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MOUNT DORA'S INDEPENDENCE CELEBRATION STARTS JULY 3

7/1/2019

Mount Dora will celebrate the country’s independence on July 3 with its annual “Freedom on the Waterfront” party.
The free festivities start at 5 p.m. at Elizabeth Evans Park on the lakefront and end with a spectacular fireworks show over Lake Dora at 9:20 p.m. Live music on the park’s stage will be headlined by former Season 14 American Idol contestant Alexis Gomez. Performer David Letourneau will be the opening live music act.

RELATED: Tavares Celebrates July 4th with Parade and Lakefront Party.

Food trucks will be available for snacks and dinner and there will be a KidsZone with fun activities just for youngsters.
Handicap parking will be located in the lower level parking garage near the park. Van shuttles sponsored by Mullinax Ford will be available at the First Baptist Church Mount Dora at 1000 East First Avenue.

RELATED: 10 Best Spots to Watch Fire Works in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis

Mount Dora will celebrate the morning of July 4 with a small-town Independence Day Parade along Donnelly Street beginning at 10 a.m.

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THE GUIDE TO FIREWORKS & FESTIVITIES IN MOUNT DORA, TAVARES & EUSTIS

7/1/2019

Good news! Once again folks get to enjoy parties and fireworks across the Golden Triangle on three separate nights. Here’s the 411 on the free celebrations and firework displays in Mount Dora, Tavares and Eustis.

JULY 3: Mount Dora hosts its annual Freedom on the Waterfront at Elizabeth Evans Park. It will feature live music, a kids zone and fireworks at 9:20. More info

JULY 4: Independence Day Parade starts at 10 a.m. along Donnelly Street in Mount Dora.

JULY 4: Independence Day Parade starts at 5 p.m. on Main Street in downtown Tavares. More info

JULY 4: After its parade, Tavares will throw a huge waterfront party downtown with live music, train rides, games, bounce inflatables, a rock climbing wall, craft station, Knocker Balls and a human hamster wheel that crushes ice to make snow cones. There will also be food trucks and karaoke and more. More info

JULY 5: The City of Eustis hosts their patriotic party on the lakefront at Ferran Park. The festivities will include a concert by Kaleb Lee and a performance by the Central Florida Show Ski Team on Lake Eustis, plus food vendors, a kids zone and fireworks at 9:30 p.m. More info

RELATED: 10 Best Spot to Watch Fireworks in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis

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EUSTIS HOSTS INDEPENDENCE CELEBRATION ON JULY 5

7/1/2019

Residents of the Golden Triangle get three festive days of celebration every summer. After Mount Dora and Tavares finish up their parties celebrating the nation’s independence on July 3 and July 4, Eustis takes its turn on July 5.

The city will host its own hometown celebration on Friday, July 5 in waterfront Ferran Park. The free, family-friendly event runs from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and features live music by The Voice contestant Kaleb Lee at the bandshell stage, along with the Central Florida Show Ski Team, and the Triangle Wrestling Club. Also enjoy vendors, food, a kids zone and a spectacular fireworks finale over Lake Eustis at 9:30 p.m.

RELATED: Mount Dora's Independence Celebration Starts July 3
RELATED: Tavares Hosts Big Party and Parade on July 4

As part of the City’s Independence Day event, the Eustis Aquatic Center will offer free admission to the swim and splash pad from 11:30 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Bathing suits are required.

The night will be capped off at 9:30 p.m. with an impressive display of fireworks over Lake Eustis. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs to the park. Pets are permitted, but must remain on a leash.

Schedule of July 5 Events:
5:30 p.m. – Kaleb Lee (Bandshell Stage)
6:30 p.m. – Central Florida Show Ski Team
8:00 p.m. – Triangle Wrestling Club Demonstration
8:45 p.m. – Kaleb Lee (Bandshell Stage)
9:30 p.m. – Fireworks begin over Lake Eustis

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10 BEST SPOTS TO WATCH FIREWORKS IN MOUNT DORA, TAVARES & EUSTIS

7/1/2019

Looking for a good vantage point for the local fireworks? Here are some suggestions for Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis:

1. Simpson Cove, Mount Dora (July 3, 9:20 p.m.)
2. Evans Park, downtown Mount Dora (July 3, 9:20 p.m.)
3. Lakeside Inn pool bar, Mount Dora (July 3, 9:20 p.m.)
4. Lakeshore Drive, Mount Dora (July 3)
5. On a boat off Wooton Park (July 4, 9,p.m.)

RELATED: Guide to fireworks & Independence festivities in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis

6. Kalua Hale Beach Club, downtown Tavares waterfront (July 4, 9 p.m.)
7. Wooton Park, downtown Tavares (July 4, 9 p.m.)
8. Ferran Park, downtown Eustis (July 5, 9;30 p.m.)
9. Lake Eustis on a boat (July 5, 9:30 p.m.)
10. Crazy Gators in downtown Eustis (July 5, 9:30 p.m.)

If you have any favorite local places to watch local fireworks, please let us know with a comment below.

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TAVARES CELEBRATES JULY 4TH WITH PARADE & LAKEFRONT PARTY

7/1/2019

America's Seaplane City is stepping up with a big patriotic celebration on July 4 featuring a hometown parade, a multi-plane aerial salute, and a seaplane flyover in downtown Tavares. The theme for this year's party is "Sounds of Freedom."

A seaplane flyover will take place just before 5 p.m. followed by a parade down Main Street that will include roller skaters passing out 1,000 American flags. Meanwhile, 1,000 free ice pops will be dished out to kids by the City’s Rec Rover. Additional parade entertainment includes stilt walkers winding their way through the parade, the Strolling Piano from Disney Springs, line dancers, and the Book Bike from Tavares Public Library peddled by none other than Albert Einstein. A massive American flag will be escorted down the route by Boy Scout Troop 43.

RELATED: 10 Best Spots to Watch Fireworks in Mount Dora, Tavares and Eustis.

After the parade, revelers can make their way to Tavares Square to let the kids enjoy a train ride, games, bounce inflatables, a rock climbing wall, craft station, Knocker Balls and a human hamster wheel that crushes ice to make snow cones. There will also be live music, food trucks and karaoke to keep the adults busy.

Live music kicks off at 6:00 p.m. with The Hootz, a unique, high energy act from Tennessee.

The City of Tavares is also providing a misting tent near the Prop Shop in Wooton Park to keep visitors cool and there will be a nearby pet hydration station for four-legged friends.

Not to be missed are the opportunities to do good deeds. The Big Red Bus will be on hand for blood donations and the K.I.S.S. (Kids in Support of Soldiers) organization will be accepting care package items for American troops (click here for requested items).

RELATED: Mount Dora's Independence celebration is July 3.

Just before the City’s spectacular fireworks show begins at 9:00 p.m., an American flag will be majestically raised above the water for everyone in attendance to salute.

The free event has accessible parking available in the lot across from Wooton Park with an entrance from Alfred Street to New Hampshire Street. The free parking garage is available with entrance from Alfred Street to Sinclair Avenue. Visitors should expect delays at the end of the evening when exiting the garage. The rain date for fireworks is July 5th.

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TAVARES PERFORMING ARTS CENTER TAKES A STEP CLOSER TO REALITY

6/1/2019

ABOVE: Rendering of Tavares Performing Arts Center

A new performing arts center is one step closer to becoming a reality in downtown Tavares. During a City Council Meeting in May, members heard input from residents and ultimately decided to let the voters decide in November whether to proceed with the entertainment venue.

The proposed project, estimated in a study to cost approximately $27 million, would be located in downtown’s entertainment district near restaurants and the lakefront. The capacity would be between 650 and 800, and the Center would have its own parking garage. By comparison, Bob Carr Theatre in Orlando has 2518 seats and Mount Dora Community Building has 618 seats and no nearby garage.

The City of Tavares will now be determining the wording for the referendum and how to fund the project which will likely be a bond referendum repaid by taxes and ticket sales. If passed, the center’s operating costs would be paid by taxes and ticket sales. A rule of thumb is that most performing arts centers are able to cover fifty percent of operating and maintenance and require a fifty percent subsidy for the balance, according to John Drury, Tavares City Administrator, who believes the project would improve the quality of life and economic conditions in the City.

A rendering by Haskell Consultants shows a modern venue with a fountain in front and architecture that complements the nearby City Hall.

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ART EXHIBIT CONTINUES TAVARES’ QUEST TO SUPPORT LOCAL ARTISTS

5/15/2019

Perhaps it’s not immediately recognized as a hub of creativity, but the City of Tavares has stepped up to change that perception.

As part of its continued effort to present quality arts and cultural experiences to the community, as well as provide an encouraging platform for artists to share their works, Tavares will be hosting another art exhibit utilizing the large wall spaces at City Hall.

On May 17, a free public reception at the venue will welcome professional abstract painter, Laura Varich. Varich, a Mount Dora resident, creates vibrant landscape and floral abstracts using oil paints on large canvases.

The public is invited to meet Varich and enjoy the jazz guitar of Tom LaVenia at the exhibit’s opening reception on May 17 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Tavares City Hall, located at 201 East Main Street.

Sign up for the free Mount Dora Buzz' monthly updates here. For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, visit the area's website and download the area's free mobile app.

BEST LOCAL EASTER EGG HUNTS

4/10/2019

Every April, the Easter Bunny heads to town and Easter egg hunts pop up everywhere. Whether your kids get excited when thousands of eggs drop from a helicopter or look forward to a glow-in-the-dark egg hunt, north Lake County offers those fun choices and more. Here’s your cheat sheet of the best egg hunts in north Lake County listed in chronological order.

easter EGG HUNT & PETTING ZOO

For one weekend, kids can join an egg hunt every half hour. Admission includes the egg hunts, petting zoo, hayrides, and a visit from the Easter Bunny. There's also a VIP breakfast with the Easter Bunny, Jolly Acres fun area, zipline and horse ride available for additional fees.
Admission: $7
When: April 13 & 14
Time: 11:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Where: Santa's Farm, 35317 Huff Road, Eustis

EASTER EGG HUNT- MOUNT DORA

Mount Dora’s annual egg hunt takes place on the expansive lawn of the library and features other activities for kids, including photos with the Easter Bunny, a free book give-away, a balloon artist, treats and a popular kissing booth with PAWS Therapy dogs. There will be separate search areas for different age groups. The event is free for kids 10 and under.
Admission: Free
When: Saturday, April 20, 2019
Time: 10 a.m.
Where: W.T. Bland Public Library, 1995 North Donnelly Street, Mount Dora

EASTER EGG HUNT - EUSTIS

Kids can enjoy a free afternoon of egg hunts, bounce houses, hot dogs, music and more in Eustis.
Where: Seminole Springs Baptist Church, 35025 Huff Road, Eustis
When: April 20, 12-2 p.m.

GLOW-IN-THE-DARK EGG HUNT

This is a fun twist on the classic egg hunt. Kids can search for glow-in-the-dark eggs under a big circus tent. This free, community event offers three identical egg hunts over two days. There will be separate waves of egg hunts to accommodate different age groups and every child will leave with a bag of treats.
Admission: Free
When: Saturday, April 20 at approximately 5:30 and 8 p.m. and Sunday, April 21 at approximately 12:15 p.m.
Where: RealLife Church, 31205 Round Lake Rd., Mount Dora

HELICOPTER EGG DROP

This marks the fourth year eggs will fall from the sky in Mount Dora. In previous years over 25,000 eggs were dropped to the over 2,000 eager children participating. There will also be kids’ games, bounce houses, live entertainment and prizes. Tote bags will be provided to children for egg gathering. Prior to the egg drop there will be a barbecue lunch and church service for anyone that would like to attend. Registration is requested for the lunch, so enough food can be available. This free public event is sponsored by the Cross and Renningers Twin Markets.
Admission:  Free
Where:  Renningers Twin Markets, 20651 U.S. Hwy 441, Mount Dora
When:  Sunday, April 21 at approximately 12:15 p.m.

Sign up for the free Mount Dora Buzz' monthly updates here. For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, visit the area's website and download the area's free mobile app.

5 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE GOING TO LAKE COUNTY FAIR

4/1/2019

Whether you’re going for the rides or the exhibits, here’s a quick cheat sheet of what you need to know about this year's Lake County Fair that runs April 4-13, 2019.

1. LOCATION
Lake County Expo Center is located at 2101 N County Road 452 in Eustis.

2. HOURS
Weekdays the fair opens at 5 p.m.
Weekends it opens at 1 p.m.
Open daily until 10 p.m., but rides stay open until 11 p.m.

3. SHOWS & EXHIBITS
Please note, some shows begin before the full fair opens on April 4.
Creative arts and photography competitive exhibits are April 2.
Livestock shows are April 3-13th.
Kids and adults talent shows are April 6.

4. ADMISSION
Adults are $9
Kids ages 6 to 11 are $3
Kids 5 & under are free with a paying adult.
Note: Rides are not included in any admission prices. Separate wristbands can be purchased for rides (see below)

5. RIDE WRISTBANDS & ADMISSION SPECIALS
Thursday, April 4
$20 wristband (gate admission separate)
Wristband isgood from open to close.

Friday, April 5
2-for-1 Gate/ Rides
Two people admitted for the price of one, and two people ride for the price of one

Saturday, April 6
$25 wristband (gate admission separate)
Wristband is good from open to close

Sunday, April 7
$2 admission, $2 per ride

Monday, April 8
$15 wristband (gate admission separate)

Tuesday, April 9
Dollar Day
$1 Admission, $1 per ride

Wednesday, April 10
$55 Carload Night
Admission & wristband, each person must be in a seat belt, max 8 people.
Regular tickets also available.

Thursday, April 11
$20 wristband (gate admission separate)
Wristband is good from open to close

Friday, April 12
No specials

Saturday, April 13
$25 wristband (gate admission separate)
Wristband is good from open to close.

Sign up for the free Mount Dora Buzz' monthly updates here. For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, visit the area's website and download the area's free mobile app.

MOUNT DORA'S ICEHOUSE THEATRE ANNOUNCES 2019-2020 PLAYS

4/1/2019

The Sonnentag Theatre at the IceHouse announced six shows for its 2019-2020 season. Three musicals and three comedies will fill the 72nd season that runs from July 12, 2019 to June 7, 2020.

SEASON SCHEDULE:

July 12–Aug 4: THE DROWSY CHAPERONE
This play is a winner of five Tony Awards. As a shy, middle-aged theatre buff describes a fictitious 1928 hit musical called The Drowsy Chaperone, the quirky little musical springs to life in his living room.

Sept 13–Oct 6: SUITE SURRENDER
Playwright Michael McKeever’s hilarious love note to the classic farces of the ‘30s and ‘40s, in which two of Hollywood's biggest divas arrive at the luxurious Palm Beach Royale Hotel and are mistakenly checked into the same suite. Two overblown egos and a legendary feud set off fireworks.

Nov 15–Dec 15: A RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN CLASSIC MUSICAL By Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II. Title to be announced.

Jan 17–Feb 9, 2020: BILOXI BLUES
Neil Simon’s dramatic comedy and coming of age tale was the winner of the 1985 Tony Award for Best Play. 19-year-old Eugene heads off for ten weeks of Army boot camp in Biloxi, Mississippi, in 1943. A fledgling writer, his notebook scribblings provide humorous snippets of life in the barracks.

Mar 20–Apr 12: A GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE TO LOVE AND MURDER
Book and Lyrics by Robert L. Freedman and Music and Lyrics by Steven Lutvak; based on a novel by Roy Horniman. It won four Tony Awards in 2014, including Best Musical. A distant heir to a family fortune plots to become the ninth Earl of Highhurst using his mischievous charm – and perhaps a dash of murder.

May 15–June 7: ONE SLIGHT HITCH
In this contemporary comedy, it's Courtney's wedding day, and her mother, Delia, is making sure that everything is perfect. The groom, the dress, the flowers, the décor, the food…until the doorbell rings and all hell breaks loose.

Season tickets are available. Individual ticket sales begin April 30 and range from $22 to $24. There are discounted prices for children ages five to seventeen and college students. In consideration of the entire audience, the theatre does not have tickets available for children under five.

The theater and its box office are located at at 1100 N. Unser Street in Mount Dora. Stay updated on these events and others by signing up for the monthly Mount Dora Buzz update here. For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, visit the area's website and download its free mobile app.

BERRY LOVERS REJOICE! MOUNT DORA WILL HAVE BLUEBERRIES GALORE ON APRIL 27-28

4/1/2019

Take your pick or try it all. This month’s Mount Dora Blueberry Festival occurs during the berry’s peak season so visitors can enjoy fresh berries and a variety of food and beverages made from the locally grown superfood.

Now in its fifth year, the downtown festival runs April 27-28 and celebrates the growing agricultural importance of blueberries to Central Florida.

Local blueberry farms will sell their freshly picked berries, while other vendors offer blueberry plants, fresh blueberry pies, cobblersand other edibles. Crafters, live music, a pancake breakfast, blueberry wine and a blueberry pie-eating contest will also be featured at this free two-day event.

Those eager to indulge can sign up for the free pie-eating contest at 2 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday. There are two divisions: children up to 9 years old and 10 years old and over. Participants need to register at the information booth before 1 p.m.

In addition to blueberry treats, kids can enjoy face painting, a free bounce house and games.  There will be blueberry beer and blueberry wine tasting offered by Island Grove Winery for adults. Music will be performed by Acoustic Flair, the Mardi Gras Band and other performers during the weekend.

Avoid parking congestion downtown. Park & Ride at Mount Dora Christian Academy 301 W 13th Ave, Mt Dora, FL 32757. There is a fee to park (benefits student organizations) and the round trip shuttle is free.

Mount Dora Blueberry Festival runs 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both days in Donnelly Park, downtown. If you can’t make the festival, but love blueberries, check out the guide to local u-pick blueberry farms here.

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

CREATIVITY BLOOMS AT MOUNT DORA'S VINTAGE GARDEN SHOW

4/1/2019

Spring has sprung and beautiful weather means more time in the garden.

Inspiration for gardeners will be sprawled under Mount Dora’s oak trees for two days in April. An eclectic collection of garden treasures and plants will be available at the Vintage Garden Show on April 6 & 7. Local and out-of-state vendors will be selling everything from up-cycled outdoor decor, fresh herbs and plants to architectural wrought iron, vintage patio furniture and a mix of curiosities just waiting to be re-purposed.

The Vintage Garden Show runs both days from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Renningers Antique Center located at 20651 U.S. 441 in Mount Dora. Admission and parking is free.

Sign up for the free Mount Dora Buzz' monthly updates here. For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, visit the area's website and download the area's free mobile app.

MOUNT DORA SPRING FEST CELEBRATES THE SEASON ON MARCH 16 & 17

3/4/2019

The Central Florida city known for its vibrant festivals won’t disappoint in March. The historic streets of downtown Mount Dora will be awash with visitors again March 16-17 during the annual Spring Fest, the city’s celebration of the arrival of spring.

The free event showcases 250 craft exhibitors, plus live entertainment and food vendors. Downtown’s many unique stores and restaurants are also open during the festival.

The family-friendly event marks the last large street festival of the season, although the city will host park festivals like the Blueberry Festival in April and the Mount Dora Seafood Festival in August which are both held at Evans Park on the waterfront.

Spring Fest’s hours are Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free park-and-ride shuttles are available both days at Mount Dora Golf Club and $5 shuttles are available on Royal Palm Railway which departs from Mount Dora Plaza on Old Highway 441.

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

TAVARES HOSTS DRAGONFEST ON MARCH 9

3/1/2019

Wooton Park will be filled with the steady drumbeat of competition as brightly colored boats take to the water in Lake Dora on March 9 during DragonFest. Painted to represent Chinese dragons, the boats, filled with teams of 10 or 20 paddlers and a drummer, then sprint across the water to the finish line.

The event’s organizer, Rotary Club of Lake County Golden Triangle, is expecting 20 teams drawn from clubs, community organizations, law enforcement and corporations. Paddlers range from all skill levels and include ages ranging from senior citizens to high school students.

DragonFest races begin at 9 a.m. and continue throughout the day.   A craft and vendor fair opens at 9:30 a.m. and a classic car show opens at 10 a.m.   The Chauffeurs, a 50’s & 60’s dance music band, will perform at 11 a.m. and the Copper Canyon Renegades will take the stage at 2 p.m.   The festival will conclude with a concert by nationally known country music artists Parmalee starting at 7pm.

Dragon Boat racing originated in China more than 2,300 years ago.    The first modern Dragon Boat race was held in Hong Kong in 1976 with races debuting in the U.S. in the 1980’s. Now more than 100 cities hold races domestically, with over two million people participating in races worldwide.

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

EUSTIS BUSKER FESTIVAL LURES PERFORMERS ON MARCH 30

3/1/2019

Tons of fun is in the making when an event combines amazing talent, competition and a bit of creative enterprise.

Those ingredients will be abundant when dozens of live performance artists from across the US converge for the Eustis Buskers Festival on March 30.

Busking, entertaining in a public place for donations, is sometimes credited with adding charm to intimate settings, like historic downtown districts. Eustis’ fourth annual festival will provide buskers a bigger stage, while treating residents and visitors to a free event packed with entertainment. The performances occur from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at “Busk Stops” throughout downtown.

The day-long festival will feature performers such as musicians, dancers, comedians, jugglers, mimes, living statues, artists and acrobats. Each busker will perform two 30-minute acts throughout the day. Judges will rate each act and invite the top performers to the Grand Finale which will take place at 6:30 p.m. in the bandshell at Ferran Park.

Prizes for top performers include a $3,000 grand prize, a $1,500 People’s Choice prize, a $1,000 second prize, a $750 third place prize and 1st, 2nd & 3rd place divisional prizes.

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