Clermont celebrates 125th with huge picnic
Clermont celebrates 125th with huge picnic
LARRY ELL
Staff Writer
CLERMONT -- It was a weekend to celebrate a milestone birthday in Clermont. Residents from all over South Lake County enjoyed a climactic Sunday full of festivities to commemorate the city's turning 125 years old.
The list of activities included a trip back in time at the Historic Village, a Farmer's Market, a carnival and the family-friendly Heritage Picnic Games. Held on the shore of Lake Minneola, the picnic was a prime spot to participate in outdoor fun.
"It's fantastic," said Eliza Hull from Clermont. "We're having a really nice time. Clermont always puts on a great celebration and anytime you can celebrate a birthday, it's always fun to come out."
Hull and her family were joined by hundreds of other families on the lakefront as they strolled, watched, played games and ate. Not only did the setting make for a perfect festival atmosphere, so did the cooperation from Mother Nature.
"It's great to just to enjoy the day and the nice weather, it finally cooled off," Clermont resident Melissa McCormick said. "It's something fun to do."
There was an abundance of "somethings" to do. Sandwich boards posted throughout Trailhead Park listed the non-stop entertainment scheduled until sundown. Like any good festival, there was face painting, games for the kids and plenty of food vendors for any taste. There was also a midway with rides for the thrill seekers. Then at dark, participants capped off the day of fun with a fireworks display. All the ingredients for an afternoon and evening of interaction for residents and visitors alike.
"I think it's great," said Ocala's Eve Peckinpaugh. "I think more towns need to do it to keep people inside the community."
Especially when it's such a momentous occasion. Notable birthdays don't come around very often, so when they do, it's important to do it up right.
"Yeah, 125, that's big," said Colin McCormick from Clermont.
Friday, October 30, 2009 - www.dailycommercial.com/clermont1251030