12 things to do in Lake County (plus a cool one-tank trip)

What a weekend, Lake County. Celebrate May the 4th Be With You Star Wars fans, fiesta forever at Cinco de Mayo events and there's even a fun event where you can watch the Kentucky Derby. That's not all: Throw in a Survivor-style game and a paratrooper jump.

First Friday Food Truck Night pulls back into Clermont

Historic Downtown Clermont's First Friday Food Truck Night returns to the chomping grounds around charming Montrose Street, just off Lake Minneola, April 5, from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Whether you're hungry for a meal or just craving something sweet, there's something for you, and shops will stay open to provide retail therapy. Details: clermontfl.gov/298/Historic-Downtown.

Celebrate our officers in blue at Eustis' First Friday

Eustis' First Fridays are loads of fun with good community-lovin' vibes, and at May's event, and this month's installment will feature a variety of law enforcement vehicles, from police cars to the armored, tactical vehicle used by the S.W.A.T. (Special Weapons and Tactics) team, K-9 officers and more, with opportunities for families to interact with the officers. According to the city's events coordinator Carl Saenger, a popular costumed canine will make an appearance.

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The monthly event spreads out across two blocks of the downtown business district, taken over by food and retail vendors, bands, street performers and other entertainment. This Friday, Neon Dream will be performing on stage at Eustis Street and Orange Avenue, beginning at 6 p.m., offering the audience an eclectic mix of dance tunes, classic and Southern rock, and more. Details: eustis.org or facebook.com/CityofEustis/events for updates.

SATURDAY

Paratroopers dive in Tavares' Lake Dora

Catch a spectacle in action when 160 veteran paratroopers will conduct a training jump from the Historic C-47 “Tico Belle” plane into Lake Dora from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Wooten Park, 110 E. Ruby St. Details: tavares.org.

Mother-son 'Survivor' games in Lady Lake

The Town of Lady Lake is putting a new and creative spin on the classic mother-son dance, asking pairs to team up for a rugged, outdoor game of Survivor complete with mental and physical challenges, presented by the Lady Lake Parks and Recreation Department from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 4, beneath the shady oaks of Snooky Park, 120 W. Lady Lake Blvd.

Brave moms (and maternal figures) alongside their adventurous junior counterparts ages 6-17 are called on to "outwit, outplay and outlast the competition for a chance to bring home prizes for their combined skills." Games include rubber ax throwing, Velcro wall climbing, giant lawn bowling, memory games and more. "Bug eating is not required," we're told.

Tickets must be purchased in advance for $10 per person at Lady Lake Town Hall, the Lady Lake Library or by calling 352-205-2826.

May the 4th be with you at Free Comic Book Day and Lake Square Mall

Celebrate Star Wars fans' favorite Day "May the 4th Be With You" with a stormtrooper and rebel band All About that Base and Rebels, performing at Lake Square Mall's court area at noon, followed by a meet and greet. Find the mall 10401 U.S. 441. Details: 352-787-1200.

Stores in Florida’s Coliseum of Comics chain, which claims to be the largest comics and collectibles retailer in the Southeast, will be among the thousands of comic book retailers around the world celebrating the largest event in the industry on Saturday, May 4th: Free Comic Book Day. Each year, participating stores give millions of comic books to millions of fans to introduce them to the wonders of comics, and Coliseum's Clermont location is no exception, located at 1730 E. State Road 50. Details: 352-432-9209 and clermont@coliseumofcomics.com.

Enjoy Derby Day at Southern Hill Farms

Watch the Kentucky Derby and enjoy carnival-style fun with fresh pickin's at Southern Hill Farms in Clermont. Enjoy live tunes by Jana & Jordan from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; blueberry, sunflower, zinnia, peach and seasonal vegetable picking; Southern Hill Farms food trucks serving lunch and visiting food trucks Willy T’s Crab Shack & A Lo Cubano Kitchen. For dessert, seasonal donuts, blueberry cobbler and more sweet treats will be available in the bakery.

Teachers and nurses receive a free round of U-pick blueberries. An unlimited play wristband costs $22 (plus tax) for children 42 inches and taller, $18 (plus tax) for younger. Takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 4 The farm is located at 16651 Schofield Road, Clermont. Entry ends at 6:30 p.m. Details: southernhillfarms.com. (If you can't make it Saturday, visit Sunday for the farm's Cinco de Mayo event.)

One-tank trip: Floridiana Show in Gainesville

The Floridiana Show is a favorite of lovers of Old Florida postcards, souvenirs, and other kitschy ephemera. A variety of vendors from Gainesville and across the state will sell their Florida-centric items at the Matheson History Museum, 513 E. University Ave. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. for museum members only to get first dibs, and everyone else can get in from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $5; children 14 and under and members get in free. Details: info@mathesonmuseum.org.

SATURDAY & SUNDAY

Wine down Weekends at the Winery's free outdoor concerts

Bring lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy free live music at the Lakeridge Winery this Saturday and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. NYC transplant Maria Salerno, now an Orlando-based musician, and the first woman to perform in Walt Disney World’s "British Revolution," performs Saturday. On Sunday, check out The Essentials, described by the winery as a "powerhouse, dynamic acoustic duo with Rachel Stump and Jess Emery." 

No coolers or outside food and beverages allowed. Admission and parking are free. Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards is at 19239 U.S. 27 North, Clermont. Visit lakeridgewinery.com/WATW for details on its wines and other goods.

Cinco de Mayo fiestas

May the Fourth be with you on Cinco de Mayo? That's right. Paradise Arcade, 1012 East Alfred St., will host a Cinco de Mayo party a day early, Saturday May 4, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event features free door prizes, free games, a taco bar lunch at noon and door prizes all day. Check out Paradise Arcade Tavares on Facebook for updates.

On Saturday and Sunday, you can head to Clermont for its first ever Taco & Margarita Festival at Waterfront Park, , from noon to 6 p.m. on Saturday, May 4. The 2-day event isn't just about tequila cocktails and Mexican food. It's promoted as a free family-friendly event with a kid zone. Several types of food from local mobile kitchens and food trucks will be featured as well as local bands. Attendees can meet and shop at Local merchants pop up stores or watch some Lucha Libre-style wrestling matches. For more information, visit the Facebook page, Clermont Taco and Margarita Festival 2024.

Also in Clermont on Sunday, Cantina's Mexican Kitchen at 2507 U.S. 27 will host a Cinco de Mayo fiesta from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. featuring free Mexican candy shots and T-shirts, drink specials throughout the day and a live DJ from noon to 10 p.m. Details: cantinasmexicankitchen.com.

Shout ¡olé! and tap your toes on Cinco de Mayo in the Villages' Spanish Springs with live entertainment and food trucks/vendor such as Biekes Bistro, The Big Hot Box, Curbside Chef, Heavenly Soft Pretzels and The Kettle Corn Cabin. Entertainers include a mariachi band, Latin Ambition, Stilt Walkers, Sugar N’ Spice, Hispanic Folkloric Dancers, the Mystic Jewels, Silver Rockettes and Clown Alley #179. The free fiesta takes place from 5 to 9 p.m. at Spanish Springs Town Square, 1120 Main St. Details: thevillagesentertainment.com/cinco-de-mayo-celebration-2024.

Hosting an event in Lake County or nearby? Email description and photo (without text, please) to news@dailycommercial.com. Please notify us at least two weeks in advance.