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The Leesburg Area Chamber of Commerce<\/a> presents Taste of Lake once again at the Venetian Center at 6 p.m. on March 6.<\/p>\n It’s one of three big tasting fests happening in Lake County this spring.<\/p>\n With eight years of experience, tantalizing taste buds, the Taste of Lake is a great kickoff to the tasting season, offering a smorgasbord of local favorites and emerging food establishments serving samples of appetizers, entrees, desserts and beverages.<\/p>\n “This year, we unite family owned businesses Cousin Vinnie’s Family Sports Restaurant<\/a> and the new Cousin’s Kolaches<\/a> in Tavares,” said Ari Walls at the Leesburg Chamber.<\/p>\n According to Walls, about 33 establishments will be doling out samples of food and drink at the Venetian Center.<\/p>\n At the event, attendees vote for favorites, stopping by festively decorated booths that in the past have competed for a prize at the end of the night.<\/p>\n If you’re feeling claustrophobic in the crowd, there’s a garden patio area to offer some fresh air, or enjoy live entertainment from Nayme Brand<\/a>, a Mount Dora-based husband-and-wife duo who describe themselves as high-energy and building community through music.<\/p>\n Along with food, expect to try a variety of local beers, wines, ales and ciders, or mocktails, if alcohol isn’t your thing, at Taste of Lake.<\/p>\n Admission is $40 in advance general admission, $50 at the event. Military, first responders and teachers pay $35 in advance and $40 at the event.<\/p>\n The Venetian Center is located at 1 Dozier Circle. Tickets available at zeffy.com\/en-US\/ticketing\/8th-annual-taste-of-lake<\/a><\/p>\n This year\u2019s 2026 annual Taste of Tavares will feature food wars and a business expo from 6 to 9 p.m. on April 2 at Wooton Park.<\/p>\n The annual event was on hold after the COVID-19 pandemic but returned in 2025 to sell out almost as soon as tickets went on sale last year.<\/p>\n The Taste of Tavares Food Wars enlists attendees to vote for their favorite foods in four categories: appetizers, entrees, drinks and desserts.<\/p>\n The event features 500 samples, sponsorship and samplings with live entertainment (to be announced) and a centerpiece contest. Attendees cast ballots for their favorites in boxes at the vendor’s booths.<\/p>\n Food trucks and a bounce house are also planned.<\/p>\n \u201cEveryone\u2019s been so excited,\u201d said Tavares Chamber of Commerce CEO\/President Stephanie Hayes about her event-planning team.\u00a0Why is the event on a Thursday? \u201cWeekends are their moneymakers,\u201d Hayes said of the local participating restaurants. \u201cIt worked out for them to do it on a Thursday.\u201d<\/p>\n The Tavares Chamber of Commerce<\/a> event will be inside and outside an event tent at Wooton Park.<\/p>\n \u201cLast year, we had 40 vendors,\u201d Hayes added.<\/p>\n Participating businesses include local favorites such as Puddle Jumpers, Tiki West, and newer establishments like Angelo\u2019s Wood Fired Pizza<\/a>, Ironworks<\/a>, Taste of Lebanon<\/a> and Cousin\u2019s Kolachis.<\/p>\n \u201cTo participate in the event, you don\u2019t have to be a chamber member,\u201d Hayes clarified. \u201cYou don\u2019t have to live in the city of Tavares, either.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n According to Hayes, sponsorships have gone down in price with the presenting sponsor slot costing $1,000, a maitre d\u2019 sponsorship costing $300 and a connoisseur sponsorship at $500.<\/p>\n Early bird pricing is $45. First responder discount: $5. Cost at the event is $50. For more information, call the Tavares Chamber at 352-343-2531.<\/p>\n Tickets for the\u00a0Mount Dora Taste & Craft Beer Fest\u00a0from 6 to 10 p.m. on\u00a0May 2 can be purchased through the\u00a0Mount Dora Area Chamber of Commerce<\/a>\u00a0starting in\u00a0early April.<\/p>\n While official 2026 pricing has not been finalized, past events have seen general admission tickets ranging from\u00a0$45 to $65, with VIP options often priced between\u00a0$<\/strong>75 and $90.<\/p>\n In past years, the festival has featured\u00a015 to 20 local restaurants\u00a0and several regional craft breweries.<\/p>\n Frequent participants<\/a> and past award winners include local favorites such as\u00a01921 Mount Dora<\/a>,\u00a0Pisces Rising<\/a>, and the\u00a0Lakeside Inn<\/a>. Craft beer enthusiasts can expect a wide selection of brews from vendors like\u00a0Eden Abbey Brewing Community<\/a>, alongside various fine wine and spirit distributors.\u00a0<\/p>\n Because this event is known to sell out quickly each year, it is highly recommended to purchase tickets as soon as they are released on the\u00a0official Chamber of Commerce website. The festival is held rain or shine at\u00a0Sunset Park\u00a0in downtown Mount Dora, and please keep in mind that pets are generally not permitted at this major town event.\u00a0Visit https:\/\/www.mountdora.com\/chamber-annual-events<\/a> for more information.<\/p>\nHere\u2019s a siege we can get behind<\/h2>\n
Also, in Mount Dora …<\/h2>\n