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!

Lake County Park Rangers to host two upcoming birding events

The Lake County Parks & Trails Division is hosting upcoming bird surveys at two of Lake County’s scenic parks.

On Friday, Dec. 3 from 7 to 10:30 a.m., experienced and novice bird-watchers are invited to help Lake County park rangers survey PEAR Park, located at 5336 University Ave., Leesburg, for wintering birds like Sedge Wren, Grasshopper Sparrow, and Hermit Thrush while enjoying the beauty of Lake County’s largest park.

On the following day, Saturday, Dec. 4 from 7 to 10:30 a.m., team up with park rangers at Ferndale Preserve, located off County Road 455 in South Lake County, to survey the preserve for wintering birds like Common Loon, Ash-throated Flycatcher and Painted Buntings. The 192-acre preserve is on the western shore of Lake Apopka and has a combined equestrian and hiking trail that offers stunning vistas of Lake Apopka and the surrounding areas.

It is helpful, but not necessary for participants at both events to be able to identify most common species by sight or sound. All survey-takers must have their own binoculars and field guides, and are encouraged to bring water, snacks, sunscreen, insect repellent, a hat and hiking shoes. Space is limited, so 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 http://www.lakecountyfl.gov/parks.

16th Annual Mount Dora Plant & Garden Fair Nov. 6 & 7

The 16th Annual Mount Dora Plant & Garden Fair is being held Nov. 6 & 7 in downtown Mount Dora.

When summer’s heat abates, gardeners know it’s time to head to Mount Dora and its breezy lakefront park, Simpson Cove. The downtown park, with its red-and-white lighthouse, is a half-block from the busy shopping district.

Whether they garden on several acres or on a windowsill, people know they can count on the Mount Dora Plant & Garden Fair for rare and unusual plants.

“Many people new to Florida don’t realize we grow annuals in the fall and winter,” said Christine Cole, the event’s chairman. “Also, fall is the best time to plant most shrubs and ornamentals, such as camellias. Woody plants need time to put down roots before temperatures rise again.”

Central Florida’s finest growers bring more than 12,000 plants to the event, which features orchid growers and includes native plants, butterfly-attracting perennials, herbs, roses, camellias, begonias with a complete selection of rare and unusual tropical plants.

But great gardens depend on more than plants only. The Fair brings together purveyors of wrought-iron, containers, garden antiques and garden and patio décor.

For more information about the Fair, call Ms. Cole at (352) 357-4116.

Lake County park rangers host nature hike, bird & butterfly survey

LEESBURG & DELAND — The Lake County Parks & Trails Division is hosting a bird & butterfly survey on Friday, Nov. 12, and a nature hike on Saturday, Nov. 13.

The bird & butterfly survey is scheduled from 7:30 to 11 a.m. at PEAR Park, located at 5336 University Ave., Leesburg. Experienced volunteers are invited to help conduct bird and butterfly surveys. Participants must be able to identify most common species by sight or sound and have their own binoculars and field guides.

The nature hike is from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Pine Forest Park, located at 32520 State Road 44, Deland. During the hike, park rangers will identify numerous plant species and will point out how the park is being managed for Florida Scrub Jays and its diverse wildlife population.

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 http://www.lakecountyfl.gov/parks.

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/.

It’s a Beast of a Feast

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:

Park rangers & Water Authority to guide paddling adventure on Oct. 22

Lake County park rangers, in cooperation with the Lake County Water Authority, will lead a “Paddling Adventure” on Friday, Oct. 22, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. beginning at the Astatula Boat Ramp, located at 12703 Florida Ave., Astatula.

Paddlers will explore the Double Run Preserve on Little Lake Harris. At the preserve, participants will discover the beauty of this area while learning about precious freshwater resources and seeing different plants, birds and other wildlife.

The 575-acre Double Run Preserve was purchased by the Lake County Water Authority to protect the historic connection between Lake Apopka and Little Lake Harris. The preserve further protects the hardwood swamp along the shoreline and the spring run.

Suggested items to bring include hat, waterproof shoes, water, snacks, insect repellent and waterproof cameras. Guides can provide participants with canoes or kayaks, life vests and paddles; however, participants are welcome to bring their own canoes and kayaks, life vests and paddles. Participants will be required to sign a liability waiver.

The free “Paddling Adventure” is limited to the first 15 vessels. To make reservations for the paddling adventure or for more information, call the Lake County Water Authority at (352) 343-3777.

For more information on 2010 events planned by the Lake County Department of Public Resources, Parks & Trails Division, check out its annual Events Guide online or request a copy by calling Parks & Trails at (352) 253-4950.