Yes, folks, we’re in the middle of the dreaded dog days of August, and, yes, things are slowing down event-wise as we shelter in the AC from storms and record-breaking heat, but fun stuff, believe it or not, is still happening if the cabin fever starts getting to you.
‘Adult Comedy Night’ brings laughs to Fruitland Park
Orlando-based comedian and podcast host Jesse Chudeusz describes himself as “not your typical stand-up comedian” and the owner of “a razor-sharp wit and a knack for pushing boundaries,” shares his observations and emcees a night of comedy in northwestern Lake County, featuring co-headliners Frankie Paul and Dean Napolitano.
Paul touches on everything from fishing to scuba diving and female bodybuilders to marriage, kids and how we choose the animals we eat. A three-and-a-half-decade vet onstage, he’s known for his knack for the unexpected and high energy.
Napolitano riffs on his Italian-American upbringing and considers himself a throwback to a bygone era of comedy. Born in Long Island, he has performed the comedy circuit throughout Florida and has appeared in a variety of TV series, including the NBC shows “Heroes” and “Las Vegas” (NBC) and “The Shield” (FX).
Catch these jokesters at the Fruitland Park Gardenia Center, 205 W. Berckman St., from 8 to 10 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 15. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door, available at eventbrite.com.
4th Street Art Experience brings ‘art, culture & creativity’
The 4th Street Art Experience is a new event that recurs the third Friday of the month from 6 to 10 p.m. at 100 S. Fourth St., Leesburg.
Join Artist with a Purpose and reThreads: Foxy Style for a monthly celebration of art, culture and creativity starting Aug. 15. “We’re turning 4th Street into a vibrant space for artists and the community to connect,” says Semeion Richardson, CEO of Artist with a Purpose.
The event features live art, music, vendors and more. For details, email artistwithapurpose1@gmail.com or call 352-826-1144 and ask for Semeion Richardson. More details at Artistwap.com
Air-conditioned fun at North Central Florida Outdoor Expo
Those of you out there who are outdoorsy and spend time in the Ocala National Forest, boating, hiking, horseback riding or roadtripping to springs and other adventures will be sure to find a plethora of products, info and camaraderie at the seventh annual North Central Florida Outdoor Expo this Saturday, Aug. 16.
Shop the latest gear and accessories, enjoy activities for the family and explore an array of vendors and exhibitors showcasing the latest outdoor-related stuff available.
Hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and it’s held at the Expo Center 2 at the World Equestrian Center, 1750 NW 80th Ave., Ocala, and it’s an indoor fest (yes, in the AC!). Admission is $5 cash only at the door. Youth 17 and younger get in free. Details: ncfmgroup.com/outdoorexpo
Italian ice brain-freeze challenge in Leesburg
Head to The Chill Pub on Saturday, Aug 16, at 4 p.m., to witness brain freeze in real time or try to be the person who eats the most Italian ice in a short amount of time. Chill Pub is located in the same plaza as the soon-to-open Giuseppee’s, host of the contest and maker of the homemade Italian ice, at 11240 Northern Ave., Leesburg. Giuseppe’s will give a $100 cash prize to the winner. To sign up to be a contestant, visit eventbrite.com
End of summer market at Leesburg mall
Head to Lake Square Mall on Saturday, Aug. 16, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. for the End of Summer fest inside the Lake Square Mall in Leesburg. Shop 50 local artisans, crafters, shopping vendors and businesses throughout the mall at 10401 U.S 441, Leesburg. Details: specialtypopupevents@gmail.com
A look ahead …
Community Cleanup Day at Berry Park
Gather with friends and the West Leesburg CDC to give both a local park and your karma a beneficial cleanse. Help pick up litter from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Aug. 23, at Berry Park, 2121 Johns Ave., Leesburg. Email tess4gr@gmail.com for details.
Tour historic Mote Morris House
Travel back in time via the landmark Victorian domicile at 1195 W. Magnolia St., Leesburg, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the second and fourth Saturday of the month. Details: leesburgmuseum.org/mote-morris-house
Groundbreaking for new marina building
The official groundbreaking ceremony for Leesburg’s new Venetian Cove Marina operations building will take place at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 27, at 250 Ball Park Road, Leesburg. A Legislative Priority Grant and contributions from the city funded the endeavor, totaling $1.1 million.
Edgewater Group and Construction provided the blueprint, and the project will be brought to completion by GSB Construction & Development Inc. of Leesburg. Details: leesburgflorida.gov
ART U with Margaret Everson
Bring the kids to classes taught by one of Leesburg Art Center’s best, starting again in September at the Leesburg Arts Center. Visit https://www.leesburgarts.com/kids-art-classes/p/earth-sky-planter-4awkk-nazcb-jlsn2 for details.
Viva La Frida Festival in Mount Dora
Kick off Hispanic Heritage Month with a festive bang and enjoy a colorful, culturally enriching homage to the late great Frida Kahlo on Saturday, Sept. 30, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Mount Dora Center for the Arts celebrates the diversity and artistic creativity of the famous Mexican artist with an outdoor fiesta that features a variety of food vendors, dancing, music and a free kids art zone.
Come dressed up like Frida to compete to win a basket of goodies. Community outreach groups will also be on hand to offer services to Spanish-speaking families. Details: facebook.com/MountDora
Back the Blue 5K at Leesburg airport
The Leesburg Blue Foundation 5K invites runners to hoof it again on the runway of the Leesburg International Airport. Presented by Sunair Aviation, the event returns on Saturday, Oct. 4. As per tradition, all proceeds raised will go to the Leesburg Police Department through the Leesburg Blue Foundation. Participants can walk or run. Check in at 6 p.m. Race is at 7. Details: runsignup.com/…/Leesburg/LeesburgBlueFoundation5K
Planning an event? Email us details and photos at news@dailycommercial.com
This article originally appeared on Daily Commercial: 5 fun things to do in Lake County this weekend
Reporting by Julie Garisto, Leesburg Daily Commercial / Daily Commercial
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
