2-6-10 | Don't do *anything* this afternoon unless its drive to the Mount Dora Art Festival in downtown Mount Dora. (It runs Sunday, too.) From what I hear, its awesome. Tips (from the website):
1. Arrive early. Its starts at 10am, so its too late for that. But FYI, I hear the crowds are insane.
2. Wear comfortable shoes. Theres a lot to see and much of the city is on an an incline.
3. "Bring canvas shopping bags. If you got bags on wheels, even better. As you make your purchases, you'll be thankful that you have something to carry them all in. There is a great little store on Donnelly called Whispering Winds that sells expandable market bags. What I love about these is that you can bunch them up into a ball and throw them in your purse ... but they expand big enough to hold about four beach towels."
4. Bring a bottled water and a snack. The crowds will get big around lunchtime. The food will definitely be worth the wait. But if you plan on making a day of this event then you'll be happy you have a little something to hold you over.
5. Don't forget your sunglasses.
6. Wear sunscreen. Most of the festival is outdoors.
7. Do not bring your pets. Only dogs used for medical purposes will be permitted. Othewise, you'll get all the way here and be turned away at the baracades.
8. Bring cash or your check book. There are usually some art vendors that accept credit cards ... but you don't want to test your luck. There is a walk-up ATM at the Bank of America on the corner of Alexandar & 5th in case you forget.
9. If you want to wheel-n-deal it is better to come later in the afternoon on Sunday.
About the Festival
For art lovers, casual festival-goers and families, nothing compares to the Mount Dora Art Festival. This festival is one of the largest in the state with about 285 artists from all over the world. Kicking off the festival season in Florida, more than 300,000 visitors and potential buyers attend the two-day event, which is ranked in Sunshine Artist’s Top 100 Festivals. While the fine art draws thousands to the quaint downtown, tourists journey to the festival to witness the striking beauty of the downtown itself.
It’s a wonderful opportunity to meet real artists and to begin your own art collection. With its downtown streets lined with New England architecture, this hilly destination overlooks the breathtaking view of Lake Dora. Other than the endless rows of fine art, including oil paintings, watercolors, acrylics, clay, sculpture and photography, the festival features local and regional musical entertainment at a main stage in Donnelly Park. Festival food will be provided in separate food courts, while local downtown restaurants will remain open.
This Fine Arts Festival features some of the nation's leading artists selected by a panel of jurors from nearly 900 applicants. These Artists provide the quaint, historic downtown streets with a colorful array of fine art! Over $21,000 in awards is handed out to artists earning honors for best of show, judge’s choice awards and best of category. This event is the premiere cultural event in the region. Local B&B’s book early for this event – be sure to reserve your room in one of the many wonderful B&B’s in town.