Brrr, the forecast calls for a “snow storm” in Tavares

The City of Tavares’ annual Light-up event entitled “A Picture Perfect Christmas” will take place on Saturday, Dec. 4 from 5:30 to 9 p.m. on Ruby and Main Streets in downtown. This year’s event will feature one of the largest parades ever in the history of Tavares. After enjoying the rousing sights, sounds, and excitement of the parade, brave a “snow storm” and enjoy the magic of a synchronized holiday light show. Musical entertainment will be provided by inspiring choirs and local youth. Fun activities include ice skating, wagon rides, tasty seasonal treats and a community holiday slide show.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year for great family memories, so come out to Main Street in Tavares this Saturday to create “A Picture Perfect Christmas”. See you there!

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Lady of the Lakes Renaissance Faire transorms Hickory Point into 16th Century English Village

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/.

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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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Tavares introduces new ‘harvest moon’ event

The City of Tavares sent out a news release this week announcing a new addition to its cavalcade of unique events, fairs and festivals at Wooton Park. The “Harvest Moon on the Lake Dora Bayou” is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 23, from 3 to 11 p.m.

The 3-acre park, located at 100 E. Ruby St., has undergone an immense transformation the past year. Joining the park’s pavilion, gazebos and other amenities this year were a new seaplane basin and marina.

For more information about these new features, visit the Ship’s Store at the Seaplane Base/Marina, which is an historical replica of the Woodlea House.

The news release from the City of Tavares about the “Harvest Moon on the Lake Dora Bayou” is below:

Tavares Does It Again – Another Signature Event Comes to Downtown!

Harvest Moon on the Lake Dora Bayou – October 23, 2010

Tavares, FL ~ Save the date! October 23, 2010 promises to be a day of great family fun and musical entertainment as the city of Tavares welcomes fall with the addition of a new signature event, Harvest Moon on the Lake Dora Bayou! Harvest Moon will take place in Wooton Park in downtown Tavares, 3:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Admission is free!

Throughout the afternoon Wooton Park will be the location for a variety of activities: Hay rides, rock climbing wall, bounce house, pottery demonstrations, face painters, farmers market, and pumpkin patch, to name a few. Food vendors will be available with a variety of treats to tempt your taste buds, including a sampling of Cajun and seafood specialties. As dark descends, Ghost Boat Tours will be available around Lake Dora and the Dora Canal (minimal fee).

The event starts off at 3:00 p.m. with a Hush Puppy Parade (sponsored by the Green K-9), so grab your pups and join the fun. Don’t have a dog? Come watch as canines of various sizes and shapes parade down New Hampshire and Ruby Streets in their best puppy finery. To participate, register now at the Green K-9, 113 E. Main Street, Tavares, 352.253.5205. The Green K-9 has a limited number of costumes available for loan, or you can make your own! It is recommended that participants have up to date vaccinations, particularly Bordetella (canine cough).

Entertainment not to be missed (free admission): Local bands, The Accelerators and Dixieland Band, will play throughout the afternoon. A special evening concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. featuring Buckwheat Zydeco, who recently won a Grammy Award for Best Cajun and Zydeco album for Lay Your Burden Down.

“Ace accordionist Buckwheat Zydeco (Stanley Dural) celebrates his 30th anniversary in the business with the hands-down best album he’s ever waxed, moving away from straight zydeco and into a vital, ultra-soulful zone of his own… Is this the r & b-based zydeco with which Dural made his bones? No. It’s something deeper and better.” –The Boston Herald

“Buckwheat Zydeco is a bona-fide roots music legend, and Lay Your Burden Down proves that the old dog still has a few tricks up his sleeve. Although long-time fans will revel in Zydeco’s playful accordion-bashing and friendly vocals, Lay Your Burden Down is more than just another Fat Tuesday soundtrack album. Featuring a number of great vocal performances on a wide range of challenging rock, blues, and soul material, Zydeco exceeds expectations and, after thirty years in the trenches, shows that he can still surprise and educate his audience as well as entertaining them. (Four stars)” – About.com

Following the concert, at approximately 9:00 p.m., Wooton Park will be aglow in fall colors, as a fall flavored, synchronized light show begins. Shortly after, the city of Tavares will offer “Movie Under the Stars” with a 17’ movie screen stationed near the waterfront. In keeping with the Harvest Moon theme, the feature presentation will be Twilight Saga: New Moon.

Mark your calendar now for October 23, Harvest Moon on the Lake Dora Bayou!

For more information on the event: City of Tavares, Scott Aldrich, 352.742.6477

For more information on Buckwheat Zdeco: www.buckwheatzydeco.com

Management and Publicity: Ted Fox 914.876.8766

Publicity: Cary Baker, Baker-Northrop Media 818.501.0056

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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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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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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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Learn how ‘green’ is paying dividends for toursim industry

The Second Annual Green Symposium is scheduled for Thursday, July 29, and Friday, July 30.

The two-day workshop at Mission Inn Resort & Club in Howey-in-the-Hills features two dozen presenters and three keynote speakers discussing environmental topics and how they are influencing business.

Lake County Tourism & Business Relations is moderating the “Green Tourism” panel on Friday from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. The presenters for this panel include Tavares Mayor Robert Wolfe, Bud Beucher Vice President and General Manager of Mission Inn and Cathy Hoechst, Executive Director of the Mount Dora Chamber of Commerce.

The news release, below, from the Lake County Green Team has more details.

Three ways to attend Green Symposium next week

There are three ways to attend the Second Annual Green Symposium on Thursday, July 29, and Friday, July 30, at Mission Inn Resort & Club.

Register for the two-day workshop for $100. Cost includes breakfast Friday morning, lunch on Thursday and Friday and a banquet Thursday evening. View entire agenda and register at www.lakecountyfl.gov/greensymposium (11.75 AICP credits pending). A variety of environmentally friendly initiatives in different industries will be discussed including energy conservation, green job creation, green transportation, water consumption policy, green tourism, natural waste to power, waste stream reduction and sustainable communities.

Choose to attend one of the lunches or dinner banquet to hear keynote speakers at a discounted rate of $25 per lunch or $50 for the banquet. Register at www.lakecountyfl.gov/greensymposium.

• Thursday lunch: Billy Hattaway, Managing Director for Transportation at Vanasse Hangen Brustlin
• Thursday banquet: Daniel Parker, Assistant Division Director of Environmental Health, Florida Department of Health
• Friday lunch: Doug Alderson, author of New Dawn for the Kissimmee River: Orlando to Okeechobee by Kayak, The Ghost Orchid Ghost and Other Tales from the Swamp, and Waters Less Traveled: Exploring Florida’s Big Bend Coast.

Attend free homeowner’s educational workshops on Thursday. No registration is necessary.

• 9:15 a.m. — Florida Friendly Landscaping with Charles Fedunak, Lake County Extension
• 10 a.m. — Homeowner Maintenance for Wells and Septic Systems with Paul Butler and Jerry Brown from the Lake County Health Department
• 10:45 a.m. — Water Conservation with Gregg Welstead, Lake County Department of Conservation & Compliance
• 1:15 p.m. — Natural Living with Natural Skin Care Expert Claudia Virga, Organic Gardner Joy Scroggie and Nurse Practitioner Joanne Keller
• 2:30 p.m. — Residential Energy Efficiency with John McCarthy, Lowe’s
• 3:15 p.m. — Energy Efficiency Retrofitting with Tommy Mydlo, Regency Lighting

The Lake County Green Symposium is sponsored by Shaw Environmental & Infrastructure Inc., Waste Management, Lake-Sumter Metropolitan Planning Organization, Florida Department of Health, Covanta Energy, First Green Bank, Florida Planning & Zoning Association, Lake County Board of County Commissioners, Mission Inn Resort & Club and Lake County Green Team.

For more information, log on to www.lakecountyfl.gov/greensymposium or call (352) 343-9647.

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200 teens to swing for the fences at Babe Ruth state tournament

The City of Tavares is preparing to host the 14-under Florida Babe Ruth Baseball State Tournament from Thursday, July 22, to Sunday, July 25, at the Fred Stover Sports Complex, located at 490 E. Clifford St. in Tavares, and the North Lake Community Park, located at 40430 Roger Giles Road in Umatilla.

“This is the first year we have done this tournament, but we have hosted other large baseball tournaments before,” said Scott Aldrich, Recreation Project Manager for the City of Tavares. “We are basically doing two tournaments in one: a north division at North Lake Community Park and a south division at Fred Stover Sports Complex.”

The winners in both divisions will move on to the Babe Ruth Baseball Regional Tournament being held in Demopolis, Ala., during the first week of August. Winners of the regional tournament have a chance to compete nationally at the Babe Ruth World Series in Purcellville, Va. The state tournament is double elimination with each team playing at least two games. Admission is free to the public at both complexes.

The 14-under Florida Babe Ruth Baseball State Tournament includes 13 teams from all over the state, including a local Tavares team, which won its district tournament on June 19 to advance to state play. Game times begin each day at 9:30 a.m. and the Tavares team will play its first game on Thursday at 12 p.m. Players on the Tavares team include Austin Baskette, Austin Clayton, Phillip Cooper, Wesley Danielson, Zachary Davis, Kyle Fowler, Anthony Holguin, Garrett Payne, Connor Urbon, Dalton Wells, Josh Wicker and Cory Lonsdale.

“As far as Babe Ruth goes, this is the fourth time that Tavares has earned its way into the state,” said Wade Payne, who manages the team with assistant coaches Artie Baskette and Marv Danielson. “The 13-under and the 14-under teams both won their way into the state this year. The 13-under team will play in the state tournament in Jupiter, Fla., during the same weekend.”

While several teams participating in the 14-under Florida Babe Ruth Baseball State Tournament are located nearby, such as Ocala, Longwood and Palatka, others from Jacksonville, Sarasota and Tallahassee will need to stay overnight at local accommodations.

“Many area hotels are already booked for the event,” said Greg Mihalic, Director of Lake County Tourism & Business Relations. “With sporting events, the entire area benefits as these players, coaches and families will be staying in local accommodations, shopping at stores and eating at area restaurants.”

For more information about the 14-under Florida Babe Ruth Baseball State Tournament, call Scott Aldrich at (352) 742-6477 or e-mail saldrich@tavares.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.

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