Go Savage in Lake

The Savage Race comes to Lake County this Saturday, come rain, shine, or Irene. This extreme race, with a 3.2 mile course covering grueling terrain, demanding obstacles and a rugged race course is not your average 5K run. Typical obstacles include fire jumps, barbed wire, mud crawls, climbing walls, cargo nets, lake swims, and several twists with unexpected challenges thrown in. Guaranteed to test endurance and pump adrenaline! I had an opportunity to do a run-through in an off road vehicle – and that was even exhilarating. But then I love watching TV’s Amazing Race and Expedition.  For the real savage athletes, participating is more like auditioning for Seal Team 6. Spectators get to participate too.  The audience chooses the winner of the “Most Savage Costume” contest. Some participants have even competed in tiaras and fairy wings. Each Savage Race is followed by a Savage Celebration.  Spectators can enjoy live music from renowned musician Chris McCarty, great BBQ food from Texas Smoke House, celebratory beverages and vendors offering deep discounts for goods and services.

Be sure to bring garden chairs to sit on as you cheer home the muddy, bruised, bloodied and happy that it is all over racers. Entrance is free for spectators and parking is $10.00 per car so you may wish to car pool.

Don’t miss the Savage Race this Saturday, August 27, at 9 a.m. at Revolution the Off Road Experience, located at 4000 State Road 33 in Clermont. After all, a hurricane is just another challenge to overcome.

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Lake County Offers Lots to Celebrate

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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County roundup: upcoming fall bird hike, plant sale & art meeting

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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Podcasts aplenty!

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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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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Award-winning thriller author Jamie Freveletti to appear at library

The Lake County Library System is honored to host Jamie Freveletti at the W.T. Bland Public Library on Tuesday, July 20, at 12 p.m. as the featured speaker for the Brown Bag Book Club; and in the at the Cagan Crossings Community Library located in the Four Corners area at 6 p.m.

Jamie Freveletti, was awarded the Best First Novel Thriller Award on July 10th at the Thrillerfest Conference hosted by the International Thriller Writers. Their membership includes some of the world’s best-selling authors: David Morrell, Lee Child, Sandra Brown, Clive Cussler, Jeffery Deaver, Tess Gerritsen, James Patterson and many, many more.

Running from the Devil (HarperCollins/ William Morrow) was chosen as a “Notable Book” by the Independent Booksellers of America and has been nominated for a Barry Award for Best First Novel, and a Macavity Award for Best First Mystery by the Mystery Readers International. It has been translated into three languages and is an international bestseller. Running Dark, her latest release, delivers a pulse-pounding sequel to Running from the Devil.

Please join us for this opportunity to meet the author and discuss her writings. Events are free, and refreshments will be served. Books will be available for purchase from Raintree Books.  For information on the library programs go to www.mylakelibrary.com . For more information on the author, visit www.jamiefreveletti.com . Sponsored by HarperCollins Publishers and the Lake County Library System. 

Jamie Freveletti is a trial attorney, martial artist, and runner. She has crewed for an elite ultra-marathon runner at 50 mile, 100 mile, and twenty-four hour races across the country, and holds a black belt in Aikido, a Japanese martial art. After law school she lived in Geneva, Switzerland while obtaining a diploma in International Studies. Back in Chicago, she represented clients in areas ranging from class actions for mass salmonella poisoning to securities fraud.

As an author, she has appeared on Chicago Public Radio, WGN Radio, Paradise Radio Network, Seattle Public Radio and WFAW Radio. She is a contributor to The Outfit Collective blog and has been featured on dozens of running blogs across the country. She currently hosts the Chicago Literary Salon: An Evening of Drinks and Debate.

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Orange you glad there’s another podcast?

It’s difficult to think of Florida without recalling its most recognizable crop, the orange. Travel down any highway in Florida and you are bound to see a roadside stand of citrus.

Ever see a citrus stand on steroids? Well, at The Showcase of Citrus in Clermont, customers can not only select fresh citrus from the stand but they can also pick their own citrus, enjoy outdoor fun on a working ranch and ride a huge swamp buggy through a gator-filled swamp.

Open since 1961, the Showcase has been a prominent point along the hilly terrain of U.S. Highway 27. The highway serves as a major tourism gateway to Central Florida’s theme parks. Sunshine State visitors frequently stop at The Showcase to pick their own citrus or purchase pre-packed fruit. A map in the grove conveniently illustrates what fruit is in season and where it grows within the grove.

Check out Lake County Tourism & Business Relations’ 25^th installment in its podcast series about The Showcase of Citrus. For a complete listing of all podcasts, log on to www.lakecountyfl.gov/enjoying_lake_county/podcasts.aspx.

For more information about The Showcase of Citrus, (352) 352-394-4377 or log on to www.showcaseofcitrus.com

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Symphony to play tonight with heavy hearts

Message from the Tavares Chamber of Commerce:

It is with a sad heart that I report that Guy Saint-Clair of the Florida Lakes Symphony has passed. To celebrate his life, the concerts will continue tonight and tomorrow night as scheduled.

The Florida Lakes Symphony Orchestra is in its fifth season. Based in Lake County, the not-for-profit orchestra features 60 professional musicians from all over the world who live in Florida. Internationally acclaimed composer and pianist Guy Saint-Clair, who has recorded with the London Symphony, founded the orchestra.

 Guy Saint-Clair’s wife, Audrey, would like for the show to go on tonight at 7:30 p.m. at the St. Patrick Catholic Church of Mount Dora, located at 6803 Old Highway 441, and tomorrow evening at The Wesley Center of the First United Methodist Church of Clermont, located at 950 Seventh St.

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Orchestra looks to finish its fifth season with a bang

Finishing its fifth season to standing ovations, the Florida Lakes Symphony Orchestra will perform April 8 & 9 and May 6 & 7.

Based in Lake County, the not-for-profit orchestra features 60 professional musicians from all over the world who live in Florida. Internationally acclaimed composer-pianist Guy Saint-Clair, who has recorded with the London Symphony, founded the orchestra. With award-winning conductor Michael J. Garasi, the orchestra has established a reputation for excellence.

“FRENCH IMPRESSIONS” will be performed April 8 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church of Mount Dora, 6803 Old Hwy 441, at 7:30 p.m., and on April 9 at the First United Methodist Church – Sanctuary in Clermont, 950 Seventh St., at 7:30 p.m.

This performance will showcase Saint-Clair’s original melodic compositions, with the composer at the piano, and a tapestry of symphonic poems: “Clair de Lune,” “Indigo Dreaming,” “Prelude to An Afternoon of a Faun,” among others.

“LATIN FIREWORKS” will light up the evenings of May 6 at St. Patrick and May 7 at the First United Methodist Church at 7:30 p.m. Following on the heels of Cinco de Mayo, this musical fiesta will feature, among other selections, “Tico Tico,” “La Bamba,” “Malaguena” and “Girl from Ipanema.”

Tickets are $42 in advance and $45 at the door. Send check to: FL Lakes Symphony Orchestra 2034 Bayside Avenue Mt. Dora, FL 32757. For more information, call (352) 589-1500.

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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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