By Cindy Peterson
Independence Day Festivals in Lake County
Lake County is getting fired up for Independence Day! Eustis and Lady Lake will kick off the festivities on Saturday night, followed by Mount Dora on Monday night, with the remaining city events happening on Tuesday. See how you can fit as many fireworks and free activities into this year’s celebrations.
Lady Lake Inaugural Fireworks Celebration
Where: Guava Street Athletic Complex
When: Saturday, July 1 from 5 to 9 p.m.
Details: Beginning at 5 p.m., guests can enjoy food trucks, bounce houses, live music and more. Then at 9:15 p.m., colorful fireworks will fill the sky for an 18-minute show.
Eustis Independence Day Hometown Celebration
Where: Ferran Park
When: Saturday, July 1 from 12 to 9 p.m.
Details: The event kicks off at noon with water performances by the Central Florida Show Ski Team, live music on the main stage and a host of local vendors. It also doubles as the 140th birthday of Eustis. There will be admission to the pool and splash pad, and fireworks will light up the night sky beginning at 9:30 p.m.
Mount Dora Freedom on the Waterfront
Where: Elizabeth Evans Park
When: Monday July 3, beginning at 5 p.m.
Details: Activities will include live music, a kid’s zone, food trucks and plenty of fun. Around 9 p.m., the spectacular fireworks display will begin over Lake Dora.
Tavares 4th of July Parade and Fireworks
Where: Wooton Park for most activities. Parade begins on Main St. from the courthouse, past city hall and over to St. Clair Abrams Ave.
When: Tuesday, July 4 – 4:45 to 9 p.m. Parade begins at 5 p.m.
Details: The street party begins at 4:45 p.m., followed immediately by a seaplane flyover on Main St. The annual parade begins at 5 p.m. on Main St. from the courthouse, past city hall and over to St. Clair Abrams Ave. Festivities like a kid’s dance party, live music, food trucks and vendors, continues through the night until 9 p.m. when fireworks will fill the sky.
Clermont’s Red, White, and Boom!
Where: Waterfront Park
When: Tuesday, July 4 from 7 to 10 p.m.
Details: Enjoy traditional American activities for all ages ending with fireworks over Lake Minneola.
Mount Dora Independence Day Parade
Where: Corner of Donnelly and Seventh St.
When: Tuesday, July 4 at 10 a.m.
Details: The parade begins at the corner of Donnelly and Seventh St. and runs to Charles Ave.
Groveland 4th of July at Lake David
Where: Lake David Park
When: Tuesday, July 4 from 1 to 9 p.m.
Details: The event will include live entertainment, food trucks, kids’ zone, a car show, vendors and more. From 1 to 4 p.m., they will host the firecracker pageant, and the car show runs from 4 to 8 p.m. The night will end with fireworks at 9:15 p.m.
Leesburg 4th of July at the Lakefront
Where: Venetian Gardens and Ski Beach
When: Tuesday, July 4 from 3 to 9 p.m.
Details: Festivities will open at 3 p.m., with an opening ceremony by the Leesburg Lightning at 5 p.m. Highlights include bounce houses, slides, inflatables, face painting, balloon artist, juggler, stilt walker, photo booth and vendors. A water ski show begins at 5 p.m. and what is said to be the largest fireworks display in Lake County will begin at 9:15 p.m.
Originally from the small town of Berryville, Arkansas, Cindy has become a multimedia specialist in journalism, photography, videography, and video editing. She has a B.S. in Communications from the University of Central Arkansas and produces Style Magazine's Sports Hub Podcast and the Healthy Living Podcast. She also produces for Beacon College’s Telly Award-winning PBS show, “A World of Difference.” When she isn’t working, Cindy loves traveling the National Parks with her husband , Ryan, and son, David, photographing wildlife.