7 fun things to do in Lake County (*and Tater Salad in Orlando)

It's a little quieter this weekend, so we thought we'd recommend a show this Friday by one of comedy's greats, Ron White, out yonder in O-Town.

But there's also some cool stuff happening locally too, from celebrating Earth Day 2024 to the going back in time with a tribute to the late-great Elvis Presley. Read on for more ...

FRIDAY

Ron White, aka 'Tater Salad,' to headline the Hard Rock

Wickedly acerbic with a Texas drawl, Ron White is a straight shooter who came onto the comedy scene brandishing a Scotch and a cigar. The comedian known as "Tater Salad" first endeared us as part of the “Blue Collar Comedy Tour” a couple of decades ago, with Jeff Foxworthy and Larry the Cable Guy.

A classic storyteller, the veteran comic regales us with tales from his real life, ranging from growing up in a small town to his everyday encounters as one of the most popular comedians on the U.S. comedy scene. Older, wiser and still saucy, even if not completely sauced, White headlines two shows this Friday: at 7 and 9:30 p.m. at Orlando's Hard Rock Live on April 19 at 6050 Universal Blvd., Orlando. Details: cafe.hardrock.com/orlando.

SATURDAY

Clermont Earth Day Clean-up & Festival

Join some caring citizens in Clermont for a free way to celebrate Earth Day at Lake Hiawatha Preserve. Along with cleaning up around Lake Minneola, environmental education, a kid zone, DJ, and more will entertain all who attend. The free event takes place from 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. April 20 at 450 12th St., Clermont. Details: clermontfl.gov.

Choose Secondhand First on Earth Day

Goodwill Industries of Central Florida is celebrating Earth Day this year by calling on us to make a greener difference in our community on Saturday, April 20, by donating clothes and shopping at their stores. "Your donations are diverted from local landfills, extending the life and value of the items you donate," a company press release claims. "In fact, last year nearly 24 million pounds of donated goods were diverted from Central Florida landfills."

Donors across Orange, Osceola, Brevard, Volusia, Seminole and Lake counties can drop off unwanted or no longer needed household goods at any of GICF’s 29 retail stores or 16 Donation Xpress locations. Clothes, sneakers and shoes, and small household appliances are always needed and highest in demand. The Goodwill in Leesburg can be found at 10600 U.S. 441. Hours are from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. The Eustis/Mount Dora location is at 18573 U.S. 441.. Check out Choose Secondhand First at goodwillcfl.org/ for details.

Bing Futch brings his Appalachian-modern sound to Trout Lake

You'd be hard-pressed to find a more Zen but entertaining way to celebrate Earth Day than lounging under the stars and listening to music at the Trout Lake Nature Center.

At this month's music showcase, the American past and present converge with a performance from Bing Futch. The eclectic musician has headlined at the Walnut Valley Festival, the Florida Folk Festival, the Old Songs Festival, Indiana Fiddlers Gathering, and Common Ground On The Hill, "unleashing a torrent of music using Appalachian mountain dulcimer, ukulele, Native American flute and a looper."

Bring a dish for the potluck dinner at 7 p.m. on April 20. The concert will start around 7:30. A small donation is requested. Trout Lake Center is at 520 E. County Road 44, Eustis. Details: facebook.com/troutlakenaturecenter/events.

SATURDAY & SUNDAY

Bring the fam to the Kid Zone at Southern Hill Farms

Enjoy carnival-style fun and fresh pickin's 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 quench thirsts. Amusements include the Southern Hill Express motorized train, a giant fun slide and a cyclone swing.

An unlimited play wristband costs $22 (plus tax) for children 42 inches and taller, $18 (plus tax) for younger. Takes place from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, April 20. The farm is located at 16651 Schofield Road, Clermont. Entry ends at 6:30 p.m. Details: southernhillfarms.com.

Wine down the weekend at Lakeridge Winery

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 Kara & Jordan Duo plays favorites from yesterday to today. On Sunday, Zack Denby performs southern rock, classic pop, old and new country and more with Malcom Slick White.

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.

SUNDAY

All hail the king of rock 'n roll with Richie Santa in 'Elvis Forever'

If you ask the folks at The Villages, they'll tell you that Elvis fans "can't help falling in love" with Richie Santa, who will headline a show embodying the swiveling, scintillating rizz of Elvis Presley in Elvis Forever at the Savannah in the Villages Sunday night.

According to the community's media, the show "captures it all: the voice, the charisma, the music, the look and the excitement" of the late King of Rock 'n' Roll, who left our world in 1976 (though some still insist he's alive, imbibing in Mai Tais with Tupac on a remote island somewhere). Show times are 4 and 7 p.m. on April 21 at the Savannah Center, 1545 N Buena Vista Blvd., The Villages. Details: villages.com/entertainment.com.

Hosting an event in Lake County or nearby? Email description and photo (without text, please) to new

This article originally appeared on Daily Commercial: From 'Tater Salad' to Trout Lake: fun stuff to do Apr 19-21