Communities in Lake County are gearing up for Independence Day, more commonly known as the Fourth of July, featuring parades, baseball game, live music, car show, food and firework displays.
Here is a list of events scheduled for July 3 and 4:
• The Mount Dora Chamber of Commerce and city of Mount Dora will present "Freedom on the Waterfront" beginning at 5 p.m. July 3 in Evans Park and Simpson Cove overlooking Lake Dora. The will be live music, children's activities, food vendors and more. The festivities conclude at 9:15 p.m. with fireworks over Lake Dora.
Details: 352-735-7183.
The Rotary Club of Lake County Golden Triangle and the city of Mount Dora will present its annual Independence Day parade at 10 a.m. July 4 in the downtown area. This year's theme is "Star Spangled Banner." The parade will step off on North Donnelly Street and West Seventh Avenue and end at North Tremain Street and West Fourth Avenue. Because of construction on Donnelly Street and Fifth Avenue, the parade route will go west on Fifth Avenue and proceed to North Alexander Street to West Fourth Avenue.
Details: Jodie McEwen at 352-267-2879 or Jodie@hillcrestinsurance.com.
• The annual South Lake July Fourth festival kicks off at 9 a.m. July 4 at Lake David Park, 450 S. Lake Ave., Groveland. A free classic car show along South Lake Avenue, adjoining Lake David Park, will be held from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Entertainment lineup includes country singer Bucky Covington, one of the top 10 finalists of the 2006 "American Idol" TV show, singer and guitarist Patrick Gibson, singer-songwriter Rainer Berry and country singer Aaron Taylor. Fireworks will start at 9 p.m.
Details: 352-429-2141.
•"Red White & BBQ" will be held from noon to 9:30 p.m. July 4 in Ferran Park in downtown Eustis overlooking Lake Eustis. The barbecue tasting will be from 1 to 4 p.m. Visitors can buy a wristband for $10, allowing them to taste entries and vote for their favorite. Other activities include entertainment by Tobacco Rd Band, Sauce Boss and TC & Sass, free swimming at the city's pool, free kids' zone featuring a water slide and amazing race challenge stations, food vendors and more. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. A fireworks display will begin at 9 p.m.
An area will be set up in Ferran Park to donate items and make cards to send to troops overseas. For a list of items to donate or to volunteer, call Erin Bailey at 352-357-7969 or email baileye@ci.eustis.fl.us.
•Tavares' "America: Yesterday, Today and Forever" celebration will begin at 3 p.m. July 4 at Wooton Park, 100 E. Ruby St., downtown area. Festivities include vendors, live entertainment, children's rides, bungee bounce, photo booth, face painting and the city Splash Park will be open. A food truck round-up will offer a selection of gourmet treats. A street parade will begin at 5 p.m. on Main Street. A fireworks display beings at 9 p.m. overlooking Lake Dora.
Details: tavares.org or call 352-742-6319.
•Phillips Automotive Group will present the Leesburg festivities, which kicks off at 6 p.m. July 4 with a baseball game between the Leesburg Lightning and the Winter Park Diamond Dawgs at Pat Thomas Stadium/Buddy Lowe Field in Venetian Gardens off Dixie Avenue for free. Other activities planned include a performance by country singer Ronny McKinley at 6 p.m. on the stage in Venetian Gardens, festival foods, boat tailgate party and kids' play zone featuring jump houses, games and free snacks while supplies last. The swimming pool in Venetian Gardens will be open from 1 to 7 p.m. for free swimming. Fireworks will begin at 9:15 p.m. over Lake Harris.
Details: 4thofjuly.leesburgpartnership.com.
STEM-based programs for girls
STEMchicks Inc. is a nonprofit organization that provides programs designed for girls ages 9 to 12 to empower them to succeed in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).
STEMchicks is offering a variety of STEM-based programs from chemistry to forensics to energy conservation on various Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon in the Green Room at the Mount Dora Community Building, 520 N. Baker St.
The sessions allow girls to participate in fun, hands-on STEM activities, games and other confidence-boosting experiences. The classes are facilitated by teachers.
Upcoming events include the following:
July 26, explore wet and dry ice, learn about arctic animals and make a cool treat.
Aug. 9, put your detective skills to the test by conducting DNA and fingerprint tests, analyzing hair samples and more.
•Sept. 13, work as an engineer as you create machines needed for space exploration, examine the relative sizes of objects in the solar system and explore spectroscopy.
A snack will be provided during each session. A $10 donation is suggested for each program.
Space is limited. To register or more information, visit stemchicks.org or call 407-476-4493.
