I enjoyed the festive lights on the ball dropped, the music, the food and the t-shirt.read more

This is a once a year event. It takes place on New Years Eve…read more I had to list this on yelp... so others will hopefully partake in this awesome New Year's area tradition! THIS IS A MUST... forget the neighbourhood block party. Do this first, as the block party will still be going on when you come back! THIS IS A FREE EVENT! This is based on the NYC ball drop with a twist, they drop the ball at 9pm so you can be in bed by 10! This is put on by a bunch of local business owners and residents that have to work the following morning. Great music mix by IPOD, Great food, Great strangers... you couldn't ask for a better venue. Also there were the traditional fire works (shot out of a dumpster) and singing the New Year in! It is recommended that you bring as dish to share, Dogs, Burgers, water provided... BYOB&C (that's a chair folks) Plenty of parking. There was even a 50/50 raffle and you could buy a tee-shirt to commemorate the event. (I did, as no one back home is going to believe this!) Here's the print to the article that was in the paper You gotta love Lake County Posted: 28 Dec 2011 07:36 AM PST Here's an option for New Year's Eve that transcends the traditional Times Square dropping of the ball. It is a distinctly Lake County event. You have to love this place. This email comes from Douglas Koskey, one of the organizers of the Astatula "Blue Collar Ball Drop." "I am writing to you to announce a most unusual event that will be taking place in the little ole town of Astatula, Florida on New Years Eve. It is the "Blue Collar Ball Drop", a family friendly event that you and your friends are invited to attend. "Conceived by a group of Astatula locals, the people of this sleepy little Blue Collar burg wanted a New Year's celebration that folks could attend without disturbing the sleep patterns of hard-working types that had to report to work someplace the next day. So they pushed the clock forward three hours and celebrated their own ball drop at 9:00pm! "Three years ago, a ball made of dixie-cups and Christmas lights was attempted to be dropped from the Astatula City hall flag pole. The ball jammed at the top in the wind and at 9 pm, one local resident gave the extension cord a hard tug and the ball crashed to the ground. Last year, a ball was constructed of one of those plastic contraptions that expand and lock into a much bigger ball, then it was loaded with several strings of lights again. This time, it was hauled to the top of a rented scissor-lift in front of the Race Car Diner by a truck-winch and lowered at 9pm. This went much more smoothly, however the ball sagged under the weight of the lights and it looked more like a pear than a ball! "This year, ring-leader and Astatula Mayor Jake Farley has constructed a 7 foot diameter ball made of welded rods that rivals the infamous Times Square Ball. Loaded with hundreds of LED lights and a mirror ball inside the outer ball, this one will certainly hold it's shape and will be lowered from a crane that is ten stories tall! "You will be able to see it from the Howey bridge across Little Lake Harris" says brother Arlie. "Celebrations start at 6pm on New Years Eve. Hamburgers and Hot Dogs will be served and attendees are asked to bring a covered dish. Music will be provided all the way up to the countdown and other surprises are planned as well. Anyone interested in dropping in is welcome and this is a Family-Friendly event. For the all-nighter crowd, this could be your pre-party! "It is absolutely free, just drop on in for the "Blue Collar Ball Drop" located one mile south of the Astatula City Limits on County Road 561 at the field in between Farley's Frigeration and Petrotech."

Charming little annual festival held near the lake Eola bandshell. If you are curious about Turkish…read moreculture, or just love Turkish food, this is a great festival. There are cultural dances and music on the stage,bounce houses for the kiddos and booths with foods to try, products to buy, jewelry to wear, tea to drink, or art to buy. Stop by next year and take a look.

Super fun event held in Sanford annually. If you love puppy dogs, live music, food trucks, and beer…read morethis event is for you. Although this event is usually a blast, I wish they would schedule it when it's a little cooler out. It's almost always blazing hot the day of the event and it was again this time around. We would love to bring our dog but we would have to run her back to the house after 30-minutes in that heat. There are plenty of spots for dogs to cool off in ice baths and whatnot but it's still too hot for her regardless. There were 70+ craft brewers, 20+ food trucks, a variety of vendors selling dog treats, clothing, and other misc. dog supplies. There were other vendors on site selling jewelry, cigars, artwork and other items you typically see at events like this. There were several bands playing the day of the event, one at Celery City and the other at West End. There were several one-man-band type artists gigging in the general area and also a DJ across from Celery City. Literally entertainment everywhere. The event starts at 11am and ends at 5pm. VIP is $60 and gets you a glass cup, event tee and access to the VIP area located inside West End where they have air conditioning, some food, and discounted cocktails. General Admission is $30 and gets you a wristband so you can sample everything. Either way you go, it's a good deal for a fun day out. There is a voting area where you can vote for your favorite brewer and brewer that provided the best accommodations for dogs which was fun. It was setup just like a real voting booth, good job on that. All-in-all, it's a great event and I think it's awesome that Sanford keeps this event going. My only recommendation is to get here early enough to beat the heat, and try to find shady areas and fresh water every opportunity you can to keep you pup cool and happy.

Great day an event to support local beer companies and all the proceeds go to help the puppy dog…read moreshelters around our area. VIP wristband is $60 which gets you a t-shirt a glas a air conditioned area with free food. The $30 wristband gets you free tastings all day. I have beer, HTC drinks and other vodka based drinks in a can. They had two stages with bands. Free parking around the city. It started out real hot but then the breeze came and cool things down thank goodness. This was the biggest one I've ever seen It keeps growing every year.

THIS was the event of the year! Yelp's VIP Sky Lounge provided the perfect view for seeing and…read morebeing seen. And boy oh boy, there was non-stop fashion on the runway to be seen as well as in the crowds. The models and guests were dressed beyond the nines all the way to the 15s. Thank goodness the runway show gave me some ideas how to spruce up my wardrobe. There were so many shops from Park Avenue that have some seriously forward and beautiful pieces. I'm already married and don't wear dresses, but the wedding dresses from The Collection blew me away and might make me rethink all that. Simply stunning gowns, especially the salmon colored final dress. I got chills when I saw it. So, I'm young at heart but not that young. And I only see myself in Current's awesome forward clothing and trends. But I will say that I rethought this after John Craig presented some of their pieces. It is NOT older stodgy clothes at all! They've got some very stylish and forward fashion. Now I've got two stores to shop in. Million thanks to all the vendors showcasing their products, food, and drinks at the event. Luma on Park knocked it out with their amazing Linen cocktail and champagne. Carmel Kitchen and Hawkers provided amazing noshes, some of which I had to retaste several times to be sure they were as delicious as my first bite. Boca/Abo/Park Social were there representing their new restaurant on Park Avenue across from Panera. I can't wait to check out their local food creations, oysters, and cocktails, respectively. They sampled some bourbon macarons that were freaking delicious. Final props to Yelp for yet again introducing me to businesses and places that I would not have thought about if it weren't for this event.

What a great event, and a great time to be Elite! This wasn't my first fashion rodeo, but I thought…read morethe crew that put this show on did a great job mixing entertainment, fashion and charity together. As an Elite Yelper I got treated to VIP access that got me free food & drink which was all amazing and from local Orlando restaurants, plus I got to hang with Andi and the other incredibly nice Yelpers in our own Sky Lounge! My only critique if I'm even allowed to mention anything from such a wonderful night, was the longer than normal intermission. This is a fashion show! Not a night out at the theater! Keep the energy going! An extra perk was getting to meet Laura Diaz from XL 106.7 who couldn't have been nicer and even took pictures with me. Speaking of pictures Snap Studio Booth was on hand with an amazing great portable photo booth that took stellar pictures!! Check them out! Thanks Andi! Another night of feeling cooler than you are thanks to Yelp!

Having heard of this festival a few years ago we finally were able to make it and were incredibly…read moreexcited. It didn't hurt that it was the weekend of my dear husband's birthday and our passion is to ride our bikes. Off we went to ride hard and ride long. The town is warm and welcoming to all of the cyclists who come out en masse like locusts. The organization of this Festival is amazing. There are various official rides on Saturday and Sunday, including the two hardest and daunting. On Saturday the century ride (yes that's 100 miles of biking in one day) and Sunday the 40 mile "Assault on Sugarloaf" - Sugarloaf being the only mountain in Florida and a wicked climb at that (read: unholy realm of torture). Aside from those two gruelling events there are rides that range from fun rides for families to longer rides for the rest. All rides are clearly marked on the roads, and they all start ON TIME. So don't be late. The description of many of these routes include the words "rolling hills' for this is one of the few areas in Florida that actually has them. By rolling hills they actually mean "little pockets of hell", and I must say even the knowledge of the incredible rush of doing 35 miles per hour uninterrupted downhill can help the brain through them. OK, maybe a little, but I still think they are misleading us with the words "rolling" and "hills" (pain and hell is more like it) - but its a rush once you finish that LAST one and ride in. Yea, I rock. Just call me Superwoman. Vendors are available all three days with toys for us roadies. Some kind of expensive, some have great prices. Also with the vendors there are masseuses available, food for the riders, and all different kinds of support. Refuelling, paramedics, etc. Speaking of support, after hitting a 28 mile ride on Sunday I rolled in with blood all over my right side. I had hit gravel on mile 8 and wiped out completely. Sitting with a glass of Gatorade given to me by the AMAZING volunteers, I was on the phone telling my daughter of the experience. After about a minute no less than 3 people came up to me (volunteers) telling me that the paramedics had been called.. ?!?! HUH? Wow. I was just sitting there, and they were ON top of it. Now that is caring! I wish I had gotten their names, but one lady especially, with grey hair, a retired nurse took care of me and fussed over me like I was her child. Bless her! So awesome. The paramedic rocked too. I now have a nice trio of trophies from the ride, a messed up elbow, knee/shin, and most interesting, a bruise and road rash the size of a melon on my right hip/leg. The only reason the event didn't get 5 stars was because I spoke to a previous volunteer. I wiped out on a right turn (where there were clear markings) and there was a mess of dirt/gravel all in the right lane and part of the left forcing the cyclists to turn into the left lane. The wrong side of the road. I fell trying to ride around it but also trying not to ride on the left hand side. The gentleman was behind me and saw it happen, he told me that when he volunteered in the past , they drove out with the paint to mark the road they also had brooms to clear out things like this. I am sure this was an oversight, but had I been riding faster it could have been worse. All in all though, you aren't a real roadie without a battle scar or two. Now I have mine! Next year: I ATTACK harder! Dare I attack the Sugarloaf??????

I've been wanting to go to this festival for over 6 years and counting, and there was never quite…read morethe right time. So this year we decided to make the commitment and so come October 9th, we hit the road with great enthusiasm. This event totally exceeded our expectations, there is just something really powerful about descending upon a place where hundreds of fellow riders converge. You feel like you belong and the anticipation of long, enjoyable rides is simply overwhelming. So we wake up really early and ride the 2 and half miles from our hotel to the center of town and as any fellow rider can attest, there is a very cool feeling about riding in a place where you have never been before. Everything looks and feels different and you simply have no idea of what lies ahead but can't wait to travel the miles on your own power to find out. We arrive in the middle of town with a few minutes to spare before our 50 mile ride to the Yalaha Bakery out in Yalaha, Florida. The scene of hundreds of cyclists on super cool bikes, we are ready to join them and ride out to some place we've never been before. The rides were simply flawless, clearly marked and easy to follow on beautiful country roads and rolling hills with a couple of challenging hills to tackle, life got better by the mile. The organizers and volunteers are simply the best, great demeanor and always, always, always willing to help and inform. The residents of Lake and Orange County are the most respectful, patient and courteous motorists I have ever encountered. There are over 10 rides that cover distances from 100 miles to just a couple of miles, so everyone can find a ride to match their abilities and desires. This festival is simply a must for any bicycle enthusiast and must be done many many many times over. As for me... I am a fan and will definitely return every year.

This parade is quite the fun one. From stilt-walkers to dancers to all your favorite Disney…read morefavorites (Donald, Goofy, Minnie, Mickey), there's pretty much something for everyone in this parade. I've seen it a few times, and I don't think I've bored of it yet. Hint: get a place about 30 minutes early. The best places are the ones that don't have standing or seating across the way from you. That way, all the dancers/performers/characters that pass that way won't really ever have a reason to turn their back to you. We found a seat on a bench in such an area the other day and my 2 year-old neice was THRILLED with all the attention she got from all of the performers!

Is really nice, lots of music, characters and colors. Follow hints, 30 minutes is cool in low…read moreseason, in high season is better 45, but it's true, better a place like a turn without people on the other side. One of Disney finest to jump, dance and have a good time.

This event was a very nice family friendly 2 night event in Downtown Avalon Park. The time was 5pm…read moreto 10pm both nights. On Friday night, the festivities were limited to the Avalon Town Park. Entrance and entertainment were free. There was live music, not all of it was German. There were a number of vendors for food and drink. The drinks available included beers and jaegermeister. A das boot (souvenir glass boot full of beer) was $30 with $15 refills. At least one vendor had jello shots. As far a food there was schnitzel, bratwursts, sauerkraut, fries and apfelstrudel. The prices were pretty reasonable. On Saturday, the number of vendors greatly increased beyond the capacity of the Town Park. Again entry and entertainment were free. The vendors lined the streets and it felt like a true street festival. Although many of the businesses weren't German, it was still nice that vendors and patrons came out in full force. In addition to the live music in the Avalon Town Park and Founders Square, a few of the local business (i.e. Casa Mofongo, Mulberry, Margaritas (karaoke) ) had live entertainment. Overall, it was a good time and I look forward to next year's Oktoberfest here.

This was probably one of the best events that I've been to in Avalon Park. Although I do live in…read morethe community I rarely come to the events. I will say that Parking can be very interesting. I hope they consider building a parking garage in the future. Being Oktoberfest there was German beer and food available in town center. You had to pay a fee to get in order to try the different beers and food. The streets were shut down and were lined with several vendors, not necessarily German related but it was nice to support small businesses. We actually ended up eating from the German food truck that was there instead of going into the actual festival area. The food truck was delish! Smoked German Sausages with German mustard was just the quick bite needed. There were a lot of options available for everyone in the family. We ended up sitting as Casa Mofongo and listening to some nice live Latin music. Yes I know it was a "Oktoberfest" event but most of the restaurants in town center had their own live entertainment that was free to listen to. All in all it was a great night with good friends and good weather.

This free 1-day event is probably the busiest day in the Oviedo Mall these days. I got there right…read morewhen it opened and had some trouble finding a close parking spot. They have some good food options from local places, some give out samples and coupons for visits to their restaurants. I will say it's a lot more local businesses (think roofers, hvac, windows, solar) than food places, but it's still fun to walk around and see what's going on. If you have kids, there was one "aisle" that had a ton of stuff for them to do (bounce houses, games, etc.). Those whiskey samples helped us all deal with that aisle, right? They also had a stage with some music entertainment too, although they had a tent right in front which made it difficult to see the stage unless you were in the tent. I wish there was more food (I usually always wish that), but it's a good event to add to your calendar every year. If it gets hot, you can duck inside to the mall to shop and support the businesses there before we have yet another closed mall.

First Time at Taste of Oviedo: A Fun Experience!…read more This was my first time attending the Taste of Oviedo, and overall, I had a great time. Getting there was a breeze, thanks to the ample parking available at Oviedo Mall. However, keep in mind that the later you arrive, the further you may have to walk to the event. One thing to note: there's not a lot of shade, so be prepared for the weather. On the day I went, it started off cool in the morning but got blazing hot by the afternoon. I didn't bring a hat and ended up with a slight sunburn. Fortunately, you can always pop inside the mall to take a break from the heat if needed. There are a lot of tents to check out but most of them are local businesses/contractors attempting to get the word out about their services. There were several local churches there spreading the word as well. There were several locations living up to the whole "Taste of Oviedo" such as Marlow's Tavern, Legacy Liquors, and PRP Wine; their samples were actually free; alternatively, most of the other vendors were selling larger meal portions at what looked to be their regular rates. For families, there was a kids' zone featuring large inflatable bounce houses, face painting, henna tattoos, and more. The highlight for me was watching the talented young musicians from the School of Rock perform classic rock songs. Their energy and skill were impressive! Nancy was able to score several free Pilates class trials for herself and her friends, which was a nice perk. We also snagged discounted Gator Land tickets at $12 each, which are valid until next year. Between the two of us, we walked away with a variety of freebies--stickers, cozies, reusable bags, hand fans, lighters, pens, and more--that we'll definitely use or pass along to friends. While it might not have been the most impressive "Taste of" event I've been to in recent years, it was still a fun experience. Plus, it was free, so I have no complaints. If you're in the area next time the event comes around, I'd recommend checking it out!