10 things to do (times a hundred) in Lake County this weekend

Tradition and family fun converge in major festivals full of fun and variety this weekend. Enjoy live performers, stand-up comedy, amusements, food trucks and more throughout Lake County Saturday-Sunday (Feb. 16-18).

Mount Dora Scottish Highland Festival

Celebrate Scottish culture in Mount Dora with performances of pipes and drums, a tartan parade, re-enactments, Highlander athletics, Celtic music, dancing and a Society and Heritage Clan Village. Kids activities and food, retail and beverage vendors add to the festivities.

Headliner/comedian Jamie Kennedy takes the stage on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. at the Mount Dora Music Hall. In his latest stand-up special "Stoopid Smart," Kennedy eviscerates his career, personal life and current social issues. The irreverent comic has appeared in several movies including "Scream," and the TV series "The Jamie Kennedy Experiment." Upcoming projects include "Wingman" with Harland Williams. Music headliners include Tom Keefer, Blue Skye Pipes and Drums and Celtic rockers Poehemia. Events take place Feb. 16-18. Details: ci.mount-dora.fl.us/698/Mount-Dora-Scottish-Festival.

Go back in time with Celtic Angels' songs and step dance

Celtic events are all the rage this weekend in Lake County. In Clermont this Friday night, you can step back in time and enjoy ancient step dancing and otherworldly vocals as the captivating Celtic Angels perform time-honored melodies that will make you feel like you're traipsing the foggy meadows of an erstwhile pagan village. The magic happens at 7 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 16, at the Clermont Performing Arts Center at 3700 S. U.S. 27, Clermont. Tickets are $29.50-$39.50. Details:  352-394-4800, clermontpac@clermontfl.org.

'Keeping Florida wild' and protecting our wildlife

In her talk "Keeping Florida Wild: Protecting Wildlife Through Education, Advocacy, Science and Education," Sarah Gledhill will discuss how the Florida Wildlife Federation is working hard to keep Florida wild with a booming population. Her efforts continue a 90-year tradition of the federation's successes in conserving Florida’s wildlife, habitats and natural resources. Takes place 6:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 16, at the Trout Lake Nature Center, 520 E. County Road 44 in Eustis. Details: troutlakenaturecenter.com.

Henry Cho

Recently inducted as the 229th member of The Grand Ole Opry — the first stand-up comedian since 1973 to receive the honor — Henry Cho has appeared on the late-night TV circuit and his own show on GAC. His one-hour Comedy Central special, “What’s That Clickin Noise?” has also been featured on Netflix. Cho can also be heard daily on Sirus XM, Blue Collar Radio and Pandora, and will pop into the Orange Blossom Opry in Weirsdale on Friday, Feb. 16, at 7 p.m. Details: obopry.com.

Annual Georgefest takes over Eustis Feb. 17-24

The city of Eustis takes over its town square to celebrate its community's longtime annual festival Feb. 17-24. It's the 122nd annual Georgefest, the longest-running festival honoring our nation's first president, George Washington.

Amusements and recreation options galore include carnival rides and games, a bass tournament, the Running of the Georges Race, a dog jog, old-fashioned parade, contests, vendors and live entertainment.

Headliners include Tracy Byrd, who became a household name on the country music scene in 1993 when his song "Holdin' Heaven" off his self-titled debut album hit #1 on the Billboard Country Charts. Bryce Mauldin, a singer-songwriter from just south of us in Webster, is now based in Nashville, where he recently released his first independent single "All the Proof I Need" and dropped his self-titled EP. He performs this Saturday night at 7 p.m. in the McClelland Bandshell.

If you dig the authentic vibes, poetic storytelling and the neo-soul of Leon Bridges, you'll enjoy Thunderstorm Artis, who's gotten buzz for his oaring vocals and dextrous, layered guitar sound. Drake White grew up singing in his church’s youth choir in Alabama before becoming one of Country music’s most spirited innovators

On Saturday, food and craft vendors will set up at Ferran Park from 6 to 9 p.m. On Sunday, the Florida BASS Nation Tournament begins at sunrise; awards at 2 p.m. The Chamber of Commerce Chili Cook Off starts at 2 p.m. on Sunday in the chamber's parking lot. An ice cream social with Mystic Ice Cream takes place at Ferran Park at 5:30 p.m. The Miss Eustis and Miss Georgefest Pageant takes place at 6 p.m. in the bandshell.

For more scheduled events, check out the fest's event schedule at eustis.org/Residents/Georgefest, or visit facebook.com/CityofEustis/events for more details.

BBQ and fun fests in Clermont & Leesburg

This event season has seen many firsts. Clermont keeps up its forward momentum hosting its inaugural Downtown Clermont Brews & BBQ Festival at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 17.

At the event you can marvel at the competitive gluttony of a rib-eating contest. Enjoy adult and non-adult bevvies or shop, indulge in made-to-order specialties from food trucks, or take in live music by Ray Nichols, Dale New, Kaci Joe and more. Visit a classic car show between sampling grub cooked up by barbecue contest competitors. Beer sampling tickets are $25 for adults 21 and older with valid ID, available to the first 500 attendees. Details: clermontdowntown.com.

The city of Leesburg grills up a sizzling good time at Blues & Q on Saturday, Feb. 17, from noon to 4 p.m. at the Towne Square. Along with mouthwatering barbecue meats and other items for purchase, you can enjoy live music from country and blues rockers Mud Rooster; the jazzy, soulful and Motown-inspired Rusty Trumpet Band, and guitarist, singer-songwriter David Julia.

The Great Chicago Brewery and Tap Room will give out samples of their house IPA, and proceeds from its sales will go to The Warehouse Social Club of the MFPSA - MFPSA - Military, Fire, Police Support Association. Set your GPS for 510 W. Main St., Leesburg. Details: leesburgflorida.gov.

If you can't make it to the BBQ fest downtown, bring your big appetite to Clermont's Family Food Truck Night at its historic Citrus Tower, a landmark built in 1956 and considered one of the state’s most popular roadside attractions of that era, at 141 N. U.S. 27. The event on Saturday, Feb. 17, kicks off at 5 p.m., featuring live music, classic cars, kid zone and crafters. Rides to the top of the Citrus Tower available for a $7-$11 a person. Details: eventsbysg.com.

Try Weekends at the Winery for a chill wine-down

Bring lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy free live music at the Lakeridge Winery this Saturday and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. On Saturday, the duo 33 Years brings their folk-rock sound. Acoustic act L&G specialize in pop, classic rock, pop punk and other music styles. On Sunday, sit a spell with "the Ambassador of Rock 'n Soul." Billy Buchanan plays classics across the past century — from Ray Charles to Motown to Prince and Bruno Mars.

No coolers or outside food and beverages allowed. Admission and parking are free. Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards is at 19239 U.S. 27 North, Clermont. Visit lakeridgewinery.com for details on its wines and other goods.

Grown-up and kid fun at local farms

In Eustis, Amber Brooke Farms hosts its annual Strawberry Festival Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 17-18 and 24-25, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Expect a strawberry pie-eating contest, growing classes, berry picking, strawberry stomping and 40-plus farm-fun activities, including a slide hill, wagon ride, jump pillows, ball zone, playgrounds and more. Of course, strawberries will be available for purchase.

Amber Brooke Farms is located at 36111 N. County Road 44A, Eustis. Admission to the Strawberry Festival is $15 and are available at amberbrookefarms.com. Activities like archery range and gel blasters are available for an extra fee.

Bring the kids for amusements and stock up on blooming sunflowers, strawberries or a medley of fresh vegetables at Southern Hill Farms in Clermont. It's free to enter the farm's seasonal u-pick events, but pets are not permitted.

Live music and food trucks will be onsite along with blueberry lemonade, farm-made cocktails and seasonal craft beer. An unlimited play wristband can be purchased for rides and amusements such as the Southern Hill Express (motorized train), giant fun slide, cyclone swing, bounce houses, carousel, rock-climbing wall and more. Wristbands are $22 (plus tax) for children 42 inches and taller, $18 (plus tax) for under. Takes place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 17 & 18, at 16651 Schofield Road, Clermont. Entry onto the farm ends at 5:30 p.m. Details: southernhillfarms.com.

NEXT WEEK

A first for Leesburg: 'Experience the Culture of Haiti' festival

Enjoy Haitian cultural music and dance, kids activities, food and more at Artist with a Purpose Gallery, 411 W. Main St., Leesburg, from 4 to 8 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 25. Admission is free. The event's featured artists are Belina Wright, Guerline Pierre and Dafeney Josue and the festival's featured emerging artist is Jefferson Marc-Eugene. It all takes place at 411 W. Main St., Leesburg. Details: artistwap.com.

Email us info about Lake County-area events at least two weeks in advance at news@dailycommercial.com.

This article originally appeared on Daily Commercial: Things to do in Lake: Fests this weekend spill into next week