25th Annual Mount Dora Craft Fair

So yes I am a festival junkie! The thought of being outdoors, strolling through the streets visiting different artist from all over the country, is so exciting, and exhilarating.
First time to this town of Mt. Dora. Carla and Gus ( Unilocaler friends) had come to Mt. Dora for the annual bike festival. They loved this town and spoke so highly of it. After reading their reviews, just had to come and getaway for a quick weekend. This fair was just an added bonus.
When we drove into the town, people from all over were walking down the street to get to the fair. I think every single person in this town came out for this event. They offered parking up to two miles away with a free shuttle bus. I fell in love with this town the minute we got there. Small, rolling hills, old historical homes, beautiful lake, great downtown area with many unique shops and restaurants.
Mount Dora is situated in a county that has 1400 named lakes, and its elevation of 184 feet above sea level qualifies it as a Mount in the State of Florida. At one time citrus was the major industry in the area, with a great deal shipped from Mount Dora.
We arrived at 9:30 am, Saturday morning and there must have been a couple of thousand people already. Parking was plentiful as the entire town opens their parking lots. Shocked at how big this fair was, it seemed like it went on forever. Booth after booth, food vendors, jewelry, soaps, candles, clothes, art, you name it, and it was there. It was a beautiful day, of course the town people were all talking about how it was a record day for the heat. Yes, it got up to 94 degrees and with all the people strolling around it felt way over 100 degrees.
We made the best of it with fans in hand. The members of the fair and locals were some of the nicest people. Everyone was just so laid back, all smiling walking with their loved ones or children. So many families in the area and you can tell this is a close knit town, with all the people knowing each other and caring deeply about their fellow neighbors.
What can I say about the fair, other than it was huge, so many fantastic items, bought so many great gifts. Unique, artsy, good prices, yes I was happy. We walked into many local shops and restaurants but because of the fair we did miss alot of what I am sure the town has to offer. Due to the streets being blocked off, and many business’s hidden from all the booths. Would I come back to this fair? YES… YES… so worth it and looking forward to going back to really visit this beautiful town again!
What was so very nice was how organized this event was from parking to the set up, even though their were so many people the streets were wide an open so plenty room to walk and look at all the great merchandise.
And when you wanted to getaway from the crowds and heat, you just walk down to the one of many gorgeous lakes. So picturesque!
A huge THANK YOU to Carla and Gus, if it was not for them we would not have known about this place. Everything and more then what we had hoped for. :)