4th of July in Mount Dora: Small town all-American holiday with an old-fashioned flair.

Mount Dora, the quintessential small town on Lake Dora in the heart of Central Florida, gets it,s Norman Rockwell on with 4th of July. Everything you’ve ever dreamed of, every American movie could be set here as the town known for events, dining, and shopping turns on the red, white, and blue for the 4th.

Come one, come all and bring the family to celebrate.
The annual 4th of July Independence Day parade heads down Main Street USA at 10am – known locally as Donnelly Street – with all the kids, flags, little cars, clowns, and even animals you could imagine and love.

And of course, finish the 4th with the best fireworks in Lake County!  Head down to Lake Dora at dusk towards Gilbert Park by the Mount Dora Lighthouse to round out the celebration. Food, live music, and fireworks make this the Americana that is Mount Dora. Fireworks light the sky at about 9 p.m. For more information, call
352-267-2879. What better for a family and friends 4th
can you imagine?

If you’re from out of the area no worries as there are numerous B&B’s, cottages, and Inns around town to allow you to turn the 4th into a multi-day getaway. Boat tours, Segway way tours, the parks, golfing, shopping, antiques, and so much more await throughout the town and area turning this year’s 4th of July into a summer family getaway – or fun for just you and that special someone…
Mount Dora is the place to enjoy the 4th and all the red, white, and blue mean to America…

The streets of Mount Dora have been undergoing some serious refurbishing. A multi-phase summer project means new street-scaping, parking, and more to make Mount Dora beautiful. This charming town by the lake offers great dining, shopping, outdoor activities, and lodging, so enhancing her original beauty only adds to her small town charm.

There is new parking along 5th Avenue, the main edge to the historic downtown. Ready to open, that means more parking near all those things you love. Additional phases open over the coming weeks, so be prepared to enjoy the newly refurbished park, sidewalks, curbing, walkways, parking, and more. Mount Dora is working hard to make your visit special.
So plan a visit soon to enjoy the newly enhanced historic area, with the same great shopping, dining, activities, lodging, and more. Come to Mount Dora, someplace special.

Rori Paul
Media Psychology, PhD Student
Twitter/MediaPsychPhD
Facebook/Media Psych PhD

Kick-off the Season in Mount Dora with Fireworks and Much More!!

Experience Music Legend Leon Russell Live Tonight!

Headlining the 4th Annual Mount Dora Blues and Wine Festival, Music Legend Leon Russell will take the stage after 9:00pm tonight at Tavares Station Field on beautiful Lake Dora in downtown Tavares.  This is your chance to see the Hall of Fame musician who inspired the career of Elton John and has performed the world over with countless music icons!
Get general admission tickets NOW at www.MDBWF.com for only $25.00!!  VIP tickets are SOLD OUT!  Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy a fabulous musical evening.  The show starts at 6:00pm with several local and regional acts.  See the entire lineup at www.MDBWF.com.

25th Anniversay Antique Boat Festival on Lake Dora

Sunnyland Antique Boat Festival on Lake Dora

Get your tickets for the 15th Annual Mount Dora Music Festival

$25 in advance to see the Alter-Eagles - Click Here for Tickets

Alter Eagles - The Definitive Eagles Tribute Band 

Friday, February 17, 2012 at 7:30 p.m.

Mount Dora Community Center








$35 in advance to see Almost Elton John: A Tribute to Elton John, Starring Craig A. Meyer - Click Here for Tickets

 

Saturday, February 18, 2012 at 7:30 p.m.
Mount Dora Community Center 

 

 

Music Legend Leon Russell to Headline the 2012 Mount Dora Blues & Wine Festival

Your chance to see a true legend in the music industry.  Leon Russell was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in March of last year by recent touring partner and music icon, Elton John.

See Leon Russell live on Saturday, May 19th 2012 for one show only as the headliner for the 2012 Mount Dora Blues & Wine Festival! 


Show starts at 6PM with Selwyn Birchwood Blues Band (Deuces Wild) at 6:00pm.

Jacqueline"Queenie"Jones w/T.Scott TropRockers Blues at 7:30pm.

Leon Russell- R-n-R Hall of Famer at 9:30pm

General Admission tickets are $25.00
VIP Section tickets are $50.00 (includes VIP seating and parking)

$4.00 Discount per ticket given online for early purchase during the entire month of February!!

CLICK HERE TO BUY YOUR TICKETS NOW!!

Time for the 15th Annual Mount Dora Music Festival

Featuring Craig A. Meyer as Almost Elton John
Festival Saturday Night Headliner
Saturday, February 18, 2012 - 7:30 p.m. Mount Dora Community Building

Only $35.00 in advance online -  GET YOUR TICKET HERE



Almost Elton John stars the multiple award winning, multi talented singer/actor/pianist Craig A. Meyer. In addition to his numerous credits with roles in film, television and on Broadway, Meyer has toured internationally and recorded with music legends including Frankie Valli and Barry Manilow. He is considered to be one of the best Elton John tribute artists in the market today whose strong vocals, striking resemblance and amazing talent on the piano has audiences everywhere remembering when rock was young. This spectacular show is a musical journey celebrating the decades of chart topping hits of Sir Elton John, including: "Benny and the Jets", "Philadelphia Freedom", "Crocodile Rock," "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" and "Candle in the Wind." A celebration of the character, costumes and charisma of the famed pianist and singer, Meyer's fully produced show has captivated audiences throughout the United States and internationally.

Actor/Artist James Best Will be at the Art Festival

FREE Christmas Concert in Mount Dora

The Lake Concert Band will be performing a FREE concert in the Mount Dora Community Building on December 6th, 7pm to 8pm.

37th Annual Mount Dora Bicycle Festival

37th Annual

Mount Dora Bicycle Festival

The 37th Annual Mount Dora Bicycle Festival will be held October 14, 15, & 16, with registration pick up on Thursday afternoon October 13th. This year's event promises to be one of the best yet. The Mount Dora Bicycle Festival takes full advantage of the roads and scenery of Lake County, which is recognized as one of the finest locations in the state and the country to ride. It's no coincidence that collegiate and pro level cyclists and triathletes choose to train here.
The participants will be able, at their expense, to eat all meals in the restaurants of their choice. This year we have several new ones including Saucy Spoon and Merrill's Market both across from the Chamber offices.
The fun doesn't end once your ride is complete. Mount Dora is a tourist destination in its own right with unique antique and gift shops, gourmet restaurants, historic inns and bed & breakfasts. This year we also have several new stores including but not limited to All About Images, Fly the World Gallery and Gifts, KaDee Kay Gourmet Kitchen Products, Wekiva Music, Willoughby's and more. For more information check out our website at www.mountdora.com.

Registration Package is linked below. Please note that all forms returned
MUST BE FOR 2011.

 

Mount Dora Music Festival is coming in February!

www.MountDoraMusicFest.com

Florida Highwaymen Art Walk Starts Friday, July 30th.

WIN $500 in the 2010 Florida HIGHWAYMEN ART WALK 

The Mount Dora Village Merchants & Business Assn. Inc, in conjunction with Heron Cay Lakeview B&B, PULSE Magazine & the Mount Dora Area Chamber of Commerce present:

The 2010 Florida Highwaymen Art Walk.

For 2 weeks starting Friday, July 30th you can experience the art of the legendary Florida Highwaymen and get a chance to WIN $500 as downtown historic Mount Dora becomes an art gallery. 25 shops and restaurants will be displaying original works of the twelve artists who will be LIVE in Mount Dora August 13, 14 & 15. 
Pick up your downtown walking map & Art Walk ticket and begin your leisurely stroll through town to visit select locations displaying original Florida Highwaymen art.  Each hosting location will validate your Art Walk ticket with a unique stamp. Get 18 stamps and you will qualify to win $500 Dora Dollars in a random drawing on August 13th. Get stamped at all locations and you will get entered twice! 

During the Art Walk you will also have the opportunity to purchase raffle tickets to win an original Florida Highwaymen painting which will be on display at the Mount Dora Center for the Arts Co-op during the two week period.  You will also have the opportunity to purchase raffle tickets for baskets filled with gift certificates and other items from downtown Mount Dora Merchants.  This event is sponsored by the Mount Dora Village Merchants and Business Assoc. Proceeds benefit the promotion of downtown Mount Dora and it's events. Winners will be notified by telephone or email. The Art Walk will take place every day from July 30th to August 13th from 11:30am to 4:30pm starting at the Mount Dora Center for the Arts Co-op at 138 E. 5th Ave or the Mount Dora Area Chamber of Commerce at 341 Alexander St.

For more information visit www.MountDoraArt.com or call (352)217-8390

A BIG thanks to PULSE Magazine for sponsoring the Art Walk. 

2nd Annual Mount Dora Blues & Wine Festival

Mount Dora Centennial Birthday Events Calendar

Centennial Activities Calendar
 
   Feb. 20   Black History Luncheon at MLK Center
                  11:00 to 1:00  $7.00   (Special Honorees)

   March 25   Ice Cream Social (FREE) cake & ice cream in
                    Donnelly Park, 5:00 to 7:00 (entertainment too)
                    ** THIS IS OUR OFFICIAL 100th BIRTHDAY
                     Use the FREE paper shredder at the Park

    March 25 Century Boats on display at Lakeside Inn at Noon;
                    Come see how luxury boating used to be;

    March 27 Brain Bowl Competition  1:00 to 2:00 PM in the CHBS
                    Auditorium   (See our local HS students face off
                    with Gulfport HS students (also their centennial)   

     March 27 FREE Concert in Donnelly Park featuring Larry
                     Hoppen & friends from the Orleans Band, plus local bands
                     plus an extra-ordinary silent auction, a beer
                     garden   5:30 to 8:00 bring your chairs;

     March 27 to 28 Mount Dora Spring Collectibles & Craft Show
                     in Downtown Mount Dora 9 to 5 PM;
                    Antique Boat Show on Tavares waterfront;

     April 9   Downtown ART STROLL where the street banners
                  will be auctioned (FREE appetizers & punch) and
                  local, imaginative artists & their work on display;

    April 24 Earth Day Celebration – Rain Barrel workshop
                 at the Library, start 10:30am, $30 city residents;

    April 25 Earth Day –Donnelly Park 12 noon to 6:00 displays
                 demonstrations, FREE concert and more;

    April 25 Taste in Mount Dora with a ‘Centennial’ theme
                  Lake Receptions, 5:00 to 8:00 (Limited tickets);

    April 30 Poetic Sonnet  about MOUNT DORA, composed and
                 presented (with music) by local artists FREE at the
                 First Presbyterian Church;

   July 3  Independence Day Parade and celebration, downtown and
               Gilbert Park with fireworks;

   Aug. 28  Centennial Casino Night at Lake Receptions 5 to 10 PM;

There are more activities and programs your organization
or company can sponsor throughout the year so call
The Chamber at (352) 383-2165 for more information.

See the “Street banners on Donnelly, Grandview &
Highland (Will be auctioned at April 9 Art Stroll)
Books of Mount Dora history on sale at the Chamber
License plates & other memorabilia also on sale
Time Capsule memberships on sale ($20.10) so your
name can be on the “scroll” when it is buried in the
front lawn of the renovated Community Center
Historic photographs and stories on display at the
Library and other rotating locations
Join the Centennial themed activities all year.

Mount Dora Music Festival

February 11, 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:  Nancy Howell, Executive Director (352) 383-2627

THE MOUNT DORA MUSIC FESTIVAL
PRESENTS 'A TRIBUTE TO '60s' FEATURING
NATIONALLY ACCLAIMED ARTISTS AND 15 FREE PROGRAMS

MOUNT DORA: To celebrate its 13th season, the Mount Dora Music Festival (MDMF), February 18-21, 2010 presents an ambitious performance calendar with something for everyone. 'A Tribute to the '60s', showcases two of the most famous names of the era, Gary Lewis and the Playboys, and Noel Paul Stookey of Peter, Paul and Mary. The Shindigs!, one of South Florida's premier rock 'n roll tribute bands, will lead a cavalcade of rockers performing on the lawn of the Lakeside Inn. As a gift to the community, the fun four-day event features nine free concerts, six free programs, and only four ticketed showcase performances.

Making their Mount Dora debut, Gary Lewis and the Playboys headline Saturday's Showcase Concert at 7:30 pm. Considered to be one of the most popular pop/rock bands of the mid-1960's, the award-winning group sold more than 45 million records worldwide. The five-piece band led by Gary Lewis, son of comedian/actor Jerry Lewis, performs their hits This Diamond Ring, Count Me In, Save Your Heart For Me, Everybody Loves A Clown, She's Just My Style, Sure Gonna Miss Her, and Green Grass. General admission tickets are $35 advance, $40 at the gate, and $75 VIP, which includes a reserved seat and after concert meet and greet.

Folk music fans are in for a special treat when Noel Paul Stookey, the middleman of the '60s legendary folk trio Peter, Paul and Mary, steps to the stage to headline Thursday's Showcase Concert at 7:30 pm. The notable singer-songwriter who recorded over 45 albums will sing the classic Wedding Song (There is Love) and In These Times, along with some of the trio's greatest hits including Puff (The Magic Dragon), Don't Think Twice It's All Right, Blowin' in the Wind, and Where Have All The Flowers Gone. Tickets are $35 advance, $40 at the gate, and $75 VIP, which includes a reserved seat and after concert meet and greet.

One of South Florida's premier rock 'n roll tribute bands, The Shindigs! headline Friday's Showcase Concert at 7:30 pm. Performing an amazing selection of '50s, '60s, and '70s, feel-good sounds, the versatile band pays tribute to the Beach Boys, Bee Gees, and Beatles. Tickets are $25 advance, $30 at the gate and $55 VIP, which includes a reserved seat and after concert meet and greet.

The Florida Lakes Symphony Orchestra, Lake County's resident professional orchestra presents 'Heartland America', a concert featuring pianist Guy Saint-Clair at St. Patrick Catholic Church (Thursday 7:30 pm). Tickets are $42 advance and $45 at the door.

Complimentary Concerts!
A string of Florida rock 'n roll bands round out the weekend with complimentary concerts -- a MDMF gift to everyone who needs a little economic boost.  Free concerts on the Lakeside stage include American Pop '60s taking you on a walk down memory lane with a Musical History Tour of the decade's top songs (Friday 2 pm); Monday, Monday generates the love songs and flower power hits of the '60s and '70s, featuring a tribute to the Mamas and Papas (Saturday 2 pm); and the Music Makers move and groove to the classic rock and Motown sounds of the '60s and '70s (Sunday 3 pm). A special concert highlights the Midwest's retro rocker Blair Carman and the Belleview Boys delivering a red-hot tribute to the '50s and '60s with his rock 'n roll, rockabilly, boogie woogie, piano-pumpin' salute to Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis (Sunday 6 pm).

Other “comp concerts” at the Lakeside Inn include the 17-piece Mount Dora Jazz Orchestra performing the music of Dizzy Gillespie, Stan Kenton, Frank Sinatra, Bobby Darin, and Glenn Miller (Saturday 11 am); and two local bands present one special program of family entertainment beginning Sunday at 1 pm, with the Mount Dora High School Band followed by the Christian Home and Bible School Band at 2 pm.

'American History, Practical Math,' a seminar about the influence of the '50s and '60s music is presented by Lee Douglas, the host and producer of the popular podcast, Old Time Rock 'n Roll. This free program will be in the Alexander room at the Lakeside Inn (Saturday 10 am).

The Mount Dora Community Church will host world-class violinist Matitiahu Braun who will be accompanied by pianist Holly Small in a free special recital for chamber music enthusiasts (Thursday noon).

Friday at noon, the W.T. Bland Library hosts singer Suzy Park and pianist Wes Hamrick performing 'Movie Music Magic' featuring the musical hits of Gershwin, Joplin, Mancini and Bernstein. Thursday and Friday at various times throughout the day, the library hosts a series of video and film biographies of '60s rock 'n roll musicians featuring artists like the Beatles, Lovin' Spoonful, Herman's Hermits, and more.

New this year, the MDMF will offer two $250 scholarships to two Central Florida students in grades 6-12, who demonstrate the finest qualities in music vocals or instruments.

The Mount Dora Music Festival, a 501(C)3 organization, is sponsored by the Daily Commercial, City of Mount Dora/CRA, Mount Dora Village Merchants and Business Association, Target, Florida Arts and Culture Division of Cultural Affairs, Mount Dora Community Trust, United Arts of Central Florida, and Lake County Tourism and Business Relations,  

For more information or to purchase tickets, call the Music Festival hotline at (352) 385-1010 or contact executive director Nancy Howell at (352) 383-2627. Discount tickets for groups of 10 or more are also available. You can purchase tickets online at MountDoraMusicFest.com, or at our downtown ticket outlets: First National Bank Trust Department, Donnelly Euro Footwear, Mount Dora Area Chamber of Commerce and the Lakeside Inn.

The Florida Highwaymen Artists return to Mount Dora on January 9th, 2010.

4^th Mount Dora Florida Highwaymen Art Show & Sale

January 9^th, 2010

Donnelly Park - Mount Dora

MOUNT DORA, FL:  Florida’s historic artists, known as The Florida Highwaymen, will be returning to picturesque Mount Dora for the 4^th HIGHWAYMEN ART Show and Sale, January 8 & 9, 2010.

On Saturday, January 9^th, the popular Highwaymen artists will display and sell their art work from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Inside and Outside of the Donnelly Building in Donnelly Park, located in the center of Mount Dora.  Visitors can enjoy the scenic renderings of Florida’s landscape expressed in the Classic Highwaymen art style.  Participating in this event will be original Highwaymen Mary Ann Carroll, the only female in the group, Al Black, James Gibson, Isaac Knight, Robert Lewis and Roy McLendon… with OTHERS to be announced soon.  Admission, as before, is FREE!!

Friday, January 8^th, the evening prior to the Main Saturday event, the Mount Dora Chamber of Commerce will host a ‘Meet and Greet’ the Artists between 6 and 8 p.m. at the Chamber’s Historic Train Station. Many vintage Highwaymen paintings will be on exhibit. Refreshments and light appetizers will be served. Admission is FREE… and ALL are invited to attend!!

2010 is also Mount Dora’s Centennial. After the GALA New Year’s weekend begins the Year Long Celebration… the Highwaymen Event will continue the festivities the following weekend!!

In the 1950s, the Highwaymen artists were a group of young black men from the Fort Pierce area. The late Alfred Hair and the late Harold Newton were considered the leaders of the group, studying under Backus and bringing their new-found talent back to the group.  The art work, painted on an inexpensive construction material known as upson board, displayed traditional Florida scenes of palm trees, royal poinciana trees, and river vistas.  From there, the artists would travel with their paintings along U.S. 1 and other Florida roadways, selling them from the trunks of their cars.  It wasn’t until the 1990s that the group was labeled The Highwaymen. 

Currently, sponsors for this Winter Art Event include:  The Mount Dora Chamber of Commerce, the City of Mount Dora, and Heron Cay Lakeview Bed & Breakfast. Margie Salyer and Randy Burgener are coordinating this Winter Highwaymen Show and Sale.

For additional information, please contact randy@heroncay.com or by calling (352) 383-4050 or Toll Free at 1-888-437-6622.. For Lodging information visit Heron Cay Lakeview Bed and Breakfast website at www.heroncay.com.

A portion of the proceeds from the sale of Highwaymen art will be donated to the Restoration Fund for the Historic Mount Dora Train Station, the Home of the Chamber of Commerce.

A Mount Dora Christmas Carol performed by the Mount Dora Ghost Walk crew!

The Mount Dora Ghost Walk of Mount Dora, Florida,will perform A Mount Dora Christmas Carol on Friday December 18th and Saturday December 19th at 7:00pm and 8:30pm originating at the Mount Dora History Museum 450 Royellou Lane, and continues to Donnelly Park located at the corner of Donnelly Street and 5th Avenue in beautiful downtown Mount Dora. The 45 minute walking theatrical tour begins with a 15 minute interior performance at the museum.


Hector DeLeon, Creative Director of The Mount Dora Historical Society is producing this walking theatrical adaptation of a Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol with what he terms a "Cracker Gothic" style. With Donnelly Park and its almost 2 million lights as your stage your tour guide takes you thru numerous live theatrical vignettes including the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Future and Present.

There are 4 performances on Friday December 18th and Saturday December 19th at 7:00pm shows and 8:30pm, cost: $12.00 for over 12 years of age and $10.00 under 12.  Availability is limited and this will sell out fast so call to reserve in order received at  352-406-5672  or go to www.MountDoraGhostWalk.com for more information. Show originates from the Mount Dora History Museum at 450 Royellou Lane, Mount Dora, FL 32757 (the alley between 4th & 5th Avenues and between Donnelly and Baker Streets in majestic downtown Mount Dora, Tours last about 60 minutes involve 1/2 mile of walking so wear comfortable shoes. Tours are held rain or shine.

A Family New Year's Eve celebration in Donnelly Park.

Come one and all to Donnelly Park at 9pm on December 31st to usher in the New Year and to kick off Mount Dora's year long 100th birthday celebration!


For more information please watch the presentation put together by one of the sponsors of the event, the Mount Dora Village Merchant's & Business Association, Inc.



Click here to see the presentation.

Mount Dora Zombie Crawl?

You heard right! Conservative Mount Dora actually hosted the walking dead at the 2009 Craft Fair for a little promo on behalf of the Mount Dora Ghost Walk.




Mike Burt (MikeB Makeup), pictured on left with the BIG linebacker zombie, from Halloween Horror Nights fame recently moved to Mount Dora and offered his face painting expertise to create some authentic zombies.

A BIG thanks to Mark Vaughn who captured the still images on camera for us.



Some were hesitant at first about having the "undead" in such close proximity to multiple thousands of visitors to the Craft Fair but in retrospect the concerns evaporated in the sounds of laughter as visitors delighted in the zombie procession as it made it's way through the streets of Mount Dora.

We captured the action behind the scenes and on the street in a couple of videos by Rachelle Lucas and Janet Craig. Check out Rachelle's video at www.InnTheKitchen.com. Janet's behind the scenes look can be found on her Mt Dora Sushi Blog.

See you at next year's zombie crawl.

Brian