9 great things to in Lake County this weekend

The Lake County Fair begins this weekend, but that's not the only game in town.

From food trucks to outdoor fests to an exclusive art exhibition and spring cleanup, there's a lot of community-lovin' fun and good karma to enjoy in Lake County this weekend.

FRIDAY-SUNDAY

Enjoy all-American fun at Lake County Fair

The first Lake County Fair amused small-town locals in 1921 as the Florida Sportsman Exposition. Then and now, the fair aims to entertain and educate. Rides, games and concessions are provided by Strates Shows, operated by around 400 employees and their families who travels the United States during a seven-month season. 

Since 2002, the fair has paid out more than $450,000 in competitive exhibit awards and prizes and has awarded over 200,000 ribbons in categories such as 4-H, Youth Activities, creative arts, food arts, photography, horticulture and fine arts, plus around $6.5 million in livestock awards and prizes and ribbons to Lake County Agricultural Youth Exhibitors.

The fun takes place April 5-14 at the Lake County Fairgrounds, 2101 County Road 452, Eustis. Admission, mega-passes, and advanced ride armbands. Secure your spot for all the fun now at lakecofair.com

FRIDAY

Abstract Expressionism meets the Wild West at solo exhibition

The Lake County Museum of Art hosts a prominent multimedia artist who plays by his own rules this Friday. Meet abstract expressionist Tim Yanke and take in his solo exhibition, "Call of the American West: Works." Hors d'oeuvres and refreshments will be provided.

Yanke, an animated storyteller, is best known for abstract artwork, the depiction of dragonfly imagery, and his representations of the U.S. flag, known as “Yanke Doodles.” His artwork is collected around the world, with fans often lauding his artwork for the nostalgia it inspires.

The Park West Foundation, which supports art awareness and education, at-risk youth, and global conservation efforts, is sponsoring the event. Tickets are $50 for members, $70 for nonmembers. Takes place from 6 to 9 p.m. on April 5 at 213 W. Ruby St, Tavares Details: 352-483-2900.

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.

Magic and more at First Friday in Eustis

Eustis' First Fridays are loads of fun with good community-lovin' vibes, and at April's event, live entertainment is happening throughout the fest from 6 to 9 p.m. Rafael's Magic performs 6:15, 7:15 and 8:15 p.m. in the center of downtown. Lessa Hoops goes aerial 6, 7 and 8 p.m. at the north end of Eustis Street. Now That's Blue dazzles the crowd with his unicycle antics at 6:30, 7:30 and 8:30 p.m. Visitors can listen or dance to the music and also enjoy visiting the many shops and restaurants in the downtown area Details: eustis.org or facebook.com/CityofEustis/events for updates.

SATURDAY

Get some good karma with Keep Lake Beautiful

Help beautify community and trails at a spring cleanup on Saturday, April 6, from 7 to 11 a.m. The city of Leesburg is hosting four locations this year: Berry Park, 2121 Johns Ave.; John L. Johnson Park, 201 Mills St; the Susan Street Complex, 940 Susan St., and the downtown/trail area, where workers will meet up at the clock in Towne Square, 500 W. Main St. Gloves, safety vests, trash bags and water will be provided to all volunteers.

Volunteers can pre-register online at KeepLakeBeautiful.com or at any of the specified locations. Staff will register, provide equipment and assign volunteers to cleanup areas.   

Rows before bros at Kayakthon in Tavares

Celebrate a decade of aquatic fun at the 10th annual Tavares Kayakathon, starting at 9 a.m. at Wooten Park, 100 E. Ruby St., along Lake Dora in Tavares. Proceeds from the paddle go to Camp Boggy Creek, which makes it possible for children with serious illnesses and their families to experience a free, life-changing camp.

Participants will bring their own vessel and paddle through the scenic Dora Canal with multiple stops on the water and local waterfront dine-and-drink specials. The crawl continues for all through downtown Tavares with participating restaurants. Prize drawings and a paddle craft costume contest will add to the fun. Details: tavares.org.

Berry much family fun at Southern Hill Farms

Enjoy carnival-style fun and fresh pickin's at Southern Hill Farms in Clermont. It's free to enter the farm's seasonal u-pick events, but pets are not permitted. Live music and food trucks, blueberry lemonade, farm-made cocktails and seasonal craft beer will quench thirsts. Amusements include the Southern Hill Express motorized train, a giant fun slide and a cyclone swing. Live music by Outlaw's Bridge.

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 7 p.m. on Saturday, April 6. The farm is located at 16651 Schofield Road, Clermont. Entry ends at 6:30 p.m. Details: southernhillfarms.com.

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.

Tavares-based Dennie and the Jets, an eclectic duo made up of the fun and lively Dennie and Krista Prado, draw influences from Elton John (at least, name-wise), Ritchie Blackmore, Robben Ford, Eric Johnson and more. On Sunday, get loopy with Rob Hazen, a songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, DJ and livestreamer who's performed 250-plus shows a year for the last seven years as a one-man band, developing and branding his own unique style of funky, dynamic guitar-driven live-looping.

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

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.