News for the active lifestyle in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis

FLORIDA WILDLIFE FESTIVAL SET FOR sEPT. 10

8/29/2016

Nature lovers are invited to learn about the Florida black bear and other native wildlife species during the 17th Annual Florida Wildlife Festival.

The free festival is Saturday, Sept. 10 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Cadwell Park, located at 4 Cassady Street in Umatilla.

The event's purpose is to increase awareness and promote the safe coexistence of humans and wildlife. Organizers hope to foster community appreciation of the Florida black bear and other native species, as well as Florida’s wildlife habitats.

The festival includes children's activities, wildlife presentations, and food and craft vendors, plus field trips to Ocala National Forest to learn about natural bear habitats and to the historic Carr Cabin.

For more information about the festival visit www.floridawildlifefestival.org or contact Susan Martin at 352-636-3392. To find out why Lake County is “Real Florida. Real Close,” and for more information on local festivals and events, check out www.visitlakefl.com.

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MOUNT DORA BICYCLE FEST GEARS UP FOR OCT. EVENT

8/24/2016

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Anticipation is palpable among Florida cyclists as the state's longest-running cycling event draws closer. In just two short years, Mount Dora Bicycle Festival transformed from a withering event to a vibrant festival.

The difference has been the passion and hard work of its energized organizers. This year 1500 riders are expected at the three day event that kicks off October 7, according to Tracy Draper, the event’s chairperson.

Draper, an avid cyclist, and her committee have succeeded in turning the festival into one of Florida’s premier cycling events spread over three days. Riders now travel from all over the USA and even from South America, according to Draper.

The festival’s courses range from 11 miles for novices to the 103-mile Countryside Century ride, plus a new mountain bike ride. The most grueling route is the Sugarloaf Extension on Sunday. Die-hards will pedal through the new “Back 2 Back Century Challenge” accomplishing 102 miles on Friday and 103 miles on Saturday.

To keep the festival fresh, three new routes have been added, and route concierges, drawn from the pool of local cyclists, will be on hand to answer riders’ questions about specific routes, terrain, traffic issues and relative difficulty.

Once out of their saddles, riders will find an abundance of activities. Thursday and Friday nights feature wine tasting, while Saturday activities include a barbecue lunch, beer garden, contests, food trucks, a vendor village and music in Sunset Park. Festival-goers also spill into downtown restaurants, shops and bars, many of which offer discounts to riders wearing festival wristbands. Sunday the festival hosts "Giveaway Day" in the park.

The Mount Dora Bicycle Festival distinguishes itself by its terrain, as well as the charm of the town and its value pricing.   Attendees can get multi-day pricing that breaks down to about $34 per day. The festival swag includes medals for finishers and long-sleeved event T-shirts for registrants. Click here to register.

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RIDERS HELP MAKE MEMORIES FOR SERIOUSLY ILL KIDS

8/18/2016

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It's the most fun and compassionate place in Florida.

For 20 years, Camp Boggy Creek has made memories for seriously ill children. For six years, residents have early supported the camp during its Annual Challenge Ride, a fundraising event for bicyclists. Read more.

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SPRINTING PIG AMUSES MOUNT DORA ONLOOKERS

8/11/2016

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On a typical day, it's not uncommon to see people walking their dogs downtown. One new resident has caused Mount Dora to expand its definition of typical.

Frasier, a clean and feisty little pink pig, is frequently spotted walking on Donnelly with his good-natured owners, Mike and Natalie Hassler.

Their walks are anything but leisurely. Frasier, wearing a leash, rockets down the sidewalk at the first opportunity with Mike struggling to keep up (see video). After expending his bottled up energy, the young pig slows to nibble on acorns and entertain fascinated onlookers.   Then, without warning, he rockets off again. Since pigs don't sweat to cool themselves, Frasier relaxes in his plastic pool and bobs for carrot slices once he returns home (see video).

Frasier's role at home is that of comedian, toddler and snuggle buddy.   Grunts and squeals fill the house as the 6 month-old makes his presence known.   As if his boisterous sounds weren't enough, Frasier is quick to give unrelenting nudges with his snout when demanding someone's attention.

The couple purchased the Pot-bellied pig from a South Florida pet store before moving to Mount Dora a few months ago. They quickly realized their new pet is smart, stubborn and insatiably curious. Bribery is the most effective method to gain his cooperation. Carrots and peanuts are the currency of choice.

The Hasslers are avid animal lovers and very experienced pet owners. Their parrot, hedgehog and bearded dragon, didn't present the same challenges and surprises that Frasier brought.

"The biggest surprise for us was how affectionate he is. He loves to cuddle with us on the couch and sit on our laps," said Natalie.

Pot-bellied pigs originated in Vietnam and the domesticated breed ranges in size from 100 to 300 pounds which is significantly smaller than American farm pigs. Frasier is a hybrid micro Pot-bellied pig and will only grow to 30 pounds and ten to twelve inches tall.

Although Frasier is lightning fast, there is no way for the Hasslers to walk him in a hurry.   It's not due to Frasier's affinity for acorns, but rather strangers' affinity for him. Fortunately, the couple is enjoying their new city and the friendly people Frasier has introduced to them.

Editor's note: The day after writing this story another local Pot-bellied pig, Dozer, was spotted with his owners Tai and Jerry.

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Above: Mike and Frasier on the streets of Mount Dora. Below: Frasier's pool time. Watch video.

Above: Frasier and Achoo, his hedgehog housemate. Below: Mike is taken for a run.

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Above: Dozer, another Mount Dora Pot-bellied pig with owners Tia and Jerry.

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ARE YOU READY FOR SOME BASEBALL? FALL SEASON REGISTRATION IS THIS WEEK

8/8/2016

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It may only be August, but now is the time to prepare for the Fall season.

Registrations for Mount Dora Babe Ruth are this week at the Lincoln Park fields. Kids from ages four to fifteen can sign up for baseball or softball this Friday, August 12th from 6:30 to 9 pm, as well as Saturday 9 a.m. to noon and Sunday, August 14 from noon to 3 p.m. Parents need to bring their player's original birth certificate for review and immediate return.

The cost is $90 for non-member and $75 for members. The cost includes the full uniform, however players need to bring their own cleats, bat and glove. If a child doesn't have those items, parents can inform someone at the registration desk.

Try-outs will take place August 22, followed by a draft on August 27 and an event for players to meet their coach on August 29. Opening day will be October 1 and the season will conclude on November 19.

Anyone interested in coaching or assisting a coach, should contact Mount Dora Babe Ruth.

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