Time for the Antiques & Trades Fair.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

2009 Antiques & Trades Fair

Sponsored by:

Mount Dora Village Merchants & Business Association, Inc.

When: Saturday, March 28 from 9am-6pm
Sunday, March 29 from 9am-5pm

We’re pleased to announce the arrival of our 13^th Annual Antiques & Trades Fair, coming the last weekend in March, Saturday the 28^th and Sunday the 29^th. Join us as our downtown streets come alive with antiques and collectibles dealers displaying their treasures for show and sale. It’s a fun two-day, open air event, with historic downtown Mount Dora as its backdrop, boasting thousands of visitors at this Fair each year. So, gather up the entire family, put on your comfortable shoes and get ready to shop ‘til you drop!

Dealer Inquiries:

Are you an antiques dealer interested in participating in this year’s show? Click on the FAQ and Application Form links below for more information and reservations details. Deadline for booth reservation is February 20, 2009.

Mount Dora Village Merchants & Business Association invites all vendors who sell antiques and collectibles, such as period furniture, decorative antiques, vintage textiles and fashion, pottery, porcelain, glass, paintings, prints, metal ware, jewelry, rugs and carpets, clocks, watches, writing implements, postcards, silver, books, advertising paraphernalia, art nouveau, art deco and other period collectibles, to the 13^th Annual Antiques Festival. This annual open air, two-day event attracts thousands of visitors to Mount Dora, Florida.

What: The 13^th Annual Mount Dora Antique & Trades Fair-2009

When: Saturday, March 28 from 9am – 6pm
Sunday, March 29, 2009 from 9am – 5pm

~ RAIN OR SHINE EVENT; Set-up starting @ 6a.m. Saturday March 28
space must be cleared by 7p.m. Sunday March 29

Where: Downtown Mount Dora, Florida

Who: Dealers of above description

Booths: Approx. 90 Booths Available - 10’x20’ Space

Costs—Non Refundable: $125, plus $8.75tax=$133.75 per booth
8’ Tables available, must be reserved in advance-- $15+$1.05tx= $16.05

Forms of Payment:
Checks payable to: Mount Dora Village Merchants & Business Association, Inc.
Credit Cards Accepted – VISA or MasterCard

Reservation Deadline: February 20, 2009

For more information:

Contact: Terry Abbott, Promotions & Events Committee Chairperson

Phone: 866-683-6722 or 352-735-1191

email address: tabbott58@embarqmail.com

Visit our website : www.mtdora.org

The Toy Soldier Presents: Children's Extravaganza.

Children's Extravaganza.

Located inside the Renaissance Building in Downtown Mount Dora!

Please join us on Saturday, January 31st from 1:00pm to 4:00pm:
· Face Painting!
· Children’s Activities including Arts & Crafts and Games!
· Treats for the Children!
· Door Prizes for the Adults!
· Sales all day, including 10% off for all TEACHERS!

THE TOY SOLDIER 411 N. DONNELLY STREET, #102 MOUNT DORA, FLORIDA 32757 352-385-0018

An Enchanting Store for Children of All Ages! We offer creative and educational toys including:
· Puppets
· Arts & Crafts
· Books, Games, Puzzles
· Diecast Cars
· Diecast Soldiers as well as many historical military sets
· Dolls
· Collectibles including: Madame Alexander Dolls & Breyer Horses
· Playmobil
Come Check Us Out!

All in one recycling coming to Mount Dora?

The Villages and Eustis have had this service for nearly a year and it looks like Mount Dora is next on the list. Recycling fans will get the significance right away. If you do not currently recycle then it may be time to consider it as you won't need a technical manual to figure it all out. Check out the Sentinel article.

Brian

Lake County Blueways. Discover them now!

Discover a kayaker's and canoeist's paradise in Lake County with over 130 miles of scenic Blueways. From novice to advanced boaters there is something for everyone.

Brian

Highwaymen Winter Art Show Highlights

It was a beautiful January day in Donnelly Park and a great opportunity to visit with six of the Florida Highwaymen Artists and see their works up close and personal. Also appearing was Kelvin Hair, son of the original Highwaymen Artist, Alfred Hair. You can still catch the artists and their works tomorrow at the Heron Cay Lakeview Bed & Breakfast where they will be on display.
Brian

Newest Engine at the Train Depot is an oldie but goodie.

Inland Lakes Railways has recently purchased a 1947 NW2 Diesel Engine to pull the passenger cars for the rail enthusiasts visiting Mount Dora to ride the train. It will soon receive a new paint job and be ready for action.

For train aficionados the NW2 "Road Switcher" was built by General Motors EMD Division. Only 143 of these were built between 1939 and 1949 and despite the suspended production during the war years the NW2 was their best seller. Boasting 1,000 HP the NW2 was a workhorse and there are dozens of these still in operation in yards all across America.

Come on out and ride the rails in Mount Dora. Visit Inland Lakes Railways to get your tickets.

All Aboard,
Brian

Flights of Fantasy at One Flight Up.

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Writers One Flight Up presents:

Flights of Fantasy

Ten presenters for an evening of prose and poetry. Each presenter granted 5-6 minutes to entertain, regale, charm with their best writing and oratory. Cash prizes for the top four selected … by the audience. Cash wine, beer and nonalcoholic drinks. Free dessert bar loaded with fresh baked One Flight Up Café goodies.
Cost: $5. Seating limited to 50 people.
Location: One Flight Up Cafe
Times: 7 - 9 p.m.
More info and ticket availability: visit www.WritersOneFlightUp.com

Magical Memories by Captain Barry - Painter of Life.

Appearing in the lobby of the Lakeside Inn on Friday, January 9th through Sunday, January 11th will be Captain Barry - "Painter of Life". Combining his seamanship as an accomplished boat Captain with his love of art, Captain Barry has created works through which he shares his many life experiences. From Mega-Yacht Sea Captain to art gallery owner Captain Barry has stories that will keep you on the edge of your seat, I know because I have heard a few of them. Stop by, see his work and ask him to tell a tale of the high seas". Visit his gallery in the lobby of the Captain's Inn Bed & Breakfast. Brian


Click on the Poster to enlarge the image. Poster contains details and gallery hours.

City Hall "goes Green" with Florida-Friendly Landscaping.

We finally updated the photos of City Hall on the website so we thought a little explanation of the difference might be in order. City Council adopted measures requiring new non-residential properties to develop their landscapes with Florida-Friendly guidelines early in 2008. As an example the City changed it's own landscaping to conform to the new guidelines. Brian

A year round Mount Dora Ghost Walk.

Mount Dora Historical Society Ghost walk, History and Mystery

Mount Dora, Florida (Lake County) Jan 1^9th , 2009

Mount Dora Historical Society is launching a year round version of its popular Ghost Walk. Tours start on January 16^th to coincide with the Third Friday downtown events with 3 tours nightly at 6:30, 7:30 & 8:30pm and will then occur every 1^st & 3^rd Fridays and Saturdays of each month.. This lantern led narrated ghost walk searches the streets, back alleys and buildings of Old Mount Dora that are told to possess ghosts, apparitions and spirits of those long departed. Combining an historical account of the history of the beginnings of downtown Mount Dora with the tales and legends of some scary ghostly encounters told to us by those who have witnessed these eerie happenings

With destinations not limited to the Ghosts of Drawdy Lane, the Lakeside Inn, the Renaissance Building, The Old City Jail Cell and the infamous Dr. Nutter’s House , You will encounter a history lesson and perhaps some scary encounters with current and past residents of Mount Dora.

Ghost Walks originate from the Mount Dora History Museum located at 450 Royellou Lane between 4^th & 5^th Avenues and between Donnelly & Baker Streets. Tours last about 60 minutes and cover about 3/4 miles of walking. All are preceded by a Marionette Show that provides an introduction to the walk. Tours are held rain or shine and wheelchair friendly. Tours in Spanish are also offered and are on Thursdays 7pm, with mandatory advanced ticketing.

Tickets are $10 for over 12 years of age and $8.00 under 12, tickets available by calling 352-308-9734 or email mountdoraghostwalk@yahoo.com or visit our website at www.mountdoraghostwalk.com. Please give your name, number of attendees, desired date & time. Reservations are required.

Press Contact: Andrew Mullen President, Mount Dora Historical Society 352-383-6969 royellou@gmail.com www.mountdoraghostwalk.com www.mountdorahistoricalsociety.com

Tickets & Information Mount Dora Ghost Walk 352-308-9734 Email: mountdoraghostwalk@yahoo.com Website: www.mountdoraghostwalk.com www.mountdorahistoricalsociety.com

Sunset on Lake Dora, a "Florida Highwaymen Sky".

You just have to see this sunset to really appreciate it. Around Mount Dora this scene is becoming known as a "Florida Highwaymen Sky". When you see theFlorida Highwaymen Artist's landscape paintings you will understand the correlation. Don't miss the Florida Highwaymen arists, they will be in town January 9, 10th and 11th for a three day Winter Art Event. Click on the link above for all of the details. Brian

Brian

Mount Dora Village Merchant's Association Press Release

Date: December 30, 2008

Mount Dora Village Merchants Association Installs its 2009 Board

Mount Dora, FL: The Mount Dora Village Merchants Association (MDVMA) is pleased to announce the installation of its 2009 Board Members. The MDVMA is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting Mount Dora; and focuses its activities in the downtown area. Aside from its promotional activities, the group also sponsors a host of annual events during the course of the year, including the Antique Fair, Craft Festival and Christmas Walk.

The MDVMA membership group is comprised of businesses including retailers, restaurants, lodging, real estate, financial and other business services.

Follows a listing of each board member and their respective Mount Dora businesses:

1. Leigh Love – 5^th Avenue Café, President

2. George Gregory – Memories & Marvels, Vice President

3. Ana Tuttle – Mount Dora Historic Inn, Treasurer

4. Brian E. Young – Tremain Street Cottages, Secretary

5. Edgar Payne – Gables Restaurant

6. Terry Abbott – Maggie's Attic

7. John Cataldo – Adora Inn

8. Dan Lackey – Cigar's, ETC

9. Jim Timberlake – Euro Donnelly Footwear

"We're so pleased to have such a diverse, experienced group of board members, who come to the table with an energetic commitment to downtown Mount Dora. This Board shares a unique passion and desire to capitalize on our town's strengths and stands ready to create a shared vision of Mount Dora's future", said Love.

If you are interested in membership or for more information on the Mount Dora Village Merchants Association, please visit: www.mtdora.org or contact Clara Schneider at cnsfla70@aol.com.

Lake County Waterways.

For the best guided boat tours around visit Lake County Waterways. See the scenic Dora Canal and have a lunch, dinner or sunset cruise. Take your VIP Card and get a discount on your waterways tour today. Brian

Highlights from New Year's at 5th Avenue Cafe.

The party was rolling at the 5th Avenue Cafe in celebration of the New Year. Leigh Love put on her 4th annual wine tasting dinner and it was as fabulous as ever. I have not missed a single one of these festive events since their inception. Don't miss out next year and check the 5th Avenue Cafe website for other wine tasting dinner events throughout the year. PS Click on the link above and take advantage of the offer for a free glass of wine! Brian

Video ads and blogs are here.

Jim Tuttle from the Mount Dora Historic Inn with his fabulous rendition of Blueberry Bread. This is an example of the types of blogs and ads you will begin to see on the site starting today.

Stay tuned,
Brian

Mount Dora Lodging Association member receives prestigous award.

Congratulations to The Farnsworth House Bed & Breakfast who were just awarded the prestigious 2008 White Glove Award from the Superior Small Lodging Association. Debi Dyer, with Lake County Tourism & Business Relations presented the award to Innkeepers Bob and Vivian. To read the whole press release, click here: Lake County Tourism.

Farnsworth House Bed & Breakfast is one of ten members of the Mount Dora Lodging, Inc. group that was formed to promote the intimate B&B's, Inns and Cottages in Mount Dora.

A great way to see Mount Dora.

Can you think of a better way to see the lights at Christmas time in Downtown Mount Dora? Visit Hitch 'N Time Carriage Tours on Alexander & 3rd Ave.

The lights will be up through January so there is still time to plan your visit.

What is the VIP Card Program???

With the WhatToDoInMtDora V.I.P. Card, you are eligible for valuable savings from participating merchants in and around Mount Dora. Some merchants offer a percentage off purchases, while others offer different incentives and offers for cardholders.

There are three ways to obtain your card and a list of participating merchants. You can download your own from the website, we will mail it to you via US Mail or you can pick one up from any of the Innkeepers in Mount Dora when you check in for your stay.

Do not miss out on the opportunity to save at all of the fine Mount Dora participating Merchants.