Why are so many Florida towns celebrating their centennial this year (and this weekend)?
The response involves pleasant November temperatures mixed with the land boom of the Roaring Twenties and a dash of tax-free Florida.
Lake County towns commemorating 100th anniversaries this year include Lady Lake, Tavares, Montverde and Mascotte, and there’s also nearby Ocoee, Windermere and Flagler Beach, among several others.
Here’s a rundown on the centennial celebrations, plus other worthwhile events happening this weekend and a look ahead:
Lady Lake Centennial has speakeasy and fireworks
A momentous occasion and an opportunity to honor the past, celebrate the present, and envision the future, The Town of Lady Lake’s Centennial will include a week of special events in November, including the Taste of Lady Lake Speakeasy at Lady Lake Library, 6:30-9 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 7.
On Saturday morning, Nov. 8, there’ll be a pancake breakfast in Snooky Park, 8-10 a.m., and it all caps off with a bang on Saturday evening, Nov. 8.
The Centennial Celebration also features fireworks at the Guava Street Athletic Complex, 5-9 p.m. on Saturday. Details: Contact Amy Alicea at events@ladylake.org, call 352-205-2826, or visit ladylakefl.gov
Montverde salutes century with two-day festival
The 45th annual Montverde Day Festival on Friday, Nov. 7, and Saturday, Nov. 8, commemorates the town’s centennial. Entertainment includes live music, cowboy acts, fire and stunt performers, food vendors, car show and other fun activities.
While in Montverde, the inaugural Hoops Mania, 1-4 p.m. at The Edge Center for Sportsmanship and Wellness (The Nest), presented by Montverde Academy Athletics, this Saturday, features basketball teams and contests.
Hours for the 45th annual Montverde Day Festival are 6:30-10:30 p.m., Friday, Nov. 7; and 8:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday. It all happens at Kirk Park, 17436 Division St., Montverde; mymontverde.com
‘Science!’ Electro-pop icon Thomas Dolby plays Mount Dora
One of the godfathers of electronic pop music, Thomas Dolby first came to prominence in the U.S. with his ethereal synth track on Foreigner’s “Waiting for a Girl Like You.” His discography includes two of the most upbeat and zany hits of the 1980s, “She Blinded Me With Science” and “Hyperactive!. Cobbling synthesizers and samplers like a mad studio scientist, Dolby is a musical pioneer of catchy pop, electro-funk and even some jazzy numbers like the standard “I Scare Myself.”
Dolby’s “Iconic 80’s: Personal Recollections Tour” stops at the Mount Dora Music Hall on Thursday, Nov. 6, at 520 N. Baker St, Mount Dora. Tickets: $33.95. If you can’t make that show, he’s also playing downtown Clearwater’s Capitol Theatre on Nov. 9. Also, Black Flag co-headlines with The Queers at the Mount Dora Music Hall on Nov. 21. Details: https://ci.mount-dora.fl.us.
First Friday festivities entertain Eustis
Eustis First Friday Street Party is back from 6 to 9 p.m. This month’s event commemorates Veterans Day, features a karaoke open mic and live music from Neon Dream. Pinesmoke Bee Company will open at 117 N. Bay St. and be stationed near the intersection of Eustis & Magnolia. Pre-order and pick up fresh sourdough, baklava, coconut macaroons, and more from baker Yana Nikulin. Details: eustis.org.
Kenna Dee plays Mount Dora’s Eden Abbey
With formidable vocal range and a disarming stage presence, Kenna Saunders, aka Kenna Dee, emerges from the background with a howling alto like Bonnie Raitt, a bluesy mezzo soprano like Janis Joplin and even, at times, a delicate lilting soprano on par with Olivia Newton-John or Karen Carpenter.
Saunders has vocal chops and stage presence that arrest the crowd and stop folks mid-chug. She’s bluesy and melodic and covers a wide repertoire of styles at Eden Abbey Brewing Community in Mount Dora, 405 S. Highland St., from 7 to 10 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 7. Check out her sound at kennadee.com.
Friday Night at the Market in Webster
Friday Night at the Market Harvest Festival, a free first Friday community vendors and food truck event, returns from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Sumter County Farmers Market, 524 N. Market Blvd., in Webster. Details: facebook.com/SumterCountyFarmersMarket/
Vintage murder-mystery fun at historic Baker House
Go back in time, noir thriller-style, with the “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy Murder Mystery” at the Baker House in Wildwood at 6106 County Road 44A. $35 admission includes a pre-show at 4 p.m., dinner at 4:30 p.m., and the show at 5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 6. Costumes are welcome. Other event dates include Nov. 10, 13 and 14. Details: wildwood-fl.gov/parksrec/page/baker-house
Tavares celebrates 100 years as a Florida city
Tavares is also celebrating its century-long history. On Saturday, Nov. 8, the Union Congregational Church will host walking tours of downtown, led by local historian Rick Cronin, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Tavares History Museum. The Tavares History Museum is located at 305 E. Ruby St, Tavares. Details: tavaresfl.gov
Mascotte commemorates 100 years with gators and more
Join the good folks in Mascotte for their festive final event celebrating 100 years as a town at State Road 50 next to 219 W. Myers Blvd. (by Sit Means Sit Dog Training), from noon to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 8.
The free event pops with international cultural vendors and foods, live entertainment, rock climbing, mechanical gator riding, local vendors, a gatorland show at 12:30-1:15 p.m. along with speeches, games and other events. See full schedule at cityofmascotte.com
Celebrate bakery grand opening in Leesburg
The Will Family Homestead Bakery opens for business from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 7, at 33343 Somerset Drive in the Silver Lake area, featuring sourdough bread, snickerdoodle cookies, blueberry muffins, and some sourdough banana bread (if they “can swing it.”). Details: Visit the bakery’s Facebook page.
Leesburg salutes vets with annual parade
Leesburg’s annual Veterans Day Parade takes to Main Street at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 8. Expect marching bands, decorated floats, and veteran organizations, providing an opportunity for the community to honor and show appreciation for veterans. Details: Email specialevents@leesburgfl.gov
Salute to Veterans 2-mile Dash hoofs it in Eustis
The Salute To Veterans’ 2-Mile Dash is more than just a run; it’s a movement, organizers say. Walkers, runners and folks with other mobility are invited at 8 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 8, to hit the pavement at the Eustis Police Department; all fitness levels welcome. More information at facebook.com/EustisParks
Free Art, Wine & Music Stroll at Wooton Park
After the history tour (see above), browse artwork in a variety of media by Lake Dora from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 8, at Wooton Park in Tavares, located at 100 E. Ruby St. Call 407-448-0244 for information.
West Leesburg third annual Fall Festival
Celebrate community and positivity at a free fall festival hosted by the West Leesburg Community Development Corporation, featuring live music, activities, giveaways, food trucks, vendors, and more family-friendly fun stuff, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, at Berry Park, 2121 Johns Ave, Leesburg. Email westleesburgcdc@gmail.com for details.
Harry O at Hamrick in downtown Leesburg
Treat your boo or yourself to a cozy-chic date night at one of downtown Leesburg’s friendliest lounges. At 7 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 8, Harry O plays jazz and blues while you knock back a cab.
Who is Harry O? He’s Harry O. Jackson, a veteran musician who performs throughout our area and is a guitarist for bands like Harry O and Friends and the Mount Dora Jazz Band. He’s played with Chico Banks, The Bel-Aires, Buddy Guy, Michael Hill’s Blues Mob, Sonny Rhodes and Bobby Rush and other notable musicians.
Hamrick Farms Vinyard & Emporium is located at 118 S. Second St., Leesburg. Details: hamrickfamilyvineyards@gmail.com
Lady of the Lakes Renaissance Faire continues in Tavares
Party like it’s 1599 at the 2025 Lady of the Lakes Renaissance Faire, which brings us back in time again with ribald games, artisans and other fun stuff with historic and contemporary twists. Ye olde faire happens again Nov. 1-2, and Nov. 7-9. Education Day this year will be held on Friday, Nov. 7. For more information, visit LakeRenFaire.com
Ocali Country Days get folksy in Silver Springs
If you missed the Barberville Jamboree, Ocali Country Days offers living history exhibits and demonstrations from old-timey craftspeople. The event showcases the Florida of yesteryear with exhibits that highlight life in the 1800s. Headquartered at the Silver River Museum campus inside Silver Springs State Park, it’s where pioneer cabins and other rustic buildings bring you back to simpler times.
Blacksmithing, weaving, sugar cane syrup-making and other demonstrations entertain visitors along with live pottery art, broom making, woodworking and more. Takes place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 8 and 9. Expect live music, vendors and tours of the museum. Admission is $10 per person; free for ages 5 and younger. Cash and credit cards are accepted at the gate. Details: 352-236-5401 and visit silverrivermuseum.com
Dancing Under the Stars benefits New Beginnings
New Beginnings hosts its popular annual fundraiser gala, Dancing Under the Stars, on Saturday, Nov. 8. The annual benefit pairs local celebs with dance instructors at the Clermont Arts & Recreation Center. Details: nbcfl.org/gala
‘Legends of Country’ live at the Grand Oaks Resort
Touted as a high-energy, heartfelt show for classic country lovers, Stellar Stage Multimedia Productions’ ‘Legends of Country’ features Johnny Rogers performing tunes by icons the likes of Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, Hank Williams, Willie Nelson, George Strait and others .
Rogers’ career has taken him to legendary stages, from The London Palladium to The Orange Blossom Opry, among many others. Group rates available. Dinner included. Details: stellarstageshows.com, 916-439-3600.
Harvest some fun at local farm fests
Amber Brooke Farms in Eustis transforms into what it describes as a “harvest wonderland” every Saturday and Sunday through Nov. 2. Take the family or your other half for festive fun, live entertainment, harvest-themed attractions and more. Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets start at $15.95 at 36111 N. County Road 44A, Eustis. Details: amberbrookefarms.com/eustis
Clermont’s Southern Hill Farms is loaded with wholesome fun, including a 5-acre corn maze, pet animals, ride the Southern Hill Express (motorized train) and more from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday at 16651 Schofield Road, Clermont. No entrance after 5:30 p.m. Pets are not allowed. Details: 407-986-5806.
Great Scott Farms in Mount Dora is hosting its festive fall fests through Nov. 16, where you can get lost in a corn maze, challenge gravity on the Jumping Pillow (socks required), and swish on the Super Slide. Let the kids go Medieval on their Castle Playground or hop aboard hay rides. The pumpkin patch is open during the regular fest hours, Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Night mazes open till 10 p.m. On Nov. 8, the theme is glow night.
A look ahead …
Tavares hosts patriotic veteran ceremony
Friends of Golden Triangle History and Union Congregational Church present a Veterans Day ceremony honoring those who have served will be presented at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 11, at the City of Tavares Cemetery & Arboretum, 2055 Dead River Road, Tavares. The program will include the placement of wreaths, a patriotic presentation at the American Legion kiosk and floral displays featuring the blue plumbago — the official flower of the City of Tavares. Details: tavaresfl.gov
Lake County Emergency Management community event
The Lake County Office of Emergency Management is conducting a countywide vulnerability assessment to identify critical areas and infrastructure that may be damaged by flooding, 6-7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 13, Lake County Agriculture Center (Training Room A), 1951 Woodlea Road, Tavares. Can’t make it in person? Share feedback online at: lakecountyfl.gov
Lake County Comic Con gets new digs
Lake County Comic Convention returns on Saturday, Nov. 22, at a new venue, Minneola, 800 U.S. 27, Minneola. “We’re leveling up for 2025 with more guests, vendors, cosplay and family fun,” organizers say. Details: lakecountycomiccon
Clermont Garden Club and art events in South Lake
The Clermont Garden Club hosts its annual plant sale on Saturday, Nov 15, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at their headquarters at 849 West Ave. Plants grown by Garden Club members, as well as gently used garden items (ex., tools, pots, etc.) will be available for sale. There will be chances to win raffle baskets. Cash, check and credit cards accepted.
On Saturday, Nov. 22, the club will collaborate with the South Lake Art League on the Art Stroll, a free event from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Clermont Garden Club. Artists will demonstrate, display and share their works throughout the grounds. Additional items include: raffles, a kids’ craft table, and a scavenger hunt for all ages. Light refreshments will be available for purchase. Details: Email rabanog@gmail.com
TV’s Tony Danza comes to Clermont
Tony Danza, the beloved star of TV classics “Taxi” and “Who’s the Boss?” Tony Danza will show up with his four-piece band at the Clermont Arts & Recreation Center to perform “Standards & Stories,” on Saturday, Nov. 22. In his new live show, the TV music with humor, storytelling, singing and even playing the ukulele. Read about it in our story at dailycommercial.com
Planning an event? Email us at news@dailycommercial.com
This article originally appeared on Daily Commercial: 15-plus things to do in the Lake and Sumter County area plus a look ahead
Reporting by Julie Garisto, Leesburg Daily Commercial / Daily Commercial
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
