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Archive for the ‘Art & Culture’ Category

Lake County offers a great variety of entertainment choices to celebrate our nation’s birth.
You are cordially invited to visit the White House; specifically the miniature now on display at the Presidents’ Hall of Fame. This is a must-see attraction for all those proud to wear red, white, and blue.  The White House replica weighs over ten tons, and has just returned home to Clermont from the Ronald Reagan Library and Foundation in California.  From coast to coast, history buffs, families, veterans, artisans and patriotic folks have been enthralled with the detailed craftsmanship and awed by such a personal glimpse into the Oval Office, Lincoln’s Bedroom, Library and more.
A labor of love since the early 70’s, museum curator and owner John Zweifel invites us all to share his passion and pride in the White House and our country’s history. Many of Lake County’s parents who once visited this exhibition as scouts or students are excited to bring their own children to visit this local treasure, and proudly welcome its return.
For this weekend, Friday-Monday, the Presidents Hall of Fame Museum on Highway 27 in Clermont will be open from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m.  Be sure to visit this exceptional one-of-a-kind attraction for more “ooohs” and “aaahs” as you celebrate July 4th.

 

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The Lady of the Lakes Renaissance Faire will be celebrating 9 years of historical merry making, beginning Friday, Nov. 5 and continuing through Sunday, Nov. 7 at Hickory Point Recreational Facility, Tavares along beautiful Lake Harris.

The event will transform the park into an authentic replica of a 16th Century English village and will feature over 100 performers – including jugglers, knights in armor, jousting, fire-eaters, pirates, dancers, villagers, historical characters and a variety of musicians. Over 60 artisans fill the village, working in mediums such as pottery, leather work, blacksmithing, sculpture, candle making, just to name a few. For more information about the event, or for details on purchasing tickets, log on to http://www.medievalfest.com/.

2010 Renaissance Faire

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The Leesburg Center for the Arts is hosting their annual Beast Feast under the oaks at the historic Mote Morris house in downtown Leesburg, 1195 W. Magnolia St., on Thursday, October 28, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

The event will feature all you can eat wild game and exotic meats, sides and beverages along with live entertainment. Tickets can be purchased online at http://www.leesburgcenter4arts.com, in person at the Leesburg Center for the Arts, 429 W. Magnolia St., or by phone (352) 365-0232. Proceeds benefit the Leesburg Center for the Arts.

Below is the flyer distributed by the Leesburg Center for the Arts:

Beast Feast 2010

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The 13th Annual Lake County Folk Festival opens this weekend in Eustis is this weekend with traditional and original music including Celtic, bluegrass, gospel, jazz and more.

The Festival is held on the second weekend of October each year in downtown businesses and Ferran Park located on the shores of Lake Eustis.

Below is a news release from Eustis Main Street Inc.:

Lake County Folk Festival this Saturday & Sunday!

Eustis, FL – This weekend, October 9th and 10th, musicians, crafters, and artists will converge on historic downtown Eustis for the 13th Annual Lake County Folk Festival. Activities for all ages are included at this family oriented music event.

Award winning songwriters Al Scortino, Paul Garfinkle, Bob Rafkin, Doug Spears, Ken Skeens, Rog Lee, and Larry Mangum are among the many featured acts. Six different venues throughout the downtown and lake front provide the setting for over 30 groups and nearly 100 musicians with a variety of music styles. 

By popular demand, Contra Dance is new to this year’s festival. Similar to square dance and the old fashioned barn dance, Contra dances are open to all regardless of experience and age. Beginner-level instructions will be offered.

Folk artists and crafters from around the state will exhibit their work in Ferran Park. The Children’s area features many activities including “Len, the Music Coach”. Children will make and play their own musical instruments. A “Funniest Song” contest, workshops, and storytelling, round out the event. Food vendors will be offering their specialties as well as the Kiwanis Club of Eustis Saturday morning pancake breakfast.

Experience a great musical event for all ages. The two-day festival’s hours are Saturday, 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM and Sunday, 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Saturday night’s Sunset Performances will be in the beautiful lakeside setting of the historic McClelland Band Shell. Admission is free. Donations will be accepted.  

The event is produced by Eustis Main Street, Inc., Public Arts & Music and Promotion Committees and sponsored by Lake Mechanical, Florida Hospital Waterman, the City of Eustis, The Daily Commercial, English Communications, and Lake County Tourism and Business Relations. If you’re interested in becoming a PAM volunteer or would like more festival information, contact Eustis Main Street, Inc. at events@eustismainstreet.org. or by phone at 352-357-8555. Festival information available at www.EustisMainStreet.org.

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Lake County sent out three releases recently – birdwatching hike Saturday, arts meeting Friday and fall plant sale Saturday –  relating to the local tourism industry.

A summary of each is:

  • The bird survey scheduled for Friday, Oct. 8, has been rescheduled for next week, but the Oct. 9 fall bird hike is on.
  • A plant sale is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 9, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Horticultural Learning Center in Tavares.
  • Central Florida’s art leaders are gathering at the Cooper Memorial Library in Clermont on Friday.

Below is the news releases from Lake County:

County park rangers reschedule Friday’s bird survey; plan for Saturday’s bird hike

The Lake County Parks & Trails Division is rescheduling the bird survey originally slated for Friday, Oct. 8, to Friday, Oct. 15, from 7 to 10 a.m. at PEAR Park, located at 5336 University Ave., Leesburg.

A fall bird hike is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 9, from 8 to 10 a.m. at Ferndale Preserve, located off County Road 455 in South Lake County. Participants will enjoy views of Lake Apopka and observe the progress of the Ferndale’s restoration on this 2-mile hike around this scenic preserve. Park rangers will point out migratory birds and other wildlife.

Participants are encouraged to bring binoculars, field guides, water, snacks, sunscreen, insect repellent, a hat and hiking shoes. Reservations are required.

For more information or reservations, call the Lake County Parks & Trails Division at (352) 253-4950, e-mail parksandtrails@lakecountyfl.gov or log on to www.lakecountyfl.gov/parks.

Discovery Gardens at Lake County Agricultural Center extends summer hours until Oct. 11

Master Gardener Fall Plant Sale set for Saturday from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

The Discovery Gardens at the Horticultural Learning Center, which is located on about 3.5 acres behind the Lake County Agricultural Center, 1951 Woodlea Road in Tavares, will extend its summer hours of 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday-Friday, until Monday, Oct. 11.

Beginning Monday, Oct. 11, the hours of the Horticultural Learning Center will be 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday-Friday.

On Saturday, Oct. 9, a Master Gardener Fall Plant Sale will be from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Horticultural Learning Center’s Discovery Gardens. Plant buyers are encouraged to arrive early as plants for sale run out quickly.

Discovery Gardens is a virtual outdoor learning center for young students and aspiring gardeners providing hands-on learning experiences. Started in 1995, the Gardens is a joint effort of the Lake County Board of Commissioners, University of Florida County Extension Services, Friends of the Horticultural Learning Center and the Master Gardener Society of Lake County.

The Horticultural Learning Center is an educational resource supporting the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) programs in horticulture, gardening, landscape design and natural resource management.

For more information, call the Lake County Extension at (352) 343-4101.

Lake County tourism staff welcomes Central Florida’s arts leaders to Clermont

Lake County Tourism & Business Relations is welcoming dozens of Central Florida’s art leaders to South Lake County for a meeting on Friday, Oct. 8, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Cooper Memorial Library, located at 2525 Oakley Seaver Drive in Clermont.

“This meeting is an opportunity for local arts councils, organizations and artists to come together to discuss common issues regarding advocacy and awareness for the arts in Central Florida,” said Kathy Pagan, Lake County Tourism Specialist.

United Arts of Central Florida created A.L.I.G.N. (Advance-Listen-Inspire-Grow-Nurture) as an opportunity for arts leaders in the seven-county region to discuss advocacy and awareness for the arts. This meeting occurs twice annually in order to develop a region-wide action plan to follow up on the myregion.org economic impact study and educate local arts organizations on how to speak and present to local government officials. Attendees represent local arts agencies and cultural organizations in Brevard, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Polk, Seminole and Volusia counties.

“This leadership group has met for two years; however, this will be the first time Lake County has had the opportunity to host this event,” Pagan said. “The semi-annual meetings are usually held at cultural venues such as museums or art galleries. At least 50 attendees are expected, but we really need as many members as possible of the local arts organizations and communities to attend.”

To make reservations for this event or for more information, contact Cory Warren at events@unitedarts.cc.

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Lake County Tourism & Business Relations recently released editions 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 and 34 of its podcast series.

The podcasts help to inform tourists and local visitors about attractions and events in Lake County, Fla. For a complete listing of all podcasts, log on to www.lakecountyfl.gov/enjoying_lake_county/podcasts.aspx.

Melon Patch Theatre

The Melon Patch Theatre is a community theatre located in Leesburg. This year marks its 60th anniversary providing the community with family-friendly theatrical productions such as musicals, comedies and plays. The theatre also has children’s productions under the name of Patchwork Productions, which will be featuring “Babes in Toyland” this season. The theatre will also feature a Christmas show titled “Melon Patch Family Christmas” opening in December 2010. For show schedule and tickets, log on to www.businessmasters.net/melonpatch.

Hansen’s World Wakeboard Center

The center has various training programs to help the competitive rider hone their skills. It caters to both amateurs and professionals with on-site lodging for camps and trainees. For more information, log on to www.worldwakeboardcenter.com.

Fishing Facilities in Lake County

Lake County features more than 1,000 named lakes with great facilities for both anglers and recreational boaters. Explore many different types of fishery habitats during any boating outing. There are also many opportunities to fish from shorelines at various parks, such as Hickory Point Recreational Facility on the Harris Chain of Lakes.

Lady of the Lakes Renaissance Faire

Go back in time to the 16th century during the Lady of the Lakes Renaissance Faire scheduled for Nov. 5-7 at Hickory Point Recreational Facility. The event features hundreds of legendary performers, a lively renaissance village, exciting entertainment and one-of-kind experiences from minstrels to jousters. Information about the event and tickets are available at www.lakerenfaire.com.

16th Annual Mount Dora Plant and Garden Fair

The Mount Dora Plant and Garden Fair is an annual event featuring an array of more than 12,000 flowers and plants. The festival is located Gilbert Park and is scheduled for Nov. 6. Admission is free. For more information, contact Christine Cole at (352) 729-2170.

4th Annual Veterans Salute Ride

Join in the fun and be part of a great Veterans’ Day tribute to those that serve and have served our country. The 4th Annual Veterans Salute, held on Nov. 6, honors all U.S. veterans and benefits the Disabled American Veterans organization. The event will begin at 10 a.m. at Gator Harley-Davidson in Leesburg with breakfast and various organizations. With a police-escorted ride to Stormy Hill Harley-Davidson, the festivities continue with a live auction and lunch. For event details and a line-up of the day’s activities, visit www.gatorharley.com

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Amanda Higgins, a graphic artist and photographer from Altoona, Fla., created the winning design of the "Looking for Treble" public art contest.

Organizers of the Mount Dora Music Fest recently announced a unique “prelude” to their event that is scheduled to kick off its 14th performance on Feb. 17-20, 2011.

This cool sculpture, “Treble,” will be placed in different locations throughout the city leading up to the Music Fest. Visitors to downtown Mount Dora are invited to look for “Treble” in various shops, restaurants and businesses. Spot “Treble” and enter a contest to win tickets to the Saturday night concert of the Mount Dora Music Fest featuring The Lovin’ Spoonful.

The contest kicks off Sept. 3 and clues to the weekly location of “Treble” are available online at www.mountdoramusicfest.com.

Below is the news release from the Mount Dora Music Fest.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 28, 2010
Contact: Nancy Howell, Executive Director (352) 383-2627

Mount Dora Music Festival Celebrates ‘Looking For Treble’ Public Art Contest Winner
And the Search Continues with Part Two of the ‘Looking for Treble’ Contest…

MOUNT DORA: An Artist Reception was held Friday, August 27, at the Mount Dora Center for the Arts as Mount Dora Music Festival directors and supporters honored graphic artist / photographer Amanda Higgins of Altoona, the grand prize winner in the festival’s ‘Looking For Treble’ public art contest.

Referring to the winning artwork, contest judge Kathy Pagan, Lake County liaison to the Arts and Cultural Alliance, noted that “The artistic design is very graceful with an airy, whimsical tone that perfectly captures the fun, entertainment, and momentum of the Music Festival.”

Pat Nelson, chairwoman of the Mount Dora Music Festival, expressed her enthusiasm for Higgins’ work as well. “We are very pleased with this exciting image Amanda has created for the festival,” she said. “It perfectly captures music and art!”

The full-scale treble clef will be on display at the Mount Dora Center for the Arts until September 2, 2010. Measuring 55” high by 24” wide, the artistic sculpture is constructed on PVC board covered in vinyl. The image will serve as a promotional symbol for the Music Festival in the months leading up to the event February 17 – 20, 2011.

The Music Festival awarded Higgins a grand prize package that included a $150 cash honorarium and two VIP tickets to the Saturday night showcase concert featuring ‘The Lovin’ Spoonful.’ She also received $100 Dora Dollars from the Mount Dora Village Merchants and Business Association, a $100 wine gift basket from Maggie’s Attic, and a $100 gift certificate from Tremain Street Cottages.

The Mount Dora Music Festival in partnership with the Mount Dora Village Merchants and Business Association will continue the ‘Looking for Treble’ contest with a new twist. Phase two invites contestants to go in search of the artistic musical icon to win tickets to the Saturday night concert. Each Friday by 12 noon, from September 3, 2010 until February 11, 2011, ‘Treble’ will move to random locations throughout the village.

Contestants are invited to look for ‘Treble’ in various shops, restaurants and businesses. ‘Treble’ can be anywhere on Donnelly Street from 7th to 3rd Avenues and from McDonald to Baker Streets in the downtown corridor.

Clues to each location where ‘Treble’ can be spotted will be highlighted on the Mount Dora Music Fest website (www.mountdoramusicfest.com) and on its Facebook Fan Page at Mount Dora Music Fest – Looking for Treble. For convenience, the same clues will be posted on the entry box by the artwork. The first clue will be posted at the Center for the Arts.

When ‘Treble’ is spotted, contestants must complete an entry form and drop it in the Music Festival Contest box. Each week the entry forms will be picked up and recorded. Contestants are limited to one entry per person/per week and the person with the most number of sightings and qualified entries at the end of the contest will win two general admission tickets to the Saturday night showcase performance of ‘The Lovin’ Spoonful.’ The concert will be held February 19, 2011 at 7:30 p.m. at the Mount Dora Community Center. The winner and a guest will have special reserved seating and an opportunity to meet the band after the show.

In the event of a tie, there will be a drawing of the top entries. All entries will be saved until after the contest prize has been awarded. The winner of the contest will be notified on Monday, February 14, 2011 by 5:00 pm.
Directors and staff of the Mount Dora Music Festival and their family members are not eligible to enter.

After the contest, ‘Treble’ will be featured during the festival as part of a silent auction and the highest bidder will be announced February 19, 2011 prior to the concert. All proceeds benefit the Mount Dora Music Festival, a non-profit 501 (c) 3 organization that relies on corporate contributions, personal donations and sponsorships. If you would like to gift the Music Festival, become a sponsor or would like more information on festival events, contact executive director Nancy Howell at (352) 383-2627.

Tickets to ‘The Lovin’ Spoonful’ are on sale now, $35 advance/$40 at the door. A limited number of $75 VIP tickets and discounted group rates are available. To purchase tickets on-line via credit card or Paypal, visit www.mountdoramusicfest.com, or call our hotline at (352) 385-1010 or (352) 383-2627.

Have Fun and Happy Hunting!!!

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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.comwww.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 – 26th 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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 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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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 20th 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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