4 things to do in Lake County (besides Bikefest)
Bikefest is fun, but it isn't for everyone, a sentiment that's become painfully clear on local social media pages in recent days.
So, if you're in the mood for something more low-key or different for fun, check out these alternatives.
FRIDAY-SUNDAY
A pleasant one-tank trip: C-Key Tiki Fest
Head around two hours west to idyllic Cedar Key for a three-day festival where they "fill a small island slap-full" of tropical rock and reggae bands, tiki-themed costumes and other entertainment and local seafood.
Note: The two most popular forms of transportation on the island are golf carts and bicycles. There are rental companies for each. If you're on foot, park near Dock Street and walk a short distance to the festivities. Details: ckeytiki.com.
SATURDAY
Improv group is 'Not Quite Ripe' in Eustis
The Not Quite RipeImprov Group, usually headquartered at the Melon Patch Players' theater, is bringing the yuks and mayhem to the ensemble's sister venue, the Historic State Theatre, 109 N. Bay St.,Eustis, at 8 p.m. on April 27.
The group described their show as "a never-before seen, totally unique, and entirely improvised show" in a social media post. Seating is general Admission is $10. Details: 352-357-7777.
SATURDAY & SUNDAY
Blueberry fest takes over downtown Mount Dora
If you're in the mood for old-fashioned, berry-good fun, the 10th Annual Mount Dora Blueberry Festival takes over the picturesque downtown quarter from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 27-28.
The annual fest at Donnelly Park, 539 N. Donnelly St., celebrates the peak of blueberry season in Lake county with fresh-picked berries for sale and blueberry products.
Crafters, live music, a pancake breakfast, blueberry beer and wine, and a blueberry pie eating contest are all featured. It's $10 to park all day, and a shuttle ride to the event is available at 900 N. Lincoln Ave. Proceeds go to the Kiwanis Club scholarships for students. Details: mountdorablueberryfestival.com.
SUNDAY
Oddities Marketplace provides weird family-friendly fun
The Lake County Oddities Marketplace is back at the fairgrounds, 2101 N. County Road Eustis, and if you need a reason outside its breadth of variety, family-friendly vibe and friendly, creative vendors, go just to see Leesburg Chamber woman-about-town Joa Harpster done up to the nines in Goth makeup and dress, selling her teas along with other familiar and not-so-familiar retailers this Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.
A fun memory with Ms. Joa 'What's on the menu?' with Joa Jane Harpster
Don't let the dark humor put you off. The monthly Oddities Marketplace is upbeat, full of laughs and has become a popular event throughout central Florida, combining the spooky, the kitschy, the mysterious, the beautiful and the twisted all at once.
Vendors are vetted for all ages. Admission and parking are free, and vendor spots still available. Details: 352-875-4224.
This article originally appeared on Daily Commercial: 4 non-Bikefest-related events in Lake County this weekend
