Events aplenty in Eustis for Labor Day weekend

Construction continues in downtown Eustis at Magnolia and Eustis streets, but it will not dampen the party this holiday weekend.

A full slate of live entertainment and events in downtown Eustis is scheduled beginning Friday, Sept. 3. Due to be completed in October, the streetscape improvements to downtown Eustis include two-way traffic and wider sidewalks, improved pedestrian access, improved traffic circulation, new water mains and sewer lines, drainage improvements, new curbs, gutters and lighting, and new road surface and special paving.

To find out more about the streetscape project, log on to www.eustis.org/streetscape.htm.

• September 3: First Friday Street Fest, 6-10 pm, Ferran Park (note location due to downtown construction). Contact Eustis Main Street, Inc. for more info at (352) 357-8555.
• September 3: Live entertainment featuring John Badcock, 8 pm, Café Gianni, 31 E. Magnolia Ave., (352) 589-1402.
• September 3: Live entertainment featuring John Martino,, 9:30 pm, Harper’s Draught House, 24 E. Magnolia Ave., (352) 483-2337.
• September 4: Market Day, 8 am – 2 pm, Eustis Historical Museum, 536 N. Bay St., (352) 483-0046.
• September 4: Live entertainment featuring Grant Peeples, 7:30-10 pm, Olivia’s Coffee House & Bistro, 113 N. Bay St., (352) 357-1887.
• September 4: Live entertainment featuring Tommy Allison & Sue Spencer, 9:30 pm, Harper’s Draught House, 24 E. Magnolia Ave., (352) 483-2337.
• September 5: Live entertainment featuring The Original Lake Eustis Dixieland Jazz Band, 3-5 pm, Olivia’s Coffee House & Bistro, 113 N. Bay St., (352) 357-1887.

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Lake County Welcome Center receives donated sculptures

When tourists to Lake County stop in at the Welcome Center, located at 20763 U.S. Highway 27 in Groveland, there’s even more to catch their eye than the area’s prominent rolling hills and sparkling lakes.

Lake County Tourism & Business Relations received two donated sculptures from Red Thread Inc. of Eustis and recently erected stone markers and plaques honoring the donors and artists.

Brenda Heim, Doug Hays and Kace Montgomery from Red Thread Inc. pose in front of the Lake County Welcome Center and their company’s donated sculpture.

“Our visitors really appreciate the public art; they have said it enhances their ‘welcome to Lake County,’” said Kathy Pagan, Lake County Tourism Specialist.

Doug Hays’ “4th of July” sculpture is made of stainless and mild steel and is anchored on Florida rock. It was erected at the Welcome Center’s butterfly garden. Doug Hays’ and Brenda Heim’s “Poppy Cluster Field” is a bouquet of kinetic, metal “poppies” that enhances the Welcome Center sign on U.S. Highway 27.

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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Low-cost fall happenings

This fall Lake County comes alive with loads of low-cost family fun.

Next time you are looking to get the family out the house without spending tons of money, consider one of these upcoming events.

For a complete list of events and festivals happening in Lake County, log on to Online Events Calendar at www.lakecountyfl.gov/calendar.

Sept. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; Oct. 6, 13, 20, 27; Nov. 3, 10, 17, 24 – Cagan Crossings Farmer’s Market, 16554 Crossings Blvd., Clermont

Only minutes away from Disney World, this farmer’s market on every Wednesday of the month features fresh produce and fruits, baked goods, homemade jams, jellies, sauces and local honey. Classes, specialty vendors and artists rotate weekly. More info: (352) 242-2444 ext. 206; jkelly@cagan.com; www.cagancrossings.com

Sept. 3, Oct. 1, Nov. 5 – First Friday Street Fest, downtown Eustis

Visit downtown Eustis for this street party. Each month, three stages are filled with some of the area’s best musical entertainment. Visitors can also check out the downtown shops, restaurants and art vendors. The event also includes a kid’s area and plenty of food vendors with soft drinks, beer, wine and margaritas. More info: (352) 357-8555; events@eustismainstreet.org; www.eustismainstreet.org

Sept. 12, Oct. 10, Nov. 14 – Lake County Musician’s Swap Meet, Renninger’s Antiques Center, Mount Dora

The Lake County Musician’s Swap Meet takes place on the second Sunday of each month and brings together dealers, collectors, musicians and the public. More info: (352) 735-0025; livecfl@me.com; www.livecfl.com

Sept. 24-Oct. 24 – Industrial Strength: Jason Burrell, Lake Eustis Museum of Art

Burrell, a University of Central Florida art professor, meticulously draws and paints the metal, brawn and bricks that build a city and a society. His large two-dimensional works, many giving a unique perspective on New York City, are compliment by an animate feature that offers insight into his artistry as his works evolve on the video screen. More info: (352) 483-2900; lodensusan@gmail.com; www.lakeeustismuseumofart.org

Oct. 8-10 – 36th Annual Bicycle Festival, downtown Mount Dora

Attracting 1,000 cyclists, this is Florida’s oldest and largest bicycling event. With rides of varying lengths and skill levels, cyclists of all ages come to see why Lake County is recognized as one of the best places in the world to ride. More info: (352) 383-2165; marketing@mountdora.com; www.mountdora.com

Oct. 9-10 – 13th Annual Lake County Folk Festival, downtown Eustis

The festival features seven music venues, art vendors and food court. Some of Florida’s best festival performers will attend. More info: (352) 357-8555; events@eustismainstreet.org; www.eustismainstreet.org

Oct. 9-10 – Vintage Venture, Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards, Clermont

There is nothing better than a Vintage Car Show to bring back nostalgia. These special gems from the past are a must-see and you can also enjoy a variety of live vintage 50′s and 60′s music by top class performers on the outdoor stage. Lakeridge wine, beer, soft drinks and a variety of food will be available for purchase, along with complimentary Winery tours and wine tasting. More info: 1-800-768-WINE; www.lakeridgewinery.com

Oct. 16-17 – Fifth Art in the Park, 106 S. U.S. Highway 441/27, Lady Lake

This event is held at the Historic Log Cabin Park and streets around the park. More info: (352) 344-0657; tnteventsinc@embarqmail.com; www.tnteventsinc.com

Oct. 23-24 – 26^th Annual Mount Dora Craft Fair

The Mount Dora Village Merchants & Business Association proudly presents the Annual Craft Fair. This event is ranked a Top 100 Craft Fair in the country and is attended by more than 200,000 enthusiasts from all over the state. More info: contact@mtdora.org; www.mtdora.org

Oct. 29-Dec. 5 – Myth, Magic & Madness: Doug Rhodehamel, Lake Eustis Museum of Art

Myth, Magic & Madness: Doug Rhodehamel opens Oct. 29. The exhibit closes Dec. 5. This conceptual artist covers the planet with paper mushrooms. He transforms ordinary objects into uniquely dark versions of Frankenstein’s monster and installs an eclectic mix fine art tricks to treat art lovers. More info: (352) 483-2900; lodensusan@gmail.com; www.lakeeustismuseumofart.org 

Nov. 6-7 – 16th Mount Dora Plant & Garden Fair, Simpson Cove in Mount Dora

Savvy gardeners wait ’til summer’s heat is over to restore liveliness to their gardens. They come to the Fair for every type of plant for the landscape (including native and Florida-friendly plants) the herb garden or tropical accents. Seventy-five exhibitors also bring pots, garden furniture and gourmet items. More info: (352) 729-2170; cbcole2448@aol.com

Nov. 13 – Lake County Green Fair, Wooton Park in Tavares

This one-day event is intended to present educational programs and informative displays that highlight best practices in environmental issues to the community. Exhibits will provide information, ideas, resources and products to live more sustainably. More info: (352) 343-9647; www.lakecountyfl.gov/greenfair

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Crack the Code: Lake County Tourism introduces ‘quick response codes’

Lake County Tourism & Business Relations is joining the ranks of many world-famous brands — including Chevrolet, Starbucks and Google — by launching quick response codes (QR codes) on many of its print advertisements.

These two-dimensional barcodes are found on billboards, magazine ads and direct mail throughout the country and even more prominently abroad in Japan and Australia. Consumers scan the QR codes using a smartphone code reader giving them immediate access to additional information about the product or service through their mobile devices.

“Lake County Tourism continues to innovate in order to distinguish itself from other vacation destinations,” said Greg Mihalic, Director of Lake County Tourism & Business Relations. “The QR code will introduce Lake County and its tourism businesses to potential visitors who may otherwise not know of the helpful information on lakecountyfl.com.”

Lake County’s initial uses of QR codes will appear in the upcoming issues of Coastal Angler Magazine and Crappie Angler Magazine. When readers of these magazines snap the QR codes found on the Lake County Tourism ads, it will show them a podcast that touts freshwater fishing in Lake County.

“That’s the great thing about these QR codes, as soon as one of our advertisements catches their eye, a reader can snap it and view additional content,” Mihalic said. “There is literally no delay between interest and response.”

By making potential vacationers to Lake County use their smartphone as the response mechanism, it capture’s their interest at the peak, when they are viewing a Lake County Tourism advertisement. This process diminishes the opportunity to lose potential visitors because they forget to copy information from the advertisement.

While there are a variety of QR code generators on the market, Lake County Tourism is currently using Microsoft Tag. Download the free Tag Reader at http://gettag.mobi.

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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Nature hike planned for Aug. 21 at Pine Forest Park

Lake County park rangers will lead a nature hike on Saturday, Aug. 21, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Pine Forest Park, located at 32520 State Road 44, near the Lake-Volusia county line.

Park rangers will guide hikers through the park identifying the numerous plant species that inhabit the property. Rangers will also point out how the park is being managed for Florida Scrub Jays and its diverse wildlife population of reptiles, mammals and birds.

Participants are encouraged to wear appropriate clothing and footwear for the moderate hike. Park rangers also recommend bringing insect repellent, sunscreen, water and a snack.

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

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Tavares event ‘draws’ art enthusiasts to downtown

 The “Art Around Town” is set for Friday, Aug. 20, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. and is a unique art stroll being presented by the Tavares Chamber of Commerce Business Development Committee.

Artists will be located in 18 participating businesses allowing the public to “stroll” down Main and Ruby streets to view a variety of artwork.

As part of the Art Around Town event, the City of Tavares will be opening its reception of Art in the Square at City Hall, located at 201 E. Main St. Several of the downtown businesses will have food and entertainment throughout the evening.

According to the Orlando Sentinel, modern impressionist artist Yvonne Feavearyear and woodturner Jerry Behlmann are among the artists, whose works will be on display.

The paper reports:

Many of Feavearyear’s brightly colored works such as acrylic paintings, watercolors and dyed scarves feature women.

“A feminine attitude, whether bold or subtle is always subject to the observers’ perception. A smile, a raised eyebrow, a draped arm are all subject for interpretation — the essence of this body of work,” according to Feavearyear’s website.

Behlmann specializes in an intricate process called “segmented wood turning,” in which pieces of wood are fit and glued together manually, then carved and sanded with the lathe. One piece can encompass many types of wood and wood pieces.

For more information, call (352) 343-2531.

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Enjoy tales, food and folk music in Eustis

On Aug. 20, the Trout Lake Nature Center and Historic State Theatre are hosting events that celebrate the best of small-town living: friends and food.

After sharing memories at a 6 p.m. covered dish event at Trout Lake Nature Center, located at 520 E. County Road 44 in Eustis, the group is heading downtown to the Historic State Theatre, 109 N. Bay St., at 7:30 p.m.

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

Trout Lake Nature Center invites you to join us at 6:00 pm on August 20^th for a program which takes a look at Florida’s Water, Past and Present and a covered dish supper.

You are asked to bring a dish to share as well as a water related story, photo or memento. There will be an opportunity to tell your story about how you or your family enjoy and used our lakes, rivers and streams. Everyone will share their reminiscence with the diners at their table and a few storytellers will share their tale with the audience as a whole.

Then at 7:30, head on downtown for:

A MUSICAL EVENING @ The Historic State Theater

Friday, August 20th

~ Fundraiser for The 13th Annual Lake County Folk Festival ~

You don’t want to miss this best-ever installment of our variety show series that features fiddling fireworks & dynamic singer/songwriters!

CYD WARD – A unique & beautiful voice that is at once sensuous and innocent, passionate and pensive

JONATHAN HODGE – Serves up a tasty repertoire of classical, beautiful waltzes, blazing fiddle-tunes plus a spattering of Irish jigs & standards with the ease and graceful technique of a masterful musician!

THE ASHLEY GANG – named after a band of south Florida outlaws, they are notorious for their harmonies, rich textured arrangements and multi-award winning songwriting. 

The State Theater is located in Historic Downtown Eustis at 109 N. Bay Street. For concert info go online to www.baystreetplayers.org or www.eustismainstreet.org or call 352-357-8555. The requested donation of $15 and the 50/50 raffle benefits the 13th Annual Lake County Folk Festival on October 9th & 10th, 2010. For a general admission ticket call 352-357-7777 or see www.baystreetplayers.org.

Sponsors are: Eustis Main Street, Public Arts & Music, Bay Street Players, M.T. Pawketts Productions, Quality Printing, KaceStudios

Contact, Jeffrey Friberg, kacejeff@comcast.net, for more information.

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Exhibitor applications, sponsorships being accepted for Third Annual Green Fair

Organizers of the Third Annual Lake County Green Fair are currently accepting exhibitor applications and sponsorships for the event scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 13, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Wooton Park in Tavares.

All commercial, not-for-profit and governmental entities that are promoting green products & services and health & fitness are invited to participate in the Lake County Green Fair. Fill out an exhibitor application.

The cost for each commercial exhibitor at the Third Annual Green Fair is $35 and there is no charge for not-for-profit and governmental entities. Food vendors that sell locally grown, healthy and environmentally friendly products are also encouraged to participate in the Green Fair. The cost for each food vendor at the fair is $100.

Previous green fairs averaged more than 1,500 visitors and 75 exhibitors. What the Green Fair accomplishes is it gives local businesses, organizations and governmental entities the opportunity to share some of these sustainable-living ideas with the community in a fun, fair-like atmosphere.

In addition to environmental information shared at the event, the Green Fair provides an opportunity for the community to properly and safely dispose of household hazardous chemicals, recyclables and old thermometers and thermostats containing mercury. Other fun activities planned for the event include a 5K fun run, a Zumbathon, special access to Wooton Park’s splash park, face painting, pet adoption, live entertainment and children’s treasure hunt.

Sponsorship opportunities are also available for the Green Fair. The four sponsorship levels include Platinum ($2,500+), Gold ($1,000), Silver ($500) and Bronze ($250).

“This is a special opportunity for a company to support a worthwhile organization and increase its visibility in our community,” said Amye King, Director of the Lake County Department of Growth Management.

For more information or to sign up to become a Green Fair sponsor, call Amye King at (352) 343-9647 or e-mail aking@lakecountyfl.gov.

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Mount Dora looks to make Labor Day weekend special

The City of Mount Dora is celebrating Labor Day weekend with a host of activities in its popular historic downtown on the shore of Lake Dora.

The Mount Dora Chamber of Commerce is calling the celebration an “End of the Summer Blowout.” The blowout begins with “Sip, Shop & Save Sidewalk Sale” on Friday, Sept. 3, and Saturday, Sept. 4, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on Sunday, Sept. 5, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

A chili cook-off and pie-baking contest are scheduled for Saturday from 2 to 6 p.m. A water sports demonstration is also set for Saturday from 2 to 6 p.m. on Lake Dora.

The Insecurities will provide live music at Grantham Point on Saturday from 5 to 8 p.m. The live entertainment is the prelude to a grand fireworks display scheduled for Saturday at 8 p.m.

All events are free, except the chili cook-off costs $5 per person. For more information, contact the Mount Dora Chamber of Commerce at (352) 383-2165 or log on to www.mountdora.com.

Sponsors of the event include the City of Mount Dora, Mount Dora Community Trust, Mount Dora Area Chamber of Commerce, Mount Dora Village Merchants & Business Association, Mount Dora Boating Center & Marina, Rotary Club of Mount Dora, Liquid Sports and The Daily Commercial.

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Prestigious golf course to receive facelift

The El Campeon course, or “The Champion,” at Mission Inn Resort & Club is one of the oldest and most challenging championship courses in the South. The resort recently announced a restoration project for the course.

Below is the news release from Mission Inn Resort & Club:

MISSION INN ANNOUNCES RESTORATION OF THE EL CAMPEON GOLF COURSE

HOWEY-IN-THE-HILLS, FL (July 2010) –  In keeping with The Nick Beucher Family’s commitment to superior quality in both products and services, Mission Inn will begin their ambitious ‘Restoration of A Classic’ project,  replacing all eighteen greens on their El Campeon golf course next month.

Led by Mission Inn’s Golf Superintendent, Paul Hickman, the team will be rolling out Bermuda ultradwarf grass throughout the month of August.  The installation of this grass will insure tighter, faster, more consistent play.  It is anticipated that these new greens will measure an impressive 10+ feet on the “Stimpmeter.” A golf course may typically take twelve weeks or longer to be ready for play using the most common method of sprigging, however, Mission Inn plans to open the golf course in time for the Labor Day holiday, barring any extraordinary weather conditions. “A lot goes into a project of this size and scope. Our team is ready and looking forward to getting the restoration underway,” said Paul.  “We’re inviting everyone to share in the experience and play the most challenging golf in Central Florida this Fall.”

The El Campeon golf course dates back to 1917, and has consistently been recognized as an award-winning championship course throughout it’s impressive 93-year history.  As recently as 2009, El Campeon won the distinguished National Golf Course Owners Association ‘Florida Golf Course of the Year’.  Since taking ownership in 1964, the Nick Beucher Family has remained committed to preserving the integrity of the course, originally designed by George O’Neill of Chicago.  “We are dedicated to maintaining the grandeur and signature design of El Campeon, while elevating the level of play,” says Bud Beucher, Mission Inn’s Vice President & General Manager. “It is a true Florida Treasure.”

The home of exciting NCAA events throughout the year such as the Women’s Division III National Championship and the Men’s Atlantic 10 Championship, the Mission Inn Resort & Club features two Championship Golf Courses, 190 graciously appointed accommodations, three restaurants, two lounges and a poolside bar. In addition to golf, recreational amenities include eight tennis courts, trap and skeet shooting range, jogging paths, nature trails, bicycling, volleyball courts, an outdoor pool and hydro-spa, fitness center and a nautical center, where guests can fish, powerboat and go eco-touring. The resort’s 6,200-square-foot Spa Marbella features an extensive array of exceptional services.

Mission Inn Resort & Club is a secluded 1,000-acre resort located just 35 minutes northwest of Orlando in beautiful Howey-in-the-Hills, Florida. For more information, visit www.missioninnresort.com or call 1-800-874-9053.

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