By Akers Editorial
The Hit List
Get a taste of Lake County:
Leesburg’s third annual Taste of Lake & Business Expo will be filled with signature food, live music and awards for the best entries. Sample food and drinks from restaurants and meet unique business vendors from all over Lake County from 5:30-8pm March 10 at the Venetian Center, 1 Dozier Court. leesburgchamber.com.
Grab your running shoes:
The Lake Minneola Half Marathon and 5K is scheduled for 7am March 28 at Clermont’s Waterfront Park, 330 3rd St. After running around Lake Minneola and on the South Lake Trail, participants will receive a finisher medal, colorful event shirt, live entertainment and an energy buffet. raceraves.com/races/lake-minneola.
Party for a good cause:
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at ShamRockin’ Fest with live music from Keeper and other DJs, bagpipes and more at 4pm March 17 at Gator Harley-Davidson, 1745 U.S. Highway 441, Leesburg. Enjoy corned beef and cabbage, a full bar and $1 green beers until 7pm. Proceeds benefit St. Baldrick’s Foundation for children with cancer. 352.787.7878, ext. 050.
A new tooth fairy:
Happy Grins Pediatric Dentistry recently had a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its official grand opening in Clermont. The boutique-style private practice, led by Dr. Patty Villalta, is committed to caring for children’s dental health needs. 17319 Pagonia Road, Suite 113. 352.653.1600.
‘Wind, Fire and Ice’ concert:
Florida Lakes Symphony Orchestra will host Sten Heinoja, a virtuoso guest pianist from Estonia, playing the fiery Tschaikowsky piano concerto No. 1 at 7:30pm March 19 at Epiphany Celebration Anglican Church, 1724 S. Bay. St., Eustis, and 7:30pm March 20 at Family Christian Center, 2500 S. Highway 27, Clermont. floridalakessymphonyorchestra.com.
Bend to their will:
YogaSix is a new member of the South Lake Chamber of Commerce. YogaSix, 2305 S. Highway 27 in Clermont, offers six class types from hot and powerful to slow and mindful, as well as beginner classes and sculpting classes. 352.404.9483.
Concerned about Alzheimer’s?
Led by trained facilitators, the Alzheimer’s Association of Central and North Florida Chapter hosts early-stage support groups in The Villages and Leesburg to share information on community resources and provide a safe place for people with dementia and their care partners to discuss their needs and feelings. Call 800.272.3900 to learn meeting sites and dates.
Fresh from the farm:
Looking for fresh local produce, fruit, seafood, bread and more? Then consider attending the Mount Dora Village Market, which is open from 9am-2pm every Sunday this month at Sunset Park, 230 W. 4th Ave. This open-air venue was rated in the top 10 farmer’s markets by tripstodiscover.com.
Take a hike!
A free, guided early-evening exploration hike is set for 5pm March 8 at Pear Park Gateway, 26701 U.S. Highway 27, Leesburg. Make your reservation by contacting Justin Elkins at 352.630.7770 or jelkins@lakecountyfl.gov.
Pizza is always in style:
You’ve eaten New York-style pizza. You’ve dived into Chicago-style pizza. Now try St. Louis-style pie at Uncle Kenny’s St. Louis Style Pizza. The new shop is an addition to Uncle Kenny’s BBQ at 157 N. Highway 27 in the Citrus Tower Plaza in Clermont. 352.394.1225.