More than 750 people took part in the Ice Cream Stroll & Pup Walk in downtown Mount Dora on Sunday, Oct. 11, the largest turnout yet for the event, according to the Mount Dora Area Chamber of Commerce.

Participants followed a self-guided route through 27 downtown businesses, sampling more than 20 ice cream flavors. Families, friends and people with dogs joined the afternoon stroll, which the chamber organized.

Attendance was up from approximately 550 participants at the sold-out spring stroll in April.

“More than 750 people came downtown on a Sunday afternoon for ice cream, but what makes this event successful is everything that happens between the stops,” says Spencer MacDonald, the chamber’s communications director. “People are discovering businesses they’ve never visited, meeting local owners and spending time in shops they might otherwise walk past. That’s exactly what we want to accomplish. We’re creating experiences that bring people together while giving our local businesses meaningful exposure, and seeing this kind of growth tells us we’re onto something.”

Scoops on 5th and Waffles & Cream supplied the ice cream served at participating locations, while Mystic Ice Cream offered samples at its storefront.

Dogs received treats supplied by Earl’s Bakehouse and Piglet’s Pantry Dog Bakery at stops along the route. Participants also had an opportunity to try a mobile golf simulator from PopUp Play Company.

Sponsored by VyStar Credit Union, Sunday’s event was the second Ice Cream Stroll & Pup Walk held this year.

For more information about upcoming Chamber events and programs, visit www.MountDora.com.