Celebrate Independence Day at 4 events in Lake County

Lake County is celebrating Independence Day with four events sure to stir patriotic spirits.

For a day full of fanciful fireworks and family fun, look no further than the enchanting downtown districts of Lake County. Enjoy the Fourth of July festivities this year from land or water as all four Independence Day events in Lake County occur near lakes. Find the perfect perch on a blanket or boat and watch the night sky sparkle with an array of firework displays.

Best of all is the Fourth of July events in the cities of Groveland (www.downtowngroveland.com), Leesburg (www.leesburgflorida.gov), Mount Dora (www.ci.mount-dora.fl.us) and Tavares (www.tavares.org) are free. Check with each city for more information. All events are weather permitting.

OLD FASHIONED INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION
The 18th Annual “Old Fashioned Independence Day Celebration” in Mount Dora is on July 3. At 10 a.m., a parade marches along Donnelly Street continuing south to Gilbert Park. At 5 p.m., cold drinks, hot dogs, barbecue, ice cream and more will be on sale in the park. A DJ playing music will be on hand with games for the youngsters starting at 5 p.m. Children’s activities include face painting, an obstacle course and crafts. The Mount Dora Jazz Orchestra featuring Shawn Paris will play from 7 to 8 p.m. Then the DJ will take back over until dusk, when the grand fireworks finale light up the sky over Lake Dora presented by the City of Mount Dora and the Mount Dora Rotary Club.

SOUTH LAKE FOURTH OF JULY FESTIVAL
The South Lake Fourth of July Festival on July 3 is from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Lake David Park in Groveland. The schedule of events includes a classic car show from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Barefoot Water Skiing Competition featuring world champions from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., games and inflatables from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Mr. & Miss. Firecracker Pageant at 10 a.m., opening ceremonies at 12 p.m., Dancing Dragons Martial Arts at 1 p.m., Lawrence Dance Studio at 2 p.m., Hula Hoop contest at 3 p.m., Overdue Bill and the Collectors at 3:45 p.m., watermelon eating contest at 4 p.m., Audra Jones at 5 p.m., The Dan Story Band at 6:15 p.m., Country Music Artist John Anderson at 7:30 p.m. and fireworks at 9:15 p.m.

INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION “TAVARES, WHERE DREAMS TAKE FLIGHT”
The City of Tavares festivities on July 3 begin at 3 p.m. with a water ski show at Wooton Park. The parade starts at 5 p.m. on Main and Ruby streets. The parade will be followed by another water ski show at 6:45 p.m. Music will be provided throughout the afternoon and evening by Blue Stone Circle Band and the Island Boys Band. A synchronized light show and a Polynesian Fire Dancer will lead into a spectacular fireworks display, which begins at 9 p.m. Free parking is available at the Lake County Parking Garage at Maud Street and Sinclair Avenue. In addition, the Tavares water taxis will be operating Friday and Saturday between Wooton Park and the City Marina in Mount Dora. The cost of the trip is $5 one-way and $10 round-trip. The 49 passenger, air-conditioned vessels take about 45 minutes for a one-way trip. No reservations are required. If weather prevents the fireworks from being presented at 9 p.m. on July 3 as planned, then every attempt will be made up to 11 p.m. If this plan cannot be accomplished, then the city will present the fireworks on July 4 at 9 p.m. Inquiries may be made by calling (352) 742-6300.

FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION AT VENETIAN GARDENS
No Independence Day party is complete without ice cream, fireworks and the national pastime. Join the City of Leesburg on July 4 for a host of family friendly activities at Venetian Gardens, 201 E. Dixie Ave., beginning at 6 p.m. with Jim VanFleet and the Reign Band. At Pat Thomas Stadium, enjoy a free baseball game as Florida Collegiate Summer League’s Leesburg Lightning take on the US9 Armed Forces Team at 6 p.m. At 7:30 p.m., free ice cream will be served by City of Leesburg elected officials and staff. The fireworks display begins at 9:15 p.m. with free flags and apple pie.

Read Full Post »

Mount Dora B&B sets sparkling precedent

Lake County Tourism & Business Relations congratulates Heron Cay Lakeview Bed & Breakfast, located at 495 W. Old Highway 441 in Mount Dora, for earning AAA’s Four Diamond Rating for a remarkable 15 years in a row (last five with the current owners).

“Heron Cay owners Margie Salyer and Randy Burgener know the meaning of customer satisfaction as they consistently deliver superior personal service,” said Greg Mihalic, Director of Lake County Tourism & Business Relations. “Heron Cay Lakeview Bed & Breakfast is truly a gem of Lake County’s hospitality industry.”

Of the nearly 60,000 hotels and restaurants evaluated this year by AAA across North America, just one-fourth of 1 percent attained the Five Diamond rating and just 3 percent earned the Four Diamond rating. According to AAA, its team of highly trained professional tourism editors visits some 60,000 lodgings and restaurants each year — covering the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. Tourism editors conduct unannounced evaluations, scrutinizing such areas as cleanliness, comfort, ambiance and service.

“It’s not something we pay them to come here and do,” said Salyer. “It’s a great honor. We’re the only small lodging establishment in Central Florida to earn this distinction.

“You can’t just be average, you have to be better than average,” she added. “You have to have quality furnishings, accommodations and cleanliness.”

The Victorian-style, three-story bed and breakfast overlooking Lake Dora is within walking distance of downtown Mount Dora. It is the largest B&B in Lake County with more than 9,000 square feet. Not only is it one of the largest in Central Florida, but it was actually built to be a bed and breakfast. Erected in 1995, Heron Cay did not have to be remodeled to accommodate overnight stays as each guest room features a bathroom, television and fridge. The popular Mount Dora B&B features seven guest rooms, six fireplaces, three staircases and one dining room large enough to serve one outstanding breakfast buffet.

For more information, call (352) 383-4050, e-mail innkeeper@heroncay.com or log on to www.heroncay.com.

Read Full Post »

‘Blues’ to bring joy to Mount Dora festival-goers

Lake County Tourism & Business Relations is excited to be a sponsor for the Second Annual Mount Dora Blues and Wine Festival slated for May 21-23 at Lakeside Inn, located at 100 N. Alexander St.

“Lake County Tourism & Business Relations is proud to sponsor the Mount Dora Blues and Wine Festival,” said Debi Dyer, Lake County Tourism Specialist. “The Blues and Wine Festival is another great event from Mount Dora that bolsters local tourism and enhances the quality of life for County residents.”

The festival kicks off on Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. with “Blues Brothers Imitators” T. Scott Walker and the Nightly Blues Band. During the “Jake & Elwood Blues Brothers contest,” guests can show up in their best Blues Brothers costume and take the stage for a chance to win a hotel weekend at Lakeside Inn.

Beautiful Bobby Blackmon entertains the crowd at last year’s Mount Dora Blues and Wine Festival.

On Saturday from 3 to 5 p.m., a free wine tasting event is scheduled at Lakeside Inn’s Tea Garden with national vineyards and local wine vendors, including Sebastiani Vineyards, The Cellar at Maggie’s Attic, The Wine Cellars and The Wine Den. The live entertainment continues on Saturday from 3 to 9 p.m. with the Shaun Rounds Band, T. Scott TropRockers Blues Band, Apple Mary’s Blues and Miss Jacqueline Jones (Queenie & the Blues Krewe).

From 12 to 3 p.m. on Sunday, festival concludes with Selwyn Birchwood & Deuces Wild with RJ Harmon on Harmonica, Beautiful Bobby Blackmon and Rent Money Blues Band Jam.

Three-day tickets are $48 in advance. At the door, Friday night tickets are $8, $36 on Saturday and $12 for Sunday. Festival-goers are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets. For more information, call (352) 728-5250 or log on to mountdorabluesandwinefest.com.

For more information about Lake County vacations, call (800) 430-LAKE, log on to http://www.lakecountyfl.com or visit the Welcome Center, located at 20763 U.S. Highway 27 in Groveland.

Read Full Post »

Grab a fork and head to Mount Dora

The Ninth Annual Taste in Mount Dora is scheduled for Sunday, April 25, at Lake Receptions, located at 4425 Hwy 19A.

The news release from the Mount Dora Chamber of Commerce is below:

9th Annual Taste in Mount Dora

Sunday, April 25th, 2010 (5:00-8 pm)

The Mount Dora Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce participation by 14 of the area’s finest restaurants and caterers in the 9th Annual Taste in Mount Dora located this year at Lake Receptions located at 4425 Hwy 19A, Mount Dora.

The past several years this event has sold out. We have sold 200+ tickets with a maximum of 500 to be served. Come enjoy yourself and indulge in a bevy of spectacular food, fabulous music and socializing.

Here is just a small sample of some of the menu items to tempt your taste buds:

• Tortellini Pavarotti
• Black Beans & Yellow Rice
• Smoked Duck Quesadilla
• Eggplant Rollatine
• Rack of Lamb with Rosemary Guinness Reduction
• Chicken Francese
• Pollo Asado
• Chocolate Mousse Cheesecake
• Cannoli
• Chocolate Croissants

Live entertainment featuring: Cohen/Shooker Duet

Cash bar

To indulge in the FULL experience, CALL NOW TO PURCHASE TICKETS

352-383-2165

$35 ADVANCE/$40 at the Door Serviced Tables $50 each

Credit cards accepted

LIMITED SEATING

Read Full Post »

Conference USA men’s golf teams to converge in Lake County for championship

Lake County Tourism & Business Relations and the Central Florida Sports Commission will be welcoming the men’s golf teams from Conference USA for the 2010 Men’s Golf Championship on April 25-27 at the RedTail Golf Club, located at 26026 Member Lane in Sorrento.

“An event like the Conference USA Men’s Golf Championship is significant in terms of the visibility it brings to our community and the tremendous direct and indirect economic impact it generates for Lake County,” said Greg Mihalic, Director of Lake County Tourism & Business Relations.

The defending C-USA Champion, the University of Central Florida, is hosting the tournament. Other schools from the Conference include East Carolina University, University of Houston, Marshall University, University of Memphis, Rice University, Southern Methodist University, University of Southern Mississippi, Tulane University, University of Tulsa, University of Alabama at Birmingham and University of Texas at El Paso.

“We are thrilled to bring the Conference USA championship to Lake County,” said Sam Stark, President of the Central Florida Sports Commission. “It gives Lake County another opportunity to show what a great place it is for collegiate sporting events.”

The three-day tournament includes 18 holes of competition on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday with the first tee times scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Playing partners for the first day will be determined by a blind draw. For every succeeding round, team scores will determine pairings.

The winner gains the league’s automatic bid to the NCAA Championship. The top individual finisher at the championship will be the individual champion and the top five finishers will be the All-Tournament team. The first and second place teams will receive trophies and the first place team will receive individual awards.

The public is encouraged to attend the C-USA Championship, as admission is free. For more information about the 2010 C-USA Men’s Golf Championship, call Jon Baran, Lake County Marketing Manager at the Central Florida Sports Commission, at 407-648-4900 ext. 21, e-mail jbaran@orlandosports.org or log on to www.lakecountysports.org. 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.

Read Full Post »

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.

Read Full Post »

Prepare for an adventure in reading

The Lake County Library System is preparing for its Seventh Annual Festival in Reading, March 17-20.

A library-sponsored program may not seem like much of a tourist draw, but this annual event is a bookworm’s dream. In addition to events at local libraries, the Festival of Reading hosts a crop of up-and-coming authors, as well as some best-selling novelists, such as Nancy Cohen, Lucienne Diver, Mark Schweizer and Dolores Wilson.

So warm up your reading lamps and dust off your bookmarks, it’s nearly time for the Festival of Reading

The news release from the Lake County Library System is below: 

Lake County Library System Festival of Reading Returns with Adventures in Paradise

From March 17th through the 20th everyone in our community will experience Adventures in Paradise. Writing workshops and author events will be featured and Friday evening we will host a gala reception for all of our authors at the awesome Leesburg Public Library.

Wednesday, March 17

• 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Authors’ Roundtable, Cooper Memorial Library featuring: Art Adkins, Colleen Avelli, Doris Bloodsworth, Sherry Boas, Brenna O’Shea Cagiano, Dara Edmondson, Darlene Funkhaouser, Bob Grenier, Valerie Hart, Catherine Kean, Ronald Johnson, Jeffrey Lamb, Paul McElroy, David Carl Mielke, Mark Miller, Robert C. Miller, Regina Peeples, Eric J. Reinhold and Michelle Young.
• 2 p.m.- Murder by the Book, Cooper Memorial Library with St. Martin’s mystery/thriller authors Tom Lowe and Julie Compton
• 3 p.m. – Writing for Young Audiences, City of Tavares Public Library with M.C. Finotti, Vic DiGenti and Eric Reinhold

Thursday, March 18

• 4 p.m. – Florida Rocks!, Paisley County Library with John Henry Fleming, Steve Rajtar and Jim Robison
• 5 p.m. – Movie Adventure, Fruitland Park Library with Jeffrey Lamb with cast members from The Old Livingston House
• 7 p.m. – Great Beginnings, The Importance of the First Page @ Tavares City Hall workshop with Vic DiGenti

Friday, March 19

• 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.- Writing Workshops & Author Panels, W.T. Bland Library with Elaine Viets, Delores Wilson, Mark Schweizer, Elizabeth Sinclair, Lucienne Diver & Cynthia Thomason
• 6:30 p.m. – Gala Author Reception, Leesburg Public Library Featured authors: Julie Compton, Nancy Cohen, Lucienne Diver, John Henry Fleming, Jeffrey Lamb, Steve Rajtar, Eric Reinhold, Mark Schweizer, Elizabeth Sinclair, Cynthia Thomason, Elaine Viets and Dolores Wilson; and honored local authors: Art Adkins, Colleen Avelli, Doris Bloodsworth, Brenna O’Shea Cagiano, Dara Edmondson, Bob Grenier, Valerie Hart, Catherine Kean, Ronald Johnson, Jeffrey Lamb, Paul McElroy, David Carl Mielke, Mark Miller, Regina Peeples, Eric J. Reinhold and Michelle Young.

Saturday, March 20

• 9 a.m.to 4 p.m. – Writing Workshops & Author Panels, Leesburg Public Library with authors Nancy Cohen, Lucienne Diver, Mark Schweizer, Elizabeth Sinclair, Elaine Viets & Dolores Wilson

Specific information on the workshops for upcoming writers and the author appearances can be found on the Lake County Library System website or by calling 352-253-6167.

Read Full Post »

Tourism supports upcoming wedding expos

The Lake County Tourism & Business Relations Division is increasing its marketing efforts to help newly engaged couples find their way through the maze of matrimonial planning and enjoy a storybook wedding day in Lake County.

Pick up a copy of Lake County's new Weddings & Celebrations Guide.

Lake County Tourism recently launched an online wedding planner at www.weddingsinlake.com, which allows brides and grooms to plan their special day by building a guest list, browsing local service providers and creating & sending out save-the-date e-cards to guests. In addition, Lake County Tourism updated its printed 40-page Weddings & Celebration Guide that includes a comprehensive listing of local bakeries, caterers, wedding planners, suggested facilities, florists, jewelers, photographers, entertainers, printers and travel planners.

“Your wedding day is one of the most sacred moments in your life,” said Debi Dyer, Lake County Tourism Specialist. “Whether your dream for the big day is grandiose or quaint, Lake County has the picture-perfect setting and friendly service providers to make your dreams come true.”

During its campaign to promote weddings in Lake County, Tourism staffers will be exhibiting at several upcoming wedding expos and is encouraging new brides to join them:

• Feb. 21 — Lake County Wedding Professionals Event from 1 to 4:30 p.m. at Mission Inn Resort & Club, located at 10400 County Road 48, Howey-in-the-Hills. More info: 407-928-9612.
• March 21 — ZMaxRadio.com Bridal Extravaganza from 1 to 4 p.m. at Bella Collina Golf Club, located at 15920 County Road 455, Montverde. More info: 407-469-3779.
• April 11 — Lake Receptions Bridal Expo beginning at 1 p.m. at Lake Receptions, located at 4425 Highway 19A, Mount Dora. More info: (352) 357-8223.

“The effort to promote weddings will help connect businesses in Lake County that specialize in weddings with couples who are planning to tie the knot,” said Greg Mihalic, Director of Tourism & Business Relations. “It gives us an opportunity to connect our member businesses to a very lucrative customer.”

For more help planning your wedding, call (800) 430-LAKE, log on to www.weddingsinlake.com  or visit the Lake County Welcome Center, located at 20763 U.S. Highway 27, in Groveland.

Read Full Post »

New podcast in series launches

Lake County Tourism & Business Relations launched the newest edition in its podcast series this week about The IceHouse Theatre in Mount Dora.

The new podcast is the 20th installment in the series that inform tourists and 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.

The Icehouse Theatre, a year-round performing arts theatre, is a treasured Lake County tradition. The IceHouse Theatre is currently playing “Twentieth Century” until Feb. 14.

The play is by Ben Hecht and Charles MacArthur and is based on a play by Charles Bruce Milholland, adapted by Ken Ludwig. It is a hilarious farce set in 1933 that swirls around a spoiled Hollywood starlet and an egomaniacal Broadway director set aboard a luxury train.

Treat yourself to stellar productions with this season’s great offerings. For more information, call (352) 383-4616, e-mail icehouse@icehousetheatre.com or log on to www.icehousetheatre.com.

Read Full Post »

Art festival shines in the sparkling backdrop of this lakeside downtown

For art lovers, casual festival-goers and families nothing compares to the Mount Dora Arts Festival. Scheduled for Feb. 6-7, 2010, the 35th annual festival is one of the largest in the state with about 285 artists, from all over the world, attending.

More than 300,000 people are expected to attend the 35th Annual Mount Dora Arts Festival

Kicking off the festival season in Florida, more than 300,000 visitors and potential buyers attend the two-day event, which is ranked in Sunshine Artist’s Top 100 Festivals. While the fine art draws thousands to the quaint downtown, tourists and families journey to the festival to witness the striking beauty of the downtown itself.

With its downtown streets lined with New England architectural, this hilly destination overlooks the breathtaking view of Lake Dora. Beside some fine dining opportunities and unique boutiques for shopping, downtown Mount Dora features art galleries, sunset cruises, and horse and carriage rides.

With more than a dozen special events downtown each year, the Art Festival is the crown jewel. Other than the endless rows of fine art, including oil paintings, watercolors, acrylics, clay, sculpture and photography, the festival features local and regional musical entertainment at a main stage in Donnelly Park. Often confused with local craft shows, the Mount Dora Arts Festival is a juried event with $21,000 in awards handed out to artists earning honors for best of show, judge choice awards and best of category.

The event began when a group of art-loving friends decided to hold an arts festival in their small Lake County town. Through hard work and dedication, the first Mount Dora Arts Festival was held in 1975. Each year, a portion of the funds raised by the event were saved in the hopes of eventually having enough to begin an art center. In 1985, the dream was realized when the Mount Dora Art Center was opened at 138 E. Fifth Ave. in downtown Mount Dora. The Center changes exhibits every six to seven weeks and offers educational music, dance and art classes for adults and children.

The Annual Mount Dora Arts Festival is held each February in downtown Mount Dora, Fla. The 2010 festival is Feb. 6-7. For more information, call the Mount Dora Center for the Arts at (352) 383-0880 or log on to www.mountdoracenterforthearts.org.

Read Full Post »