Summer is on the downslide, and not too many of us are bummed about that … well, except maybe the kids, who are heading back to school soon.
For now, you can take the little ones to see Elmo and celebrate Christmas in July, or get free back-to-school goodies and ice cream in Mount Dora, capped off with fireworks.
In Leesburg, summer camp participants show off their artwork, and local celebs show off their fancy footwork for schools, plus much more this weekend and the week ahead.
Kiddo alert: Christmas in July with Elmo
Join Santa Elmo and his friends to enjoy a “Christmas in July season” with music, audience participation, games and more. Takes place from noon to 2 p.m. on Friday, July 25, at the Lake Square Mall – Center Court Area, 10401 U.S. 441, Leesburg. Details: lakesquaremall.com
Campers’ works spotlighted at Leesburg Arts Center
Richard Colvin, executive director of the Leesburg Arts Center, emailed us to offer some good news about an upcoming art show. Colvin shared that this year, Leesburg Arts Center hosted the latest of its longstanding Summer Art Camps in June and July.
“A succession of age group artists learned about a rich variety of art concepts, mediums and techniques with standout teachers Claire Simpson, Jackii Molsick, Margaret Everson and Robin Serna,” he said. “LAC features real curriculum in its classes, for all ages, taught by professional artists.”
A reception for the exhibition, with a selection of artworks by student artists curated by camp director Claire Simpson, will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. this Friday, July 25, at the Arts Center at 429 W. Magnolia St. Details: leesburgarts.com
Stepping Out for Education kicks it in Leesburg
Stepping Out for Education, the Education Foundation of Lake County’s fundraising version of “Dancing with the Stars,” will feature a big-top circus theme and bring its 2025 ballroom festivities to the Venetian Center, 1 Dozier Circle, Leesburg, on Friday, July 25, and Saturday, July 26.
The local celebs in this year’s event include Leesburg City Commissioner Allyson Berry; Justin Allender, a community banker and commercial loan officer at the First National Bank of Mount Dora; West Germeroth, sales and project manager, Lake Jem Farms; Ariel Rolon, project manager at Wharton-Smith; Marlene Straughan, regional executive director for Lake County Schools; and Ericka Wright, assistant vice president and branch manager at Addition Financial.
Details: E-mail edfoundation@lake.k12.fl.us or visit edfoundationlake.com. Read our story, “Stepping Out for Education,” at dailycommercial.com for more about the foundation, the event and its fundraising successes
Summer of Us Cultural Community Celebration
The Summer of Us Cultural Community Celebration will gather citizens who value LGBT pride, equality, diversity and Hispanic Americans’ cultural contributions, from 5 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, July 26, after a town hall with local politicians from 4 to 5 p.m.
The day will begin with a town hall featuring members of the Florida Legislature, Sen. Carlos Guillermo Smith and Rep. Anna V. Eskamani. Following the town hall, American Pride Rises will host a cultural celebration featuring music, food, and resource tables hosted by local organizations. It all takes place at the Engelwood Neighborhood Center, 6123 La Costa Drive, Orlando. For information, email jolsen@fenton.com.
Ice Cream Stroll & Last Call in Mount Dora
Stroll Mount Dora Saturday, July 26, while sampling 21 flavors of ice cream. Scoops on 5th will be on hand at several downtown businesses offering samples of Sweet Alps Ice Cream.
Stop first at the check-in tent at 341 Alexander St. (on the patio in front of the Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center). Show your email with the tickets purchased, and they will trade you for a Strolling Card. You can go to any or all 21 stops between 4 and 6 p.m. Tickets are $15 for teens and adults; $8 for kids under 12. Tickets are available online at tickettailor.com
Afterward, Mount Dora’s street fest, Last Call, an annual back-to-school bash benefitting local students and teachers, begins at 5 and continues until 9 p.m., featuring live music and roving entertainers, face painting, interactive games and a fireworks finale at 9:15 p.m. at the Fourth Avenue Docks. Bring school supplies to donate to local Mount Dora schools. Details: ci.mount-dora.fl.us
Jimmy Buffett luau show at Grand Oaks Resort
Parrothead alert: Stellar Stage Multimedia Productions and Legends Entertainment will present “Jim & Annie’s Island Party” at 6 p.m. on Saturdays, July 26, and on Aug. 23. The luau-style event with tunes by the late great Jimmy Buffett and more at the Grand Oaks Resort.
“People seem to be happy about having a dinner theater in town, and so far, we have had a lot of support and positive feedback,” said Stellar Stage performer, director and founder Luanne Hunt.
The show features Pacific Paradise Dancers under the direction of Donna Gum, John Kase singing the songs of Buffett, Hunt performing original Island-style music and Randy B. of Tropic Steel presenting a steel drum performance. The Grand Oaks Resort is located at 3000 Marion County Road, Weirsdale. Details: stellarstageshows@gmail.com
Yacht Rock River Brunch at Jay D Birds
In the 1970s, Kenny Loggins appeared in a captain’s hat in a music video. Christopher Cross sang about “Sailin.” Saxophone and boating imagery and beachy West Coast vibes were ubiquitous from soft rock and smooth R&B artists of that era, on album covers, in videos, posters, everywhere. Add it all up, and we now have a music category known as “Yacht Rock.”
Lounge to some yacht rock classics by Hall & Oates, the Doobie Brothers et al every Sunday this August at Jay D Birds, a waterfront hangout in the borderlands of Lake and Marion counties from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for “smooth tunes, good vibes and brunch by the water.”
Capt. Dirk will be serenading the crowd with 1970s and 1980s soft rock classics. $20 Bottomless craft Mimosas, mix-and-match beer buckets will be featured. Jay D Birds on the Water is located at 19240 SE County Road 42 in Weirsdale. Details: info@jaydbirds.com
A look ahead
Church of the Lakes Skate Night in Leesburg
If you miss rollerskating, join the Church of the Lakes for the Thrive Center Skate Night. “We will skate the night away to Christian Music, enjoy a fun time with friends and have loads of fun,” their Facebook invite says.
All ages are welcome from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, July 30, at SkateWorld, touted as Lake and Sumter counties’ only roller skating rink, “in business for more than 30 years.” Entry is free for both skaters and non-skaters. Register by Friday, July 25. Takes place at 424 N. Palmetto St., Leesburg. Call 352-787-1178
Back-to-School-themed ‘First Friday’ in Eustis
On Friday, Aug. 1, from 6 to 9 p.m., Downtown Eustis will feature free school supply giveaways at 6, 7 and 8 p.m., while supplies last. Supplies will be limited to one per child and children must be present to collect the items.
Distributing free school supplies to the community on August’s First Friday has become a recent tradition in Eustis. The Eustis government has organized this event to support young students.
Live music by the Florida-based blues and southern rock Zack Denby Band will set the tone for a night of fun. The streets will also be lined with new and returning food trucks and local craft vendors. Details: eustis.org.
Ladies Night Out for women coping with grief
In 2019, Lisa Bolton lost her daughter Kerri to the fentanyl epidemic. In her memory, she founded The Dandelion Project to bring awareness, support, and hope to others.
Her upcoming event at 6 p.m. on Friday Aug. 8, Ladies Night Out, is both a celebration and a fundraiser, inviting participants to shop local vendors, learn about grief, mental health, and substance use awareness, and sponsor a bereavement box in honor of loved ones. Snacks and refreshments will be available for purchase, with proceeds supporting The Dandelion Project and Morrison Preschool, and the event takes place in the school’s gym at 1019 W Main St, Leesburg. Details: lisa@dandelionproject.net
Read more about Bolton and the Dandelion Project in our recent story at dailycommercial.com
Are you planning an event and want it included in our weekly guide? Email us at news@dailycommercial.com
This article originally appeared on Daily Commercial: 7 fun and inspiring things to do this weekend in Lake County and surrounding area
Reporting by Julie Garisto, Leesburg Daily Commercial / Daily Commercial
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
