Fest up! Loads of fun and enriching things to do in Lake County this weekend
You'd think it was "festivus for the rest of us" with all the festivals and expos going on this weekend. It's enough to make an entertainment reporter's head spin.
From air shows to art shows to educational workshops to food expos, there's loads of fun, yum and food for thought to enjoy in Lake County this weekend.
FRIDAY ONLY
First Friday Food Truck Night pulls back into Clermont
Historic Downtown Clermont's First Friday Food Truck Night returns to the chomping grounds around charming Montrose Street, just off Lake Minneola, March 1 from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Whether you're hungry for a meal or just craving something sweet, there's something for you, and shops will stay open to provide retail therapy. Details: clermontfl.gov/298/Historic-Downtown.
Legos? Yep, that and more at First Friday in Eustis
Eustis' First Fridays are loads of fun with good community-lovin' vibes, and March's Lego-themed event should be another great time in the historic downtown area from 6 to 9 p.m.
The event features a Brick Lab with Lego Car Racing and free mini-flags for the first 200 children, and kids of all ages can enjoy building with Lego blocks. Food vendors offering a variety of treats along with retail vendors selling items and more will be lining the streets of downtown.
On stage, Eustis will be welcoming the Think Big Band from Orlando, known regionally for its classic rock, country, soul and funky blues. Visitors can listen or dance to the music and also enjoy visiting the many shops and restaurants in the downtown area Details: eustis.org or visit facebook.com/CityofEustis/events for updates.
Bring your appetite to Taste of Lake
Sample some of the best dishes of Lake County-area restaurants at a delicious annual expo hosted by the Leesburg Area Chamber of Commerce. Eateries compete for the best of the best in categories like Best Entree, Best Appetizer, Best Dessert, Best Beverage and more.
According to the chamber, you can "stroll through our beer garden and try a variety of local craft beers, ales and ciders. Listen to great live entertainment, check out local businesses and enjoy a night of community connections."
This event takes place at the Venetian Center at 6 p.m. on March 1. Tickets are $35 in advance, $45 at the door, $30 for military, teachers and first responders. Details on the chamber's Facebook page.
FRIDAY & SATURDAY
Dazzling air shows, saucy grub and live tunes at Tavares fest
The citizens of Tavares love two things: barbecue and seaplanes, and you can enjoy both and much more at the city's 16th annual Planes, Tunes & BBQ. Head to Wooton Park in Tavares' historic downtown March 1-2 to enjoy a free air/drone shows, live music and loads of entertainment.
Get off work early Friday because the event's festivities begin at 4 p.m. Singer-songwriter Reece will open the show with his unique country sound, and Kings County will wrap things up with an edgy blend of modern country and classic rock favorites.
On Saturday, food vendors will feed hungry revelers as seaplane pilots participate in the Seaplane-A-Palooza flying competitions. The crowd's favorite, we're told, is the melon bomb drop. Dallas Tyler performs country music hits, and aerial performances by professional aerobatic pilots Chef Clemmens Kuhlig, Doug Litton, Jerry "Jive" Kerby and John Black will dazzle the crowd. Admission is free. Details: tavares.org.
SATURDAY & SUNDAY
'All kinds of art' at Leesburg Art Festival March 2-3
The 47th annual Leesburg Art Festival this spring, which will take over Main Street on March 2-3. Along with visual art, music and dance, you can hear stories and more at a literary festival presented in partnership with the Leesburg Public Library, spotlighting 24 authors reading from and selling their books. Plus, art kids' activities, the Heart of Florida Model A Club, food and beverages, and more can be enjoyed.
Festival events on include a Beacon College vocal performance, Barbara Gomulka on piano on Main Street, a Leesburg High School Orchestra and dance performance the “Not Quite Ripe! improv group.
It all takes place on Main Street and in different areas of downtown Leesburg and the Leesburg Center for the Arts, 429 W. Magnolia St., Leesburg, through March 30. Details: leesburgarts.com.
Weekends at the Winery's free outdoor concerts
Bring lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy free live music at the Lakeridge Winery this Saturday and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. No coolers or outside food and beverages allowed. Admission and parking are free. Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards is at 19239 U.S. 27 N, Clermont. Visit lakeridgewinery.com for details on its wines and other goods.
Grown-up and kid fun plus U-pick strawberries at local farm
Bring the kids, your boo or just your lovely self for amusements and to stock up on berries 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, blueberry lemonade, farm-made cocktails and seasonal craft beer will be available. An unlimited play wristband costs $22 (plus tax) for children 42 inches and taller, $18 (plus tax) for younger. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Feb. 24 & 25, at 16651 Schofield Road, Clermont. Entry ends at 5:30 p.m. Details: southernhillfarms.com.
SATURDAY ONLY
Make like Robin Hood at Groveland Archery Festival
Archers of all ages will shoot to score in Groveland this Saturday. The pointy fun happens from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 2 at Downtown Festival Park -117 N. Main Ave, Groveland. Details: Email Capt. Schirra McDaniel at realfloridahunting@gmail.com or call 352-636-0197.
EcoExpo offers sustainability tips and fun at Lake Square Mall
Attend an expo presented by the Lake County County Conservation Council, displaying around 50 exhibits from government agencies, nonprofit conservation organizations and green businesses.
It's where you can examine 20 environmental maps of Lake County produced by GIS, or check out the local artwork featured in a poster contest for Lake County high school students, and 50 competition posters will be on display with prizes announced at the event. If you enjoy all things plants and wildlife, Trout Lake Nature Center of Eustis will present an interactive discovery exhibit.
Exhibits will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. More than 20 speakers from government, academia and business will speak on topics including smart growth, sustainability, energy alternatives, climate change, and community resilience. Keynote speaker will be Lake County Commissioner Doug Shields. Other talks will take place throughout the day. Lake Square Mall is at 10401 U.S. 441 in Leesburg. Details: lcconservationcouncil.org .
A little Tokyo in Eustis via koto performance & Japanese workshop
In the mood for something that will transport you away from the same ol' same ol'? Arching Oaks Art and Culture Center in Eustis will host Shiho Yamashita of @13strings_of_melody for a performance on the Koto (Japanese harp) followed by an educational workshop. Registration for this event is now open at archingoaks.org. $15 includes admission to both the performance and workshop. Arching Oaks is located at 37114 N. Thrill Hill Road, Eustis. Details: facebook.com/archingoaks.
SUNDAY ONLY
Free Bicycle Safety Workshop at Adrenaline Bike Works
Did you know that Florida leads the nation in fatal bicycle accidents according to US News and World Report, but the numbers of cyclists taking to our streets continues to grow? The goal of a March 3 bicycle safety workshop is to impart best safety practices for cyclists. For instance, by law motorists must allow cyclists 3 feet of space while passing, and cyclists also are required to obey traffic signals,
"Why would a retired Canadian police officer organizer team up with retired US law enforcement officers from Adrenaline Bicycle Works to host this event?" asked event organizer Skip Bloxham. "For myself it's the painful memory of our most dreaded task of notifying next of kin of a highway tragedy." Featured speakers include Jim Dobson (The Bike Lawyer) and Kelly Murphy of the Florida Bicycle Association.
Learn how to prevent future bike tragedies from happening at 11 a.m. on Sunday, March 3, at Adrenaline Bike Works, 206 N. Highland St., Mount Dora. Details: 352-782-0293 or email skipbloxham@gmail.com.
Hosting an event in Lake County or nearby? Email description and photo (without text, please) to news@dailycommercial.com. Please notify us at least two weeks in advance.
This article originally appeared on Daily Commercial: Big fests this weekend in Lake County
