Events centered on local history, community and outdoor fun bring out all the America feels in the lead-up to the United States’ 250th birthday on the Fourth of July.
Here are some fun family-friendly and free things to do this weekend and the days ahead, besides the big fireworks events, but remember the first one is happening this Saturday in Lady Lake!
Read about Lady Lake’s Big Bang Independence Day Celebration and the other big July 4 events in our local Fourth of July guide at dailycommercial.com
Step back in time inside Historic Baker House
On Fridays, June 26 and July 3, you can step back in time with Baker House Historical Tours in Wildwood. Tours of the restored 19th-century home are offered on select Fridays at 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. (advance registration required). The historic home is located at 6106 County Road 44A, Wildwood. Cost is $15 per person. Details: 352-461-0134, wildwood-fl.gov
‘Purple with a Purpose’ Alzheimer’s 5K and celebration
The “Purple for a Purpose” initiative is taking place in Leesburg to serve as a visual statement of unity, compassion and support for individuals and families affected by Alzheimer’s, dementia and other cognitive debilitating illnesses. The monthlong event culminates with an Alzheimer’s Awareness 5K run/walk and community event from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 27. The race starts at 8 and will be followed by activities in Towne Square, including food trucks, vendors, and a kids’ area. There is no entry fee for the race. Registration for runners/walkers begins at 7:30 am. Details: turnleesburgpurple@gmail.com.
Hooked on History author celebration in Tavares
Fourteen authors join Richard Lee “Rick” Cronin, Lake County’s eminent history scribe, to share anecdotes, tell Florida stories of old, sign books and greet readers at Lake County History Museum’s Hooked on History Author Celebration.
Cronin could have made this event all about him, but he’s sharing the spotlight with published authors across the state. Expect to learn about the Sunshine State through clever, insightful storytellers such as Robert Redd, author of “100 Things to Do in Daytona Beach Before You Die,” and other literati you’ll see there.
Cronin will sell signed editions of his books, including “Tavares: Darling of Orange County, Birthplace of Lake County,” and “Florida’s Enchanting Golden Triangle.” The event takes place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 27, and the museum is located inside the Historic Lake County Courthouse, 317 W. Main St., Tavares. Attendees can also enjoy a variety of exhibits and activities for all ages at the free event, and even a scavenger hunt. Details: 352-343-9890.
Downtown Cruise-In & Classic Car Show in Eustis
Check out vintage rides from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Downtown Cruise-In & Classic Car Show at Ferran Park. The event features around 150 classic cars, local shopping and music. Details: eustis.org
Radio operators go ‘ham’ at Lake Tech
Have you ever wondered how communities stay connected when cell towers go down and power grids fail? The Lake Amateur Radio Association (LARA) is pulling back the curtain on emergency communications during its annual 24-hour Field Day.
This weekend-long event serves as both a public open house and a live emergency preparedness exercise. Attendees can watch local “hams” in action as they race against the clock to contact as many radio stations across North America as possible within 24 hours, get up close to mobile command and communications vehicles and discover the science and skill behind amateur radio technology, how LARA’s top-performing operators provide critical public service during local and national crises.
Admission is free. Takes place Saturday, June 27, at 2 p.m. through Sunday, June 28, at 2 p.m. at Lake Technical College Institute of Public Safety Range Campus, 13000 Frankies Road, Tavares.
Mount Dora Village Market
Browse for organic produce or fashion, accessories, home goods and decor at the Mount Dora Village Market. The outdoor market takes place every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Sunset Park. Bring your appetite because the food vendors are usually on point. Details: mountdora.com/events/calendar
A look ahead …
Fresh Market at Ferran returns to Eustis
Shop local at the Fresh Market at Ferran in Eustis on Wednesday, July 1. Running from 5 to 8 p.m., the market offers local vendors, live music and scenic views of Lake Eustis. Details: whimsy-market.com
DAR hosts patriotic reenactment for USA 250
If you’re new to our area, local folks know that the Mary Ellen Robertson Chapter, a Leesburg-based branch of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, has been steadfastly dedicated to community service, youth education, and preserving history in our community.
Named in honor of early Florida pioneer Mary Ellen Robertson, who lived in the region during the mid-19th century, the chapter regularly honors the nation’s heritage by hosting local civic events such as the upcoming Public Reenactment of the Declaration of Independence. On Wednesday, July 8, the chapter will host a reenactment of the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence, from 6 to 6:30 p.m. at the Veterans’ Memorial at Fountain Park, located at 600 W. Meadows St., Leesburg.
Costumed portrayers from both the Mary Ellen Robertson DAR and the Lake-Sumter Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) will enact the historic reading beside the park’s Liberty Tree. Attendees are highly encouraged to wear colonial costumes if they have them. Details: Call Candy Davis at cndydavis@aol.com or call 352-636-3327.
‘Fiesta forever’ at Lake Square Mall
Celebrate Lake and Sumter’s Hispanic and Caribbean cultures at the Festival of the Americas inside Lake Square Mall. The event features representations from multiple countries, highlighting a variety of international traditions through cultural displays, music and activities. The fiesta takes place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, July 8, at Lake Square Mall, 10401 U.S. 441, Leesburg. Admission is free and open to the public. Details: lakesquaremall.com.
Second Saturday Sounds concert series in Eustis
The Second Saturday Sounds concert series is a free, family-friendly summer event hosted by the city of Eustis Events & Tourism department. It invites residents and visitors to enjoy live music against the backdrop of a scenic sunset over Lake Eustis. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs or picnic blankets to relax on the grass. The Shaelyn Band plays on July 11, Dallas Taylor Band, and the Ultimate Santana Tribute Band play on Aug. 8, from 6 to 8 p.m. The events are held at the bandshell in Ferran Park, located at 250 Ferran Park Drive, Eustis. Details: 352-589-4040.
This article originally appeared on Daily Commercial: What’s there to do besides Fourth of July events in Lake & Sumter counties?
Reporting by Julie Garisto, Leesburg Daily Commercial / Daily Commercial
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Julie Garisto, Leesburg Daily Commercial | USA TODAY Network
