Park rangers offer beginners bird hike

Lake County park rangers will lead a beginners bird hike on Saturday, April 3, from 8 to 10 a.m. at Ferndale Preserve, located off County Road 455 in the unincorporated community of Ferndale.

“Need to brush up on your sparrows, tell a Fish Crow from an American Crow, or are you just starting out,” asks Park Ranger Gallus Quigley. “Grab your binoculars and join me for this hike around one of the best birding spots in Lake County. We’ll learn how to identify various birds by sight and sound.”

The 192-acre Ferndale Preserve is located on the western shore of Lake Apopka. Its high elevation and diverse ecosystem provide habitat for numerous birds, butterflies, reptiles, mammals and amphibians. Park rangers encourage participants to wear appropriate clothing and footwear. Hikers should also bring binoculars, field guides, cameras, water and snacks.

Reservations are encouraged. For more information or to make reservations, call the Lake County Parks & Trails Division at (352) 253-4950 or e-mail parksandtrails@lakecountyfl.gov.

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It’s time for more podcasts

Lake County Tourism & Business Relations launched this month the 23rd and 24th installments in its podcast series.

The podcasts feature the upcoming events of the Central Florida Dragon Boat Festival and Leesburg Bikefest.  For a complete listing of all podcasts, log on to www.lakecountyfl.gov/enjoying_lake_county/podcasts.aspx.

The Central Florida Dragon Boat Festival at Wooton Park in Tavares is a serious race venue for competitive dragon boat racing. The opening ceremony is free to the public on Friday, April 16, at 5:30 p.m. The races begin at 9 a.m. on Saturday, April 17. Admission is $3 for adults and $2 for children. For more information, call the Tavares Chamber of Commerce at (352) 343-2531 or log on to www.tavareschamber.com.

On April 23-25, Lake County comes alive with the roar of more than 200,000 bikers from throughout the United States for the Leesburg Bikefest. Downtown Leesburg is open to motorcycles only. Live bands are featured on eight stages all day and night. The festival also includes Ms Bikefest Contest, Rat’s Hole Custom Motorcycle Show, biker demonstrations, stunt riding, festive food, merchandise vendors and more. For more information, call (352) 365-0053 or log on to www.leesburgbikefest.com.

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Online accommodation coupon averages more than one download a day

The Lake County Tourism & Business Relations’ online accommodation coupon is gaining popularity.

“It’s all about convenience,” said Greg Mihalic, Director of Tourism & Business Relations. “Now, in addition to finding information about Lake County accommodations, attractions and outdoor activities at our Web site, tourists can hop online and print a $10 accommodation coupon in seconds.”

The online coupon is available at www.lakecountyfl.com and is good for $10 off a stay at any participating hotel, bed & breakfast inn or vacation home located in Lake County. Since marketing began for the online accommodation coupon on Jan. 6, nearly 100 Web surfers have downloaded it. In addition, Tourism staff has handed out hundreds of printed coupons at various tradeshows and events.

To receive the $10 coupon, a guest must fill out a Web form and print the personalized coupon from www.lakecountyfl.com. The Web form requires participants to fill out their name, e-mail address, phone number and address. After filling out the Web form, guests are asked if they would like to subscribe to Lake County Tourism’s quarterly e-mail newsletter. Reproduced or photocopied coupons will not be honored.

To plan a Lake County vacation, call (800) 430-LAKE, log on to http://www.lakecountyfl.com or visit the Lake County Welcome Center, located at 20763 U.S. Highway 27, Groveland.

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RubeLab’s Green Fair & RubeRally is this weekend

Eustis-based RubeLab, a center for environmental innovation, is hosting a race of alternative powered vehicles on Saturday and a Green Fair on Saturday and Sunday.

RubeLab is an incubator of sorts, a center for environmental innovation, like the solar-powered charging station for electric vehicles.

The news release from the Trout Lake Nature Center is below:

RubeLab™ Green Fair & RubeRally 2010

SATURDAY, MARCH 20, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.    SUNDAY, MARCH 21, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Ferran Park, Historic Downtown Eustis

 This free event showcases the relationship between technology and nature. RubeLab is partnering with Trout Lake Nature Center to bring together manufacturers and innovators of alternative means of transportation along with supporting green technology and environmental exhibits. There will be lots of activities for the entire family. Talk to the owners of today’s latest ideas in cars and visit with endangered animals from Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens or create a craft with the Trout Lake volunteers. Find out what technologies are available in today’s market and enjoy interactive displays used to help students learn about their environment.

On Saturday, at 2, watch the start of the RubeRally as they set off on a drive along scenic streets to Mount Dora, Tavares and back to Eustis. Open to any street legal vehicle using alternative energy. Electric, natural gas, solar, hydrogen, plug in hybrids, bicycles, etc. The rally will not be determined by speed but, rather, by correct answers to a quiz. The course is approximately 15 miles. Also new this year will be the awards ceremony and Dinner by the Lake on Saturday. For those who do not qualify for the RubeRally, we invite you to take part in the Once Around the Park “Showtime”. Open to all ages, the more creative the better.

 Information: www.rubelab.org or 352.357.7926

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Travel to the Old West on Saturday

Lake County’s longstanding railroad attraction is offering its famous OK Corral shows on Saturday, March 20.  The train departs from Eustis at 1 and 3 p.m. Florida Rail Adventures of Eustis, Fla., is located at 51 W. Magnolia Ave. For more information, call (352) 589-4300, e-mail info@railflorida.com or log on to www.floridarailadventures.com.

The news release from Florida Rail Adventures is below:

Gunfight at the OK Corral

EUSTIS, FL:  Relive the most famous gunfight in the old west!  On Saturday, March 20, 2010 , Gunfighters, Inc. and Florida Rail Adventures will present “The Gunfight at the OK Corral.” This will be the final presentation of the show this season!

Relive those thrilling days of yesteryear when the six shooter was the law!

Travel by train to the “old west” and visit with Wyatt Earp and Doc Holiday for the reenactment of the famous gun battle between the Earp’s and the Clanton’s.

This one hour thirty minute event will feature a 55 minute train ride and a 35 minute show! Tickets are $20.00 plus tax for adults, $15.00 plus tax for seniors, and $10.00 plus tax for kids ages 5 thru 12. Under 5 are free.

Trains will depart from the Eustis station, located at 51 West Magnolia Avenue, at 1 & 3 pm.

For further information or to make reservations call 352-589-4300 or do it online at www.railflorida.com.

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Lake County welcomes another crop of collegiate golfers

Lake County Tourism & Business Relations is proud to join with the Central Florida Sports Commission and Mission Inn Resort & Club to welcome another round of exciting collegiate golf play as the St. John’s Spring Fling kicks off Friday.

“Collegiate teams from across the country are teeing it up on the El Campeón Course,” said Sam Stark, President of the Central Florida Sports Commission. “St. John’s, Lake County and the Sports Commission annually host a men’s fall tournament at Mission Inn. This is the first year of the spring tournament.”

The tournament at Mission Inn, located at 10400 County Road 48 in Howey-in-the-Hills, features nine men’s teams (Appalachian State University, University of Connecticut, University of Detroit Mercy, Johnson & Wales University, Florida Golf Coast University, Morehead State University, St. John’s University, St. Leo University, Stetson University and University of Tampa) and three women’s teams (Butler University, Eastern Illinois University and Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis).

“The St. John’s Spring Fling showcases Lake County as a destination location for sports and outdoor activities,” said Greg Mihalic, Director of Lake County Tourism & Business Relations. “It’s another great addition to the County’s cluster of sporting events and tournaments.”

For more information about St. John’s Spring Fling, call Jon Baran at (407) 648-4900, ext. 21 or e-mail jbaran@centralfloridasports.org. For more information about Mission Inn Resort & Club, call (800) 874-9053 or log on to www.missioninnresort.com. For more information about Lake County vacations, call (800) 430-LAKE, log on to www.lakecountyfl.com or visit the Welcome Center, located at 20763 U.S. Highway 27 in Groveland.

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Park & Trails features two nature events this week

The Lake County Department of Public Resources, Parks & Trails Division, is hosting two events this week: a bird survey on Friday, March 12, at Ferndale Preserve; and a nature hike on Saturday, March 13, at Pine Forest Park.

Park rangers on Friday will conduct a bird survey from 7 to 10:30 a.m. at the Ferndale Preserve, located off County Road 455 in South Lake County. Enjoy stunning views of Lake Apopka while taking a census of the local feathered friends. Park rangers ask for help from experienced bird watchers to know how well these winged wonders survived the winter and how many are returning home for the summer.

On Saturday from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., park rangers will guide a trek through one of the most diverse ecosystems in Florida at Pine Forest Park, located at 32520 State Road 44, DeLand. The park provides opportunities to view Gopher Tortoises, River Otters and Sandhill Cranes. If the group is lucky, the group may also spot a Florida Scrub-jay.

For both events, participants are encouraged to wear appropriate clothing and footwear. Park rangers also recommend bringing insect repellent, sunscreen, water, snacks, binoculars and field guides.

The nature hike is limited to the first 25 individuals to place reservations. For more information or to make reservations for either event, call the Lake County Parks & Trails Division at (352) 253-4950 or e-mail parksandtrails@lakecountyfl.gov.

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Yalaha Family Fun Day is March 13

The Yalaha Community Club and Yalaha Bakery are hosting the Second Annual Yalaha Family Fun Day on Saturday, March 13, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the bakery, located at 8210 County Road 48.

The event will include a host of family-friendly activities, such as face painting, beanbag toss, hula-hoop contest and basketball shooting.

The Lake County Sheriff’s Office Explorers will have fingerprinting kits available so parents can get a set of their children’s fingerprints. Kids in Safety Seats will explain and conduct the correct installation of infant car seats. The Community Health Care Coordinator will provide information about the KidCare Health Insurance Program and the Food Stamp Program.

At 2:10 p.m., there will be a performance from the Strummin Cats from the Astatula Elementary School of Arts. Participants are encouraged to bring a blankets or chairs for the performance.

For more information about the Second Annual Yalaha Family Fun Day, contact Gary Miller, President of Yalaha Community Club at (352) 324-2551, or Bill Gearing, Lake County Community Enhancement Coordinator, at (352) 742-6515.

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Lake County’s growing online registry promotes local artists

Since its introduction in November 2007, the Lake County Tourism & Business Relations’ online registry to help promote and connect local artists, musicians and cultural venues has been steadily growing.

Kathie Camara is one of the artists on the Lake County Artist Registry. Visit her Web site at http://www.ButterflyKissesStudio.com

The Lake County Artist Registry is free to use as it provides a conduit between the artistic community and potential users. Artists, musicians and cultural venues are encouraged to sign up for the Artist Registry by providing contact information, such as a physical address, telephone number and e-mail address.

“The Lake County Artist Registry is an invaluable tool for event organizers of all types,” said Kathy Pagan, Tourism Specialist with Lake County Tourism & Business Relations. “Event organizers can sort through a list of 50 local musicians and artists who made submissions to the artist registry.”

In addition to contact information, the Lake County Artist Registry provides artists an opportunity to upload examples of their work as well as short concept statements about their work. Another anticipated benefit of the online artist registry is it will inspire collaboration and synergy among artists to promote their craft, as well as enhance and grow their artistic efforts.

“Lake County has an abundance of talented artists,” Pagan said. “This online tool can be a one-stop source for everything creative in Lake County.”

The idea for the Lake County Artist Registry was developed by the Lake County Arts & Cultural Alliance, which is a seven-member advisory group with representatives from local municipalities. For more information about the Lake County Artist Registry, call Kathy Pagan at (352) 429-4755 or e-mail kpagan@lakecountyfl.gov.

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Great Escape kicks off Florida’s triathlon season

One of the state’s first triathlons, Florida’s Great Escape Triathlon, kicks off the season for hundreds of athletes on Sunday, March 7, at Lake Louisa State Park, located at 7305 U.S. Highway 27 in Clermont.

The National Training Center (NTC) and the Central Florida Sports Commission are presenting the Seventh Annual Florida’s Great Escape Triathlon, which is expecting to draw more than 350 entries. Registration for Florida’s Great Escape Triathlon ends on Saturday from 3 to 6 p.m. at Lake Louisa State Park. The cost to register for the course featuring a 1-mile swim, 18-mile bike and 5-mile run is $100.

“It’s an early season race that brings a lot of people from up north,” said Tom Ziebart, NTC Race Director. “I’d say half of the people participating are from out of state and the other half in state.”

Medals will be handed out to the top five finishers in each age group. Local residents are encouraged to come out and watch the exciting triathlon begin at 10 a.m. on Sunday. The cost of admission into Lake Louisa State Park is $5 per car.

“These large triathlons bring considerable business to our County, as many visitors chose to either compete in the events, support family and friends or simply join in the atmosphere,” said Greg Mihalic, Director of Lake County Tourism & Business Relations.

Staff at the NTC produces Florida’s Great Escape Triathlon. The NTC is owned by South Lake Hospital. Along with the triathlon, the NTC produces the Florida Marathon, Half Marathon and 5K race in December, a sprint triathlon series, a 5K running series and a track & field meet series.

“We are excited to be able to work with the National Training Center to showcase Lake County and its prowess as a triathlon venue,” said Sam Stark, President of the Central Florida Sports Commission.

For more information about Florida’s Great Escape Triathlon, call Tom Ziebart at (352) 241.7144 ext. 4209 or e-mail tomziebart@aol.com. For more information about Lake County vacations, call (800) 430-LAKE, log on to www.lakecountyfl.com or visit the Welcome Center, located at 20763 U.S. Highway 27 in Groveland.

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