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SANTA TO TOUR MOUNT DORA WITH LIGHTS & SIRENS DEC. 4-6

12/3/2018

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 4, 5 and 6.

Santa covers a lot of ground touring the city, so he relies on the help of Mount Dora's Police and Fire Departments. The sound of loud sirens fill the evening air as Santa and his festive motorcade travel throughout the city.

Mrs. Claus reports Santa loves Christmas in Mount Dora, so his 2018 tour schedule covers a lot of the city. As a result, his arrival times can be unpredictable, but his elves assured Mount Dora Buzz that it's always worth any wait that might occur.

TOUR SCHEDULE

Santa will depart the police headquarters every night at 5:30 p.m. Below is the planned tour schedule, but please note times are subject to change due to traffic and unforeseen delays.

DECEMBER 4:
5:30 – 6:00: Normandy Drive, Overlook Drive, Dogwood Mountain, Old Eustis Road
6:00 – 6:20: Downtown area, Donnelly Park
6:20 – 7:20: Hammock Oaks, Lake Center Drive, Spring Harbor
7:20 – 9:00: TJ Maxx, Walmart, Target (stopping @ Target)

DECEMBER 5
5:30 – 6:00: 1300 block of Tremain Street, Grant Avenue, Wardell Street, Pine Avenue, Grandview Street between Pine Avenue and 11th Avenue
6:00 – 6:20: Downtown area, Donnelly Park
6:20 – 7:45: Unser Street & 9th Avenue (east), Highland Street, 5th Avenue, Lake Franklin, 1st Avenue, Simpson Street (south Liberty Avenue), Cobble Hill, Dorsett Drive, Mountclair Court, Claire Morris, Rossiter Street, Camp Avenue
7:45 –9:00: Chautauqua, Johns Avenue, South Grandview Street, South Clayton Street, 3rd Avenue, Donnelly Park

DECEMBER 6
5:40: Bristol Lakes
6:00 – 6:20: Country Club of Mount Dora (Clubhouse)
6:45 – 8:00: Lancaster at Loch Leven, Loch Leven
8:00–9:00: Summerview, Veranda Apartments, Summerbrooke

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, click here. Free subscriptions to the monthly issue of Mount Dora Buzz are available here.

MOUNT DORA'S TOP 7 HOLIDAY COCKTAILS

12/1/2018

‘Tis the season for creative holiday cocktails, and downtown Mount Dora bars don’t disappoint. Anyone looking to satisfy inner holiday flavor cravings or merely wishing to escape the holiday shopping madness need to sip no further than these top downtown offerings:

CANDY CANE MARTINI

This crisp vodka martini at The Olive Branch has the right mix of cool Peppermint Schnapps and Absolute Vanilla vodka topped with a crushed candy cane rim.

CRANBERRY CHAMPAGNE COCKTAIL

This simple, yet sophisticated, classic holiday cocktail is served up at Cody’s on 4th from breakfast, brunch or lunch. It’s a wonderful way to start the day.

CHOCOLATE MARTINI

Perfect for chocolate lovers, this decadent Christmas classic is available at most downtown bars in a variety of tasty variations with or without Creme de Menthe. Just ask the bartender to whip one up.

COQUITO

A Latin favorite served at Las Palmas, this rich rum Egg Nog cocktail is frothy and rimmed with toasted coconut. It’s delicious for after dinner or any time.

FORRES GROVE

This craft cocktail at Pisces Rising is a decadent mix of Meletti Chocolate Liqueur, Redemption Bourbon, Grand Marnier, Disaronno, and a pinch a salt. Garnished with a White Chocolate Swirl in the glass.

THE GRINCH

There is nothing “bah-humbug” about this colorful cocktail. The bartenders at The Olive Branch mix Midori melon liqueur with the perfect amount of simple syrup and lemon juice.

JOLLY ELF

Light and colorful, this festive holiday cocktail at Las Palmas combines bubbles and flavor by mixing melon liqueur and champagne. It’s perfect to toast the New Year or just the end of a long work day.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, click here. Free subscriptions to the monthly issue of Mount Dora Buzz are available here.

PUBLIC INVITED INSIDE SPRAWLING LIGHT DISPLAY FOR ONE NIGHT

11/28/2018

As if their gift of impressive holiday lights to Mount Dora isn’t enough, the owners of Mount Dora Boating Center and Marina take their generosity and holiday spirit a step further.

On November 30, Joe and Susan Lewis will once again offer visitors the rare opportunity to view the sprawling light display from inside the gates during Night of Lights for Tykes. The charity event collects toy donations for underprivileged children by asking for a new, unwrapped toy to gain admission.

Inside the marina the display takes on a whole new dimension. Rather than viewing the display from the perimeter, visitors are right in the middle of all the twinkling lights and imaginative displays. Guests can stroll the marina and take photos with Frosty, toy soldiers, reindeer, a colorful tree and the plethora of other displays. A preview is available in the video below.

No one knows exactly how many lights are in what is dubbed the largest private holiday light display in Central Florida. “We stopped counting after a million several years ago. We add more every year since and this year is no exception,” said Joe.

The marina has been a Toys for Tots drop off for 15 years. Three years ago the Lewises experimented by adding a night that allowed visitors inside in exchange for a donation to Toys For Tots. Their experiment was a success and now the Marine Corp Reserves have also joined in the event.

Night of Lights for Tykes is from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on November 30. Mount Dora Boating Center and Marina is located at 148 Charles Avenue at downtown Mount Dora’s lakefront.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, click here. Free subscriptions to the monthly issue of Mount Dora Buzz are available here.

LIGHT UP MOUNT DORA SCHEDULE FOR NOV. 24

11/19/2018

Mount Dora will come alive with over 2 million lights this Saturday, November 24, during the 37th annual Light Up Mount Dora.

Workers with Mount Dora Marina, the City of Mount Dora, and local businesses have been stringing up the lights in the city since mid-October. The combined efforts of these groups have turned the Central Florida town into an increasingly well-known Christmas destination. Mount Dora Marina alone has over a million lights and is reportedly the largest privately-owned light display in Central Florida.

Light Up Mount Dora will feature pre-show events in downtown Donnelly Park with dancers, traditional Christmas carols and much more. Residents and visitors are encouraged to bring their lawn chairs and blankets to the park.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
4:30 Pre-show events begin
5:00-7:30 Holiday shopping continues
6:30 Lights turn on in Donnelly Park
6:40 40-foot Christmas tree lights turn on in Sunset Park
6:50 Santa at Sunset Park

The city’s lights will remain on nightly through February. For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, click here. Free subscriptions to the monthly issue of Mount Dora Buzz are available here.

HERE'S THE SCHEDULE FOR LIGHT UP EUSTIS ON NOV. 23

11/19/2018

The 31st Annual Light-Up Eustis Celebration will take place November 23 in historic downtown from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. The light-up ceremony will begin at 6:00 p.m. The free, family-friendly festivities include a 75-foot snow slide, live music, entertainment, food trucks, and vendors. Kids will also enjoy a special visit by Santa, Mrs. Claus, Dancer the reindeer and its baby Donnie.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:
5:00 p.m.: Win1 Ministries’ Praise Team taking the stage.
5:30 p.m.: Bay Street Player’s Young People’s Theatre.
6:00 p.m.: Mayor Morin, members of City Commission, and winners from the Miss Eustis Pageant in a countdown ceremony to watch approximately 400,000 LED holiday lights come to life across all of Downtown Eustis.

The ceremony is followed by Santa and Mrs. Claus arriving by sleigh from the North Pole. Children are invited to take a free photo with them and decorate a keepsake frame from the Lake Eustis Museum of Art. Santa’s arrival is followed by holiday music by the Community of One Choir, Grande Island Baptist Church, and The Master’s Praise, Downtown Center Stage.

Kids also have a chance to slide on a 75-foot snow hill or ice skate on real ice. Admission to the ice rink is $10 per skater and includes skate rental.

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

EUSTIS SETS OPENING DATE FOR ICE-SKATING RINK

11/9/2018

Ferran Park will soon transform into a winter wonderland. The City of Eustis, in partnership with Florida Hospital Waterman, is bringing “Eustis on Ice,” a real ice skating rink, to downtown Eustis.

The rink will make its public debut on Wednesday, November 21, and run seven days a week until January 6, 2019. The 40’ x 100’ public ice rink will be in the middle of Ferran Park directly on Lake Eustis and feature themed nights, a holiday movie in the park, and a visit from Santa. Drinks and snacks will be available for purchase and food trucks will be available on the weekends.

Admission to the ice rink is $10 per skater and includes skate rental. A skate pass is available for $90 which includes ten admissions and ten beverages. Groups of 20 or more receive a discounted rate of $8 per person that includes skate rental. Private parties and corporate events of up to 100 people can also be accommodated. The City of Eustis will be offering Spirit Night for local Lake County Schools to help raise school funds.

“This family-friendly activity will be available right here in the heart of our community in a beautiful lakefront setting,” said Abel Biri, CEO of Florida Hospital Waterman. “Eustis holds a special place in our hearts because it is where our hospital began under the Waterman legacy name.”

Scheduled Hours
Hours will depend on the day of the week, private rentals, and holidays. Some blackout dates may apply.
Monday – Thursday (3 p.m. – 9 p.m.)
Friday (3 p.m. – 10 p.m.)
Saturday (10 a.m. – 10 p.m.)
Sunday (1 p.m. – 7 p.m.)
Tickets are available online at www.eustisonice.eventbrite.com

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

Massive Antique Show Lures Collectors and the Curious to Mount Dora

11/1/2018

Vintage lovers and treasure hunters are getting giddy.

Once again, Mount Dora will play host to Central Florida's massive and eclectic shopping experience November 16, 17 and 18.

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 3-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.

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, however 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,  download the area's free mobile app. Free subscriptions to the monthly issue of Mount Dora Buzz are available here.

MOUNT DORA CRAFT FAIR ROLLS IN OCT. 27-28

10/19/2018

As cooler weather returns, so does one of Central Florida's biggest craft fairs. The heart of downtown Mount Dora comes alive on October 27 and 28 with more than 400 crafters from across the country.

The Mount Dora Craft Fair is a top-ranked event featuring an eclectic mix of handmade items ranging from jewelry, photography and textiles to paintings, leather goods and woodwork. Downtown’s many unique stores and restaurants are also open during fair hours.

The festival runs Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Parking restrictions begin in the late afternoon on Friday to allow for the vendors to set up. There will be free shuttles provided from public parking locations including Mount Dora High School and Mount Dora Christian Academy. The Train will also be offering free rides coming out of Tavares.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, click here. To get the area's top stories in your inbox once a month, sign up for the free monthly issue of Mount Dora Buzz here.

EUSTIS HOSTS GOSPEL MUSIC FESTIVAL THIS WEEKEND

10/10/2018

They are local hidden gems. The talent filling many churches and hearts on Sundays is often only enjoyed by the lucky congregations. A new Eustis event is about to change that.

The city’s inaugural Community of One Gospel Festival in Ferran Park will fill the air downtown with seven different gospel choirs beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday, October 13, and continuing to 9 p.m.

The family-friendly festival will offer continuous live music with energetic performances by Eustis’ own Jenisis, the Community Choir which consists of area residents, plus Fort Lauderdale’s El Shaddai Praise Team and performances by university choirs from Bethune-Cookman University, University of Central Florida, and the University of South Florida (see schedule below). There will also be local food and crafts vendors, and a kids zone.

Community of One Gospel Festival is the brainchild of Reverend Andrew Haywood, a Eustis resident, who is excited to bring the community together with music. “This is a great way to reach the community and touch their hearts,” says Reverend Haywood.

The festival will conclude with a special performance at 8 p.m. featuring Wess Morgan, a pastor, recording artist, songwriter and winner of a BMI Gospel Song of the Year. Morgan has also made appearances on the Mo’Nique Show, BET’s Sunday Best and Super Bowl Gospel Celebration.

2018 Gospel Festival Entertainment Lineup
11:00 a.m. – Gospel Choir at USF
12:30 p.m. – El Shaddai Praise Team
2:00 p.m. – UCF Gospel & Cultural Choir
3:30 p.m. – Jenisis
5:00 p.m. – Community of One Choir
6:30 p.m. – BCU Inspirational Gospel Choir
8:00 p.m. – Wess Morgan

Admission to the festival is free. Ferran Park is located at 250 Ferran Park Drive in Eustis. For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, click here. To get the area's top stories in your inbox once a month, sign up for the free monthly issue of Mount Dora Buzz.

SAVE NOV. 3 FOR MOUNT DORA'S PREMIER CULTURAL EVENT

10/1/2018

One thing is certain: Art of the Deal is far from a typical fundraiser. It's a hybrid party with blackjack tables, a DJ, edgy entertainment, great food and a lively dance floor.

The annual semi-formal event is the area's premiere social and cultural party hosted by Mount Dora Center for the Arts on Saturday, November 3, in downtown Mount Dora.

Art of the Deal takes place at the Donnelly Park building and a large adjacent party tent. Once inside, party-goers encounter a body-art performance, red carpet photos, live art performances, plus catering by Pisces Rising and an open bar. The theme for this year’s event is “Through the Looking Glass.” Guests are encouraged to dress up in the Alice in Wonderland theme.

While the entertainment and gaming tables keep some guests busy, others flock to the expansive silent auction with items ranging from gift certificates, artwork, artisan jewelry, theme park tickets and other coveted items. Before the end of the night, all eyes are fixed on the friendly, yet competitive, live auction that tempts bidders with foreign travel and large works of original art.

Proceeds benefit the Mount Dora Center for the Arts to provide scholarships for children’s summer arts camp and to support youth outreach programs, educational classes and exhibits to the community.

Art of the Deal will be from 6 to 11 p.m. Tickets are $100 and can be purchased here.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, click here. To get the area's top stories in your inbox once a month, sign up for the free monthly issue of Mount Dora Buzz here .

LOCAL HALLOWEEN FUN FOR KIDS

10/1/2018

Searching for fun, local Halloween activities for the kids? Grab your calendar, here’s the list for little kids and big kids alike.

OCT. 6, 2018
Pumpkin Chuckin’ Contest
Watch local teams compete with their catapult to accurately launch pumpkins at a target 100 feet away.
Where: East Lake County Library, 24214 SR 46, Sorrento

OCT. 24, 2018
Halloween Spooktacular, Mount Dora
The free community event features ghost stories, candy, food trucks, music, games and inside activities.
Where: Donnelly Park Building, 530 N. Donnelly St., Mount Dora
Time: 6 to 9 p.m.

Oct. 26, 2018
Boo! Fest, Tavares
Free festival for the whole family with costume contest for kids, hayrides, DJ, carnival games, spooky storytelling, zombie zumba, Blonde Ambition, and more.
Where: Downtown Tavares
Time: 6 to 9 p.m.

OCT. 27, 2018
Howl-o-ween Parade, Mount Dora
Kids are invited to wear their favorite costumes for a parade throughout our Butterfly Garden and the library, joined by PAWS therapy dogs who will also be in costume! After the parade, children are invited to read stories to PAWS therapy dogs and enjoy treats and a library book.
Ages: 12 & under
Where: W.T. Bland Library, 1995 N. Donnelly St., Mount Dora
Time: 2 p.m.

OCT. 27, 2018
Special Effects Demo
VAMP, the Vocational Academy of Makeup and Prosthetics, will be doing the demonstration followed by a special screening of George A. Romero's 1968 classic film Night of the Living Dead.
Where: W.T. Bland Library, 1995 N. Donnelly St., Mount Dora
Time: 3 p.m.

OCT. 27, 2018
Night of the Living Dead film screening
Free showing of screening of George A. Romero's 1968 classic film Night of the Living Dead.
Where: W.T. Bland Library, 1995 N. Donnelly St., Mount Dora
Time: 4:30 p.m.

OCT. 31, 2018
Toddler & Preschool Costume Party
Where: W.T. Bland Library, 1995 N. Donnelly St., Mount Dora
Time: 10:30 a.m.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, click here. To get the area's top stories in your inbox once a month, sign up for the free monthly issue of Mount Dora Buzz here .

STEAMPUNK SHOW RETURNS TO MOUNT DORA IN OCTOBER

10/1/2018

Mount Dora’s Steampunk and Industrial Show has grown to what is arguably the largest festival of its kind in the Southeast. The event is set under the oak trees at Renningers Antique Center and features vendors, steampunk entertainers and artists. The show takes place twice a year in October and January.

“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 science-fiction genre is present in art, music, fashion, film and especially literature. During the show it’s very common to see fans of the the genre decked out in creative Steampunk costumes.

The two-day event features the performance troupe Phantasmagoria, sword-swallower Vera Vermillion, plus live music that includes The Cog is Dead, Vlad the DJ with Special Guest Lady Anna, Jig in a Milestone, and The Black Velvet Band. There will also be an escape room, teapot races and parasol dueling.

The Steampunk Industrial Show runs October 20 through 21 from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. at Renningers Antique Center, 20651 US 441, Mount Dora. Get the schedule of events for the weekend show here. Parking and admission are free.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, click here. Find out what's happening locally with just a tap on your phone by downloading the area's free mobile app. Monthly issues of Mount Dora Buzz are available here.

MOUNT DORA WELCOMES ARTISTS IN THE ALLEY

10/1/2018

Watch for a new art event in downtown Mount Dora. Art in the Alley will be hosted by Mount Dora Center for the Arts (MDCA) on every second Friday beginning in October.

The free downtown event will showcase art, handmade goods, and musicians along Royellou Alley from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Participating galleries, including Painting Outside the Lines with 17 artists and Jane Slivka Gallery will be open from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The cost for artists and musicians to participate is $10, once their application has been approved. Interested artists and musicians should contact MDCA for an application.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, click here. To get the area's top stories in your inbox once a month, sign up for the free monthly issue of Mount Dora Buzz here.

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TWO NEW ART EVENTS LAUNCHED IN LAKE COUNTY

9/1/2018

Lake County’s creative community and art lovers will be thrilled that the area has two more art events coming soon.

Lake Eustis Museum of Art (LEMA) will be hosting Magnolia Art Walk on September 21 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The downtown Eustis event will feature local artists along the street and artists’ studios will be open to the public. Art lovers can get a drink at any of the downtown bars to take with them as they stroll in the entertainment district. LEMA plans to host the free event three times a year if it's successful. There is no cost for artists to exhibit, but anyone interested should contact LEMA for approval and to be assigned a space.

Similarly, Mount Dora Center for the Arts (MDCA) will host Art in the Alley on every second Friday beginning in October. The free downtown event will take place along Royellou Alley from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and participating galleries will be open from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The cost for artists and musicians to participate is $10, once their application has been approved. Artists and musicians interested should contact MDCA for an application.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, click here. To get the area's top stories in your inbox once a month, sign up for the free monthly issue of Mount Dora Buzz here .

WHIMSICAL MURAL ADORNS ENTRANCE OF MOUNT DORA RESTAURANT

9/1/2018

When the owners of The Olive Branch Mediterranean Grille went on a family cruise this summer, they were just hoping for sunshine and relaxation. They got that and more.

While aboard the ship, Karen Vejseli was captivated by a surreal painting. It was a whimsical canvas by artist Michael Godard that depicted a cocktail olive painting a portrait of Vincent van Gogh with the painting of Starry Night hanging in the background. Although enamoured of the painting, Vejseli did not give in to her temptation to purchase it.

After returning home, Karen and her husband, Jerry, embarked on repainting the exterior of their restaurant, an endeavor they had long planned. It was then they decided to add a light-hearted mural to the front that was inspired by the painting they saw at sea. If the mural's style looks familiar, it because it was done by the same artist that painted Mount Dora’s Starry Night house.

Once it’s complete, the mural will play off the restaurant’s name and feature light-hearted cocktail olive caricatures trying to climb out of a martini glass and another olive painting a van Gogh portrait.

Still captivated by the original painting that inspired the mural, Karen is now trying to purchase it to hang in the restaurant.

The Olive Branch is located at 115 W. Third Avenue in downtown Mount Dora.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, click here. To get the area's top stories in your inbox once a month, sign up for the free monthly issue of Mount Dora Buzz here .