To have an event considered for Lake & Sumter Style’s Calendar section, please send a short text description (along with a color photo, if possible) 60 days in advance to:
email: Calendar@lakeandsumterstyle.com fax: (352) 732-0226
mail: Lake & Sumter Style Calendar, 100 S. 11 St., Ste. 103, Leesburg, FL 34748
All dates are subject to change without notice, so please call ahead to confirm venue listings.
EVENTS
Fantastic Florida Bookmark Contest (Through Feb. 20). Creative Lake County students in kindergarten through 12th grade are invited to submit their bookmark design for the Lake County Library System’s 10th Annual Bookmark Contest. Entries should illustrate why Florida is a great place to live, work, and play in. www.Mylakelibrary.org or (352) 253-6169.
Mount Dora Christmas Light Tours (Through Jan. 10). Step back in time with an old-fashioned horse and carriage ride to see the Christmas lights aglow in historic Mount Dora. Reservations required as the rides book quickly. 6-10pm. $14 adults, $10 children. Ahitchntime.com or (352) 394-8851.
Christmas Lights Extravaganza (Through Jan. 4). Tour Lake Eustis on this evening boat ride from Tale Chasers Grille in Tavares and see over 5 million twinkling lights from the water. 5:30pm daily. www.Talechasergrille.com or (352) 343-0200.
Light Up UCF (Through Jan. 2). Orlando’s newest holiday tradition offers the biggest free holiday light show in the area, along with a free outdoor Holiday Film Festival and Orlando’s only outdoor skating rink. UCF Arena. Parking is free, and skating tickets are $10 each. www.Lightupucf.com or (407) 823-3070.
Mount Dora Art Stroll (Jan. 9). It’s an evening of art, music, wine, and hors d’oeuvres during the Mount Dora Downtown Art Stroll. Residents and visitors “stroll” to different venues located across downtown and may purchase the artwork on display by some of Central Florida’s finest artists. 6-8pm. Free admission. (352) 383-2165.
MLK CommUnity Breakfast (Jan. 9). The annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration CommUnity Breakfast will be held in the Leesburg Community Building at Venetian Gardens from 7:30 to 9:00am. Donations accepted. (352) 728-3632.
Renninger’s Antique Extravaganza (Jan. 16-18). An antique lover’s dream! This fair at Renninger’s Twin Markets is one of the largest gatherings of antique dealers in the South with over 1,500 dealers attending. www.Renningers.com or (352) 383-8393.
Helping Hooves Benefit Horse Ride (Jan. 17). Enjoy a scenic ride with your horse at the Lake Panasoffkee Wildlife Management Area in Wildwood while helping raise money and awareness for the rescused animals at the Humane Society/SPCA of Sumter County. $20 donation per horse and handler team. Catered lunch, live music, and a special training demonstration are scheduled. Ride starts at 9am. (352) 793-9117.
MLK Commemoration Parade (Jan. 17). Starting at 11am, the parade will make its way down Leesburg’s Main Street and through the historic downtown business district. Awards will be presented at Lake-Sumter Community College on Monday, Jan. 19 at the Everett A. Kelly Convocation Center at 10am. Parade is free for spectators. (352) 365-3592.
Burns Supper Celebration (Jan. 23). Celebrate the 250th anniversary of Scottish poet Robert Burns’ birthday during this 17th annual banquet at the Mount Dora Golf Club. The evening, sponsored by the Mount Dora Cities Association, will feature Scottish music, poetry readings, and plenty of camaraderie. 5pm. Tickets are $22. (352) 383-4198.
Art & Quilt Exhibit (Jan. 30-31). Fine art and fabric art meet at the Jenkins Auditorium in Clermont for a weekend filled with beautiful creations. Tickets are $5 and may be purchased ahead of time or at the gate. 10am-6pm. Hosted by the South Lake Art League and Clermont Sewing & Quilting. (352) 241-4950.
FESTIVALS
The Villages Craft Festival (Jan. 3-4). Lake-Sumter Landing Market Square will be transformed into an outdoor craft art showcase, complete with 150 crafters with affordable original works available for purchase, during the 8th Annual Villages Craft Festival. Free admission. 10am-5pm. (800) 245-1081.
Winter Art & Craft Festival (Jan. 10-11). Stroll the picturesque streets of historic downtown Clermont and enjoy the shops and restaurants as well as the array of arts and crafts on display. 10am-5pm on Saturday; 10am-4pm on Sunday. Admission is free. www.Tnteventsinc.com or (352) 344-0657.
Mount Dora Art Festival (Feb. 7-8). Downtown Mount Dora hosts 285 of the finest artists in the country during this free, weekend-long festival now in its 34th year. Paintings, sculpture, jewelry, glass work, and other art will be available for purchase. Live music will play, and food tents and children’s booths will be open. 9am-5pm. www.Mountdoracenterforthearts.org or (352) 383-0880.
MUSEUMS
& EXHIBITS
Linda Knight: Still Searching (Through Jan. 9). Using discarded objects, artist Linda Knight has created the 42 completed mini-homes featured in this exhibit. Each sculpture tells a unique visual story. Lake Eustis Museum of Art in Eustis. www.Lakeeustismuseumofart.org or (352) 483-2900.
Lexicon and Legacy: Harold Garde (Through Feb. 8). The figurative artwork of Florida artist Harold Garde will be on display at the Museum of Florida Art in DeLand. Museum admission is $3. www.Museumoffloridaart.com or (352) 734-4371.
Watercolors by Artist Lynn Ferris (Jan. 8-Feb. 13). A beautiful exhibit by nationally known watercolor artist Lynn Ferris will be on display at the Leesburg Center for the Arts. Opening reception will be held on Jan. 8 from 5-7pm. www.Leesburgcenter4arts.com or (352) 365-0232.
MUSIC & THEATER
Little Shop of Horrors (Jan. 8-Feb. 8). A down-and-out, skid-row floral assistant becomes an overnight sensation when he discovers an exotic plant with a mysterious craving for fresh blood. Soon “Audrey II” grows into an ill-tempered, foul-mouthed, R&B-singing carnivore who offers him fame and fortune in exchange for feeding its growing appetite. Warehouse Theatre in Clermont. www.Moonlightplayers.com or (352) 319-1116.
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Dublin Philharmonic Orchestra (Jan. 10). In its first tour of the United States, the famed Dublin Philharmonic Orchestra will make a stop at the Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre in Orlando on Jan. 10 at 8pm. The performance, led by chief conductor Derek Gleeson and featuring famed soprano Mairead Buicke, is presented by the Festival of Orchestras. www.Festivaloforchestras.org or (407) 539-0245.
Zing Zang Zoom (Jan. 15-19). Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey bring their circus spectacular to the St. Pete Times Forum in Tampa. Led by magical Zingmaster Alex, audiences will marvel at the magic and skill of the trapeze artists, human cannonballs, high-wire acts, and the four-ton elephant who disappears before their eyes. Bengal tigers, Asian elephants, and Friesian horses, oh my! www.Stpetetimesforum.com or (813) 301-2500.
Russian Romance (Jan. 15-16). This concert includes Tchaikovsky favorites “Violin Concerto,” “Romeo and Juliet Overture,” and “Capriccio Italien.” Presented by the Florida Lakes Symphony Orchestra on Jan. 15 at St. Patrick Catholic Church of Mount Dora and Jan. 16 at Montverde Academy in Montverde. (352) 429-4650.
Film Series (Jan. 15). “Transformative Power of Children” is an ongoing film series at The Painter’s Daughter Art Gallery in Mount Dora. This month’s selection is 1997’s Children of Heaven, a touching Iranian film about a poor family that is unaware their young son has lost his sister’s only pair of shoes and the two are sharing a pair. 7pm. Reservations recommended. (352) 735-3470.
Coasters Featuring Carl Gardner (Jan. 16). The Mount Dora Community Concert Series continues its 20th season with the R&B/rock ‘n’ roll vocal group that gave the world a string of hits in the 1950s, such as “Love Potion No. 9” and “Yakety Yak.” 7:30pm at Lake Receptions in Mount Dora. www.Mountdoraconcerts.com or (352) 383-1165.
Comedy of Errors (Jan. 17-18). Comedy of Errors, performed by the Aquila Theatre Company, is one of Shakespeare’s most sparkling comedies. The inventive plot weaves an intricate and energetic story of two pairs of identical twins separated by a devastating shipwreck. As this comedy unfolds, all is not what it seems. Lake-Sumter Community College Performing Arts Series. (352) 365-3506.
Oliver! (Jan. 23-Feb. 8). Based on the classic Dickens’ novel, Oliver! engages audiences with its pathos and drama, while delighting with its outstanding musical numbers, including “Food Glorious Food,” “I’d Do Anything,” and “As Long As He Needs Me.” Melon Patch Theatre in Leesburg. www.Businessmasters.net/melonpatch or (352) 787-3013.
The Underpants (Jan. 23-Feb. 15). Steve Martin’s comic genius shines in this riotous adaptation of Carl Sternheim’s classic 1910 German comedy. On a beautiful day, a lovely young woman’s underpants fall down during the procession of the King and suddenly, newfound fame is hers. Icehouse Theatre in Mount Dora. www.Icehousetheatre.com or (352) 383-4616.
Stay Tuned with Five By Design (Jan. 24). Five by Design, the genius behind the popular Radio Days concert, is back by popular demand. Drawing upon the songs of Rosemary Clooney, Bobby Darin, and Henry Mancini, Stay Tuned is Five By Design’s television variety show musical. Presented by the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra at the Bob Carr Performing Arts Center. www.Orlandophil.org or (407) 770-0071.
The Fabulous Hubcaps (Jan. 25). One of the nation’s most sought after oldies show groups, The Hubcaps continue to captivate audiences with their high energy tributes to Little Richard, Elvis, The Platters, Buddy Holly, Fats Domino, Ray Charles, and The Shirelles, among others. Helen Stairs Theatre in Sanford. www.Helenstairstheatre.com or (407) 321-8111.
Budapest Festival Orchestra (Jan. 31). In less than two decades, the Budapest Festival Orchestra has become one of the world’s most traveled and popular ensembles. Known for its impassioned performances, the orchestra was founded by maestro Ivan Fischer and will perform at 8pm at the Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre in Orlando. www.Festivaloforchestras.org or (407) 539-0245.
Colours of Courage (Jan. 31). The Center for Contemporary Dance, in partnership with Wayne Densch Performing Arts Center, presents this moving celebration of black history, brought to life with contemporary dance, cultural music, and historic narratives. The performance is followed by an open-forum discussion between the audience, performers, and scholars about the impact of black history on modern culture. Helen Stairs Theatre in Sanford. www.Helenstairstheatre.com or (407) 321-8111.
The Full Monty (Feb. 6-March 1). Seeing how much their wives enjoy watching male strippers during their “girls’ night out,” unemployed steelworkers in Buffalo, N.Y., come up with a bold way to make some quick cash. In the process they discover renewed self-esteem, the importance of friendship, and the ability to have fun. Bay Street Theatre in Eustis. www.Baystreetplayers.org or (352) 357-7777.
Live Country Music & Jam (Every Tuesday). Enjoy live music, air-conditioning, a full-size dance floor, and refreshments. 6-9pm. $5 public; musicians get in free. Florida Carriage Museum & Resort, Weirsdale. Visit www.fcmr.org or call (352) 750-5500.
Spanish Springs Town Square Music (Nightly). Enjoy some great music such as Just the Two of Us, Sensation, Ginger, Brother’s Good, and DJ Donna Moore. Free. 5-9pm. Spanish Springs Town Square, The Villages.
Lake Sumter Landing Market Square (Nightly). Enjoy nightly performances from artists such as Lenny Wilson Trio, Sounds of Time, Paul Vesco’s Karakter Band, Sugar Bear Band, Randi Paul Duo, and more. Free. 5-9pm. Lake Sumter Landing Market Square, The Villages.
ONGOING EVENTS
FAITH Neighborhood Center (Ongoing). This non-profit organization serves needy individuals throughout south Lake County—currently some 800 local families. The center has an immediate need for non-perishable food as well as clothing and basic household items. Located on SR 50, just east of Groveland. Call (352) 429-1200 for operating hours.
Authors @ the Library (Select Dates). Now through February, the Lake County Library System hosts a different author each month at one of its libraries as part of its popular Authors @ the Library series. Two authors will be featured in January. On Jan. 15 at 6:30pm, Navy veteran Bob Gandt will be at the Paisley County Library to discuss Intrepid, his recounting of the Essex-class aircraft carrier that sailed the world for decades in defense of the U.S. Then, on Jan. 24 at 11am, popular writer Janice Sims will be at the W.T. Bland Public Library in Mount Dora to talk about her latest romance novel, Seduced by Moonlight. www.Lakeline.lib.fl.us or (352) 394-4265.
Middle School Art Club (Mondays). The Leesburg Center for the Arts has formed an art club for students in grades 6, 7, and 8 interested in art. Free. 4:30-5:30pm. (352) 365-0232.
Youth Book Club (Select Mondays). An ideal club for kids ages 10 and up who enjoy reading and discussing good books. Drinks and snacks provided. Free. 4:30pm. Tavares Public Library. (352) 742-6473.
Adult Book Club (Third Mondays). This group of adult book readers meets on the third Monday of each month at the Fruitland Park Library at 10am. Call to find out the current month’s book. New members are always welcome, (352) 360-6561.
George E. Mattson Classes (Mondays and Wednesdays). World-renowned Uechi-ryu Karate expert George E. Mattson will hold classes for youngsters and adults year-round at the Mount Dora Community Building. City of Mount Dora residents will receive a discount, and scholarships are available. 5-7pm. (352) 735-7183.
Tavares Tuesday Farmers Market (Tuesdays). Enjoy the season and purchase fresh produce, herbs, plants, flowers, breads, and bakery items, plus local arts and crafts at Tavares Tuesday Farmers Market. Wooten Park in downtown Tavares. 8am-1pm. (352) 551-4964.
Bilingual Storytime (Tuesdays). Children, ages 1-11, who would like to learn Spanish words and children who already know Spanish are invited to attend. Free, 11am. Tavares Public Library, (352) 742-6473.
Literary Guild (First Tuesdays). Join Literary Guild members at the Lake Eustis Museum of Art on the first Tuesday of the each month at 1:30pm for a fun and informal book discussion. Free for Museum members and $3 for guests. (352) 483-2900.
Anime Club (Second Tuesdays). Teens meet from 3:30 to 5:00pm every second Tuesday of the month at the Tavares Civic Center to discuss their favorite anime and manga. No cost to attend, (352) 742-6204.
Friends of the Cooper Memorial Library Book Club (Third Tuesdays). The Friends of the Cooper Memorial Library book club meet to discuss books selected by club members. Free. 6:45pm. Cooper Memorial Library, Clermont. (352) 394-4265.
Moms’ Morning Out (Wednesdays). Moms of all ages can bring their little ones, newborn to six months, to this casual, fun, and supportive group meeting to discuss parenting issues and socialize with other moms. 10-11:30am on the second floor of the Centre for Women’s Health at South Lake Hospital. No cost to attend; registration not necessary. (352) 394-4071 ext. 4381.
South Lake Art League Classes (Wednesdays and Thursdays). The South Lake Art League hosts a variety of classes for all ages at its downtown Clermont location, including Acrylic Painting, One Stroke Basic Strokes, Kids Art, Painting for Kids, Drawing for Kids, and Crafts for Kids, plus many others. Call (352) 241-6407 for information.
Lake-Sumter Computer Society (Thursdays). The Lake-Sumter Computer Society offers free and informative computer classes weekly on the Leesburg campus of Lake-Sumter Community College when the college is in session. Presentations range from basic computer work to advanced digital photography to in-depth genealogical research. Visit www.lscs.us for more information.
Preschool Story Time (Thursdays). Features stories, songs, and crafts for preschoolers. Free. 11am. Cagan Crossings Community Library, Clermont. (352) 243-1840.
Dining with the Doctor (Thursdays). This community program features different doctors who will discuss health topics each month. 12:30-1:30pm. Florida Hospital Waterman, Tavares. (352) 253-3388.
Lake County Farmers & Flea Market (Thursdays). Visit the weekly Farmers & Flea Market at the Lake County Expo Center & Fairgrounds in Eustis. It’s the place to shop for a variety of products ranging from apples to pasta. The market is open year-round on Thursdays. Please, no pets. 8:15am-12pm, (352) 357-9692.
Stroke & Amputee Support Group (First Thursdays). Now through next August, the Central Florida Health Alliance Stroke & Amputee Support Group will hosts a variety of educational speakers to address stroke victims, amputees, and family members. Meetings are free, and no registration is required. Most meetings take place in Leesburg. (352) 323-5658.
Breast Cancer Support (Third Thursdays). Breast cancer education and support is offered each month. Topics vary. 1:30-3pm. Florida Hospital Cancer Institute Waterman Conference Center. (352) 253-3605.
Florida Hospital Waterman Monthly Blood Drive (Third Thursdays). Located at the Florida Blood Center. 11am-7pm. (352) 742-7020.
Friday Night Street Fest (First Fridays). Includes live bands, festival food, booths, and kid-friendly activities. Free. 6-10pm. Downtown Eustis. (352) 357-8555.
Wine Tasting (First Fridays). The Wine Depository in Mount Dora hosts a wine tasting the first Friday of every month. Enjoy live music, snacks, and wines from around the world. $10 admission. 6pm. www.Winedepository.com or (352) 735-5594.
Movie in the Park (Second Fridays). This is a year-round, family-friendly event. In case of rain, the movie will be shown in the Mount Dora Community Building. Free. 7:45pm. Donnelly Park, Mount Dora. (352) 735-7183.
Ballroom Dance Party (Second Fridays). Spend the first hour of this monthly USA Dance party, 7:00-7:45pm, in a group dance lesson, and then partake in general dancing until 10pm. $8 for USA Dance members, $10 for non-members. Complimentary snacks and beverages. Call (352) 406-1253 for location.
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Mount Dora At Nite (Third Fridays). Shop, dine, and enjoy live music in historic Mount Dora during this monthly, after-hours event from 6-9pm. Each month’s event features a different live band or performer. (352) 383-5451.
Winter Music Series (Saturdays in January). Every Saturday in January, enjoy live music, food, and wine at Lakeridge Winery on US 27 in Clermont. 1-4pm. www.Lakeridgewinery.com or (800) 768-9463.
Leesburg Saturday Morning Market (Saturdays). A multitude of vendors sell produce, plants, flowers, and specialty foods every Saturday from 8am to 1pm in Towne Square in historic downtown Leesburg. www.Leesburgsaturdaymorningmarket.com or (352) 365-0053.
BLAST-Babysitting Lessons and Safety Training (Saturdays). This course was developed by the American Academy of Pediatrics and is geared to ages 10-17. Students learn fire safety, CPR, first aid, diapering, feeding, and other skills. Light lunch provided; parents welcome to attend. $45. Pre-registration by phone required, (352) 267-5592.
Florida Sunshine Opry (Saturdays). Enjoy performances such as ‘50s- and ‘60s-style rock ‘n’ roll and Southern gospel. $8. 7pm. 431 Plaza Drive, Eustis. Call for the various shows. www.Fsopry.com or (352) 821-0000.
Art Zone for Kids (First Saturdays). The Leesburg Center for the Arts hosts fun art classes for kids on the first Saturday morning of every month, 9-11am. Ages 4-12. $10 per child. (352) 365-0232.
Organic Food and Artist Market (First Saturdays). Peruse handcrafted, locally made, and eco-friendly products such as vegetables, breads, art, and jewelry at the Mount Dora Center for the Arts’ “Get Green Organic Food and Artist Market” on Fifth Avenue. 10am-2pm on the first Saturday of every month. (352) 383-0880.
Target Art (Second Saturdays). Bring your kids or grandkids to this exciting new art program at the Lake Eustis Museum of Art, presented by Target. The free event allows families to drop in anytime between 10am and 1pm to create art in a fun and relaxed environment. (352) 483-2900.
Mote-Morris House Free Tours (Second and fourth Saturdays). Guided tours of the Mote-Morris House, listed in the National Register of Historic Places, are available. The two-story house with a four-story tower is located at 1195 W. Magnolia Street in Leesburg. Free. 10am-2pm. (352) 435-9424.
Coffee with the Birds (Third Saturdays). Join an experienced birder for a mild hike through the woods in beautiful Central Florida. Bring binoculars, a field guide, and bug spray. Weather permitting. $4. 8am. Silver River State Park, Ocala. www.Floridastateparks.org or (352) 236-7148.
Eustis Classic Car Cruise-In (Fourth Saturdays). The classic car lover’s dream! Downtown Eustis hosts some 250 classic, antique, and custom vehicles from all over the state for fans to view up close. 5-9pm, free. (352) 357-8555.
Downtown Clermont Farmers Market (Sundays). Head to Montrose Street in Clermont every Sunday for fresh produce, plants, flowers, seafood, bakery items, jams, and other local goods on display. 10am-3pm, (352) 394-8618.
Tavares Station Music on the Water (Second Sundays). On the second Sunday of every month, the Tavares Station hosts a music fest at water’s edge, complete with live bands, gourmet food from area restaurants, an organic farmers market, sport activities, and more. Call (352) 253-2400 or visit www.tavaresstation.com.
Timely Topics (Ongoing). For the second consecutive year, the Lake County Extension Office will host its Timely Topics series. Different topics will be discussed each month through April, including “Organize Your Financial Life” and “Strategies for Successful Aging.” www.Lakecountyfl.gov or (352) 343-4101.
Segway Tours of Mount Dora (Ongoing). Take a one-hour guided tour of Mount Dora and its surrounding nature parks on a Segway. No walking necessary! Training is provided prior to the tour. 10am, 12pm, and 2pm. $48. www.Segwayofcentralflorida.com or (352) 383-9900.
Yoga Central Classes (Ongoing). Yoga Central in Mount Dora offers a full schedule of classes for all ages, including courses on de-stressing and reversing heart disease through yoga, and mudras yoga. www.Yogacentral888.com or (352) 383-7979.
Golden Triangle YMCA (Ongoing). The Golden Triangle YMCA Family Center in Tavares offers a host of family-oriented activities every week, from youth flag football to tae kwon do and tai chi to Zumba dance. Sign up today! Call (352) 343-1144.
Visual Arts Association (Ongoing). The Visual Arts Association of The Villages has a full schedule of art workshops for the artistically inclined, including acrylic classes, watercolor courses, and colored pencil instruction. Visit www.visualartassociation.com for a full calendar of upcoming events and classes.
American Cancer Society’s “Look Good, Feel Better” Events in The Villages, Clermont, and Eustis (Ongoing). Specially-trained cosmetologists teach women to deal with the side effects of cancer treatment as they experience changes to their skin, hair, and nails. Free make-up kits are supplied based on skin tones. The “Man-to-Man” Group, support and education for men newly diagnosed with prostate cancer and for men suffering the side effects of prostate cancer treatment, meets in The Villages the first Wednesday of each month, in Clermont the second Tuesday of every month, and in Eustis on the third Thursday of every month. (352) 326-9599.
YMCA Aquatics Programs (Ongoing). The Tavares Golden Triangle YMCA offers aquatic programs and swimming lessons to adults and children of all ages in their heated pools open all year long. For more information, call (352) 343-1144.
Savannah Center Events (Various dates). The Savannah Center in The Villages hosts an eclectic schedule of events, including The Great Pretenders concerts, Broadway shows, lectures, and more. Prices and times vary. For a complete schedule, visit www.thevillages.net/boxoffice or call (352) 753-3229.
Trout Lake Nature Center Events (Various dates). Dedicated to habitat preservation and environmental education, the Trout Lake Nature Center offers a variety of events every month. Open Friday and Saturday 9am-4pm, and Sunday 1-4pm. Trout Lake Nature Center, Eustis. (352) 357-7536.
Church on the Square Events (Various dates). Enjoy eclectic Sunday Serenades and other music-centered events such as Dick Hyman, George Raab, The Villages Philharmonic Orchestra, and more. Fees vary. 5pm or 6pm. Church on the Square in The Villages. (352) 753-3229.
Family Movie Matinee (Select dates monthly). Enjoy free showings of newly-released, kid-friendly, G- or PG-rated family films. The library will provide free snacks. 3pm. Tavares Civic Center. Call (352) 742-6473 for movie titles.
