of the event's crafters come from out-of-state.

RELATED: Vote in this year's Best of Mount Dora awards

“We’ve had several saying they don’t want to come to Florida, period,” said Brian Young, one of the event’s main organizers. Presently, Florida has among the highest confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus in the country, although cases have been slowly trending downward.

Making things even more financially difficult was the lack of interest from the craft fair’s sponsors this year. All but one had pulled out.

“We are not planning any city-sponsored events in September in order to keep the COVID numbers declining,” said Hoechst. Lake County currently has a novel coronavirus test positivity rate of 7.9%.

Mount Dora, known for its many downtown festivals, is still having smaller events being discussed by various organizers that include a car show, music in the park , Art in the Alley, a night market, Scarecrow Stroll, and Holiday Greeting Card Lane.

VisitMountDora, the organizer of the Mount Dora Craft Fair, is still planning its annual Spring Craft Show in March and will begin accepting applications for exhibitors in November.

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.

Sign up for Mount Dora Buzz