The Lake Placid Saturday Morning Market is held the second Saturday, October through March, from 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. The market located at Stuart Park on Interlake. Shop for Jewelry, Plants, Produce, Wine, Bakery Goods, Jams and much more!

September 14-16, head down to the historic downtown circle area for a great event - Sebring Thunder! Loads of classic cars, food, venders and entertainment. On Sunday at noon, the cars all rev it up - which is why the event gets its name. Car owners have the opportunity to drive the Sebring International Raceway circuit and there is a BBQ/awards Banquet at the Kenilworth Lodge on Sunday.

Have a car you'd like to enter in the show (and for more info.)? Click Here.

The (2013) 21st Annual Caladium Festival & Classic Car Show is in Stuart Park (the circle) and in and around downtown Lake Placid. Admission and parking is FREE!

The festival was a big success - and was three days long again this year (last year they cut it down to two). The weather was a factor again - we were getting some rain from a tropical storm, but all-in-all it was nice and there were some good crowds. The car show was great, per usual.

We understand that the timing revolves around caladium field tours, but August really is the worst month to have a festival in Florida. Sorry festival folks, but that is the truth.

CLICK HERE for more information.

Lake Placid had their display on July 3 and Sebing lit the night sky July 4 this time. Both nights were fantastic and the turnout was good - fairly big crowds but easy to handle and not much of a hassle with the exiting traffic. The Lake Placid show was great (per usual), but a little shorter than past years ... the economy?

We'll be at the race on Saturday - we hope to see YOU! Whether you're into racing or not this is an incredibly fun event. The one time per year our little area gets BIG (well over 100,000 visitors).

In 1912, George Sebring founded his dream city. In 2012, the city and people will celebrate with several special events beginning in January and running throughout the year.

Many of us have been driving around during the holidays, finding the best-decorated homes in the area, so we thought we'd give a little back to the people who work so hard so we can all enjoy the holidays just a little more.

This year, the Lake Placid parade theme is: "Christmas With Our Hometown Heroes." It begins at 7:00 on Saturday, December 10 (but events are ongoing that day). We'll have the office open for refreshments & bathroom breaks for clients, friends & family. Our office is on the parade route and we have had some great parties the past several years.

Video Clips Of The Parade »

Lots of area homes are exepected to be “done up” again. We will be toning it down this year (too much going on to go crazy this year), but expect the usuals (and, hopefully some new addtions): The Lake Placid Eye Clinic near McDonalds on US 27 in Lake Placid is INCREDIBLE!! Several beautiful displays can be found here and there throughout Placid Lakes, including Mike (from M&P Tree Service - on Cumquat) has a spectacular display every year. There is a GREAT one on Lake Josephine Drive (about a mile from 27). The "Circle" in Sebring ALWAYS looks fantastic. We'll add more as we find them, but if you know of any, please let us know. Click Here To Email Dan

Every second Saturday of The month, on the Sebring Circle from 5PM-8PM, there is a classic car show as well as music & other entertainment. NO REGISTRATION FEE. TROPHIES FOR 1st, 2nd, 3rd PLACE AND CRUISER'S CHOICE! BEER AND WINE ALLOWED IN PAPER OR PLASTIC CUPS. FOR INFORMATION CONTACT BUD WHITLOCK AT 863-471-1900 or SUSIE WHITLOCK AT 863-381-5296 Once per year, however, there is a MEGA-SHOW - SEBRING THUNDER:

Apparently, the Friday turn-out was dismal and Saturday was record breaking, so people want to discuss going back to the 3-day (Fri-Sun) format, or a Sat/Sun show. We agree Friday was very light and Saturday crowded, so this is most likely a great idea ...

The 21st Annual Caladium Festival & Classic Car Show is in Stuart Park (the circle) and in and around downtown Lake Placid.

We are raffling off a 2-night stay at our little guest house for the weekend CLICK HERE for more information.

This year, the Lake Placid parade theme is: "A Storybook Christmas." It begins at 7:00 on Saturday, December 11 (but events are ongoing that day). We'll have the office open for refreshments for clients, friends & family. Our office is on the parade route and we have had some great parties the past few years.

The Sebring Christmas Parade is December 3, 2010 from 6:00-9:00p.m. on the "Circle."

Lots of area homes are exepected to be “done up” again. Some notables? Ours on Catfish Creek (had to throw ours in there again - it won't be as "extensive" as it was - due to a long vacation in mid to late November - but we'll still do it up!), the Lake Placid Eye Clinic near McDonalds on US 27 in Lake Placid is INCREDIBLE!! Several beautiful displays can be found here and there throughout Placid Lakes – Mike (from M&P Tree Service - home is on Cumquat) usually has a spectacular display. There is a GREAT one on Lake Josephine Drive (about a mile from 27). The "Circle" in Sebring ALWAYS looks fantastic. We'll add more as we find them, but if you know of any, please let us know. Click Here To Email Dan

The Heartland Chorale presents the 7th Annual "Treasures of Christmas" with 100 area Vocalists accompanied by 45 Imperial Symphony Instrumentalists. Sounds great!

Christmas In The Village December 10, 11, 17, & 18 hosted by The Florida Flywheelers at 7000 Avon Park Cutoff Road, Fort Meade, FL. 33841.

Come join the fun at the area's biggest festival August 27-29th. There will be tours of the caladium fields (in A/C buses), arts and crafts and a great classic car show on the circle. Artists and craftspeople from Florida and beyond will be showing and selling their goods.

Join us for a complimentary bottled water in front of our office whenever we're open (right near the heart of the festival at 207-2 N Main Ave - it will be HOT!

Click here for much more information about this years' festival from our wonderful Chamber Of Commerce (Exhibitor forms, bus tour reservations, entry forms for the car show, past festival videos, etc.).

• Air-conditioned Bus Tours of the Caladium Fields
• Caladium Bulbs and Plants for Sale
• Arts and Crafts Booths
• Food
• FREE Entertainment
• Area Wine Display
• Area Wildlife Displays
• Alligator Products
• Florida Friendly Landscaping Information
• Antique and Classic Car Show
• Festival Art Competition

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May 2010:
Highlands County Gets Advanced Academic School Program


Highlands County is (so far) the smallest school district to receive authorization for the International Baccalaureate® (IB) Program. IB is a world-renown program with a reputation for quality and high standards. They actively work with teachers on an advanced curriculum which focuses on active learning and getting students TRULY ready for advanced studies.

The program should help attract more families concerned about the educational opportunities in our area. It also provides kids striving for a better future a much better foundation and more opportunities as most colleges “add” a grade to IB grades (so a “B” would count as an “A”, etc.).

We became involved as our son, Zack, is in the inaugural IB class. We are proud of him, the other students, the faculty, concerned parents, school administrators and people throughout the community for working so diligently to make this program possible for our area.

Special thanks to Florida Hospital Network (as well as the many other donors). The hospital is a valued partner – the generous contribution helped make this possible. The doctors and hospital administrators realize that having such a well-regarded program will help them attract top professionals who want to make sure their children receive a quality education.

Also, special thanks should go out to Diane Juve for the incredible amount of time, effort and expense to get this great program!
-- Dan

See more about the IB and Sebring, Lake Placid & Avon Park’s advanced academics here.






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2009 Christmas & Holiday Parade (& Light Displays)


This year, we decided to keep it low key - our office is on the parade route and we have had some really nice parties with LOTS of food the past couple years. We thought we’d just have some drinks available to any friends who passed by and actually watch the entire parade and take a year off doing the "party thing" – it was still very nice. The weather was perfect and even with all the humbug-economic woes and news, people were cheery, there were lots of GREAT floats and everyone appeared to have a great time.

I didn’t see the parade in Sebring, but the circle is certainly decorated beautifully! We drove by the other night and were impressed!

Lots of area homes are also “done up.” Some notables? Ours on Catfish Creek (had to throw in ours!), The doctor’s office near McDonalds on US 27 in Lake Placid. Several beautiful displays can be found throughout Placid Lakes – Mike (from M&P Tree Service - home is on Cumquat) has a spectacular display again this year.

Video Clips Of The Parade (not this year, but some of the same great floats) »

NOTE: If you know of any GREAT displays, let us knowEmail Dan

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Here are a few upcoming events:
• Humane Society (Sebring) "Terror Trail" - Every Fri/Sat in October. 7-8pm for the little ones ($4), then 8-10 for the older kids & adults ($6). 7321 Haywood Taylor (near Sebring Intl Raceway). It's a donation to the socieity.

• October 31st - Kid's Fall Fest in DeVane Park, 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. No Admission Charge.

• November 6th - Lake Placid Relay For Life Kick Off at 6:00 pm at the Holiday Inn Express.

• November 7th - Jr. Miss Lake Placid Pageant, Lake Placid High School, 7:00 p.m. Tickets at the door $5.00 per person.

• November 8th - Miss Lake Placid Pageant, Lake Placid High School, 5:45 p.m. Tickets at the door $5.00 per person.

• December 13th - Santa In The Park, Stuart Park 10:00 a.m. - noon. No admission Charge

• December 13th - Lake Placid Christmas Parade - starting at 7:00 p.m. We'll have a LOT more on this (our office is on the parade route - stop by for free cider, hot chocolate or coffee and to say "hi"!). This is probably our favorite event of the year. There is always a big turnout, so pick your spot fairly early ...

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  2008 Caladium Festival
  

  From everything we could see, the Caladium Festival was a huge success this year - the weather was great (hot, per usual, but not too bad!), there were lots of people all over and everyone seemed to be having a great time. We picked up a few bags of bulbs, and they are now growing nicely in our flower beds! We were especially impressed with the Henscratch Farms/tent/booths - very nice!

  The car show was fantastic as always. That's what I personally enjoy best about the show. There is always a wide variety of time periods, types and conditions of cars & trucks (I like that - they all don't have to be pristine!). There weren't as many cars as last year from what i could tell, but certainly a good showing.

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  Sebring Sport Aviation Expo
  

  This great show is out at the Sebring airport. There was a lot going on at the track/airport area, so it was a pretty exciting time over there - both for the kids (SnowFest) and the grown-up kids (amateur racing and flying)!

  The 4-day expo had a LOT of toys for these big boys and girls. The new light sport aircraft (LSA) designation has created a lot of new interest in flying and there are several new (and VERY different options) - and some of them quite affordable.

  

  Melissa & I both went up in one of the powered trikes with wings (see photo above). That was a first. They were surprisingly comfortable and pretty much as described: Like riding a motorcycle in the sky!

  
  

  

  We also wanted to try one of the little gyro-copters as well, but the weather, unfortunately, wasn't cooperating the entire weekend - it was windy, a little rainy, and global warming seems to be taking the year off, so we ran out of time for that.

  We encourage anyone with an interest in sport flying to attend next year - CLICK HERE for more information. Sun 'N Fun is also a nearby event that is HUGE, and, as the name says, fun!

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  Sebring Snowfest
  

  Thiey were expecting about 3000 kids for this years’ SnowFest – and from what we could see, that was probably about right! There were games, food, little rides and, of course, mountains of (real) snow for the kids to climb and play on. It was held at Sebring International Raceway this year, so it was even more fun for the kids because the planes were buzzing around overhead form the air expo and some amateur racing was going on at the track as well.

  For those Florida natives who never got a chance to play in snow, or transplants missing that kind of fun, it’s a great day and it’s for a good cause – to help the Big Brothers and Big Sisters.

  "This is a good event for children," said Stacey Donovan, who helped create this event several years ago. She is expecting to raise about $12,000 this year – of course, that is all possible with the help of about 150 adult and high school age volunteers. For more information, call 402-9001.

  From what we could see (and when we were flying we had a bird’s eye view!), it looked like all the kids were having a blast.

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  Holiday & Christmas Parade
  Saturday, December 8, 2007 at 7:00 p.m.

  Wow! The parade seems to get better and better each year. This year, the weather was perfect and the floats were more creative than ever. There were snow machines, bubble machines and people giving toys & candy out like never before. We walked the entire route before the parade started and Interlake was much more crowded than Main (and there is a lot more room on Main with the boulevard so you may want to take that into consideration for next year). Several of the area churches and businesses had food & drinks.

  Watch Video Clips Of The 2007 Parade »

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  The biggest parade in the county! Floats, bands, cheerleaders, fire trucks and, of course, Santa Claus will be on hand. This year's theme is: A Child's Christmas Fantasy. The parade is sponsored by The Greater Lake Placid Chamber of Commerce and the Town of Lake Placid. This is certainly one of the biggest (if not THE biggest) events in the county. LOTS of people turn out and it's fun for all ages. As far as we know, like other years, the parade route will be down Main Ave then up Interlake toward US27.

  We'll be there - in front of our office on Main.

  Santa In The Park will also take place that day in Stuart Park from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon.

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  Carousel Of Lights
  December 1-31 on the circle in Downtown Sebring from 6-9 pm. There is also Santa in the Park - in the same great place - from December 1 - 24. The circle looks great and the downtown merchants are ready to serve up all sorts of fun. This is VERY nice and a great break from the hectic big stores!

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  Christmas at Pinewood December 1 - January 1, 2008 ~ Christmas at Pinewood: A Jolly Jazzy Holiday Home Tour conducted 10 am – 5 pm Mon.-Sat. & Sun. 1- 5 pm. The annual holiday celebration at Bok Tower is a GREAT way to get into the holiday mood! For more information call 863-676-1408 or CLICK HERE for Bok's Website.

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  Lake Placid Caladium Festival
  The 16th Annual Caladium Festival held in downtown Lake Placid - the caladium capital of the world is Friday, Saturday & Sunday, August 25, 26 & 27, 2006.
  Click here for much more information.

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  Lake Placid Fireworks & Sebring Fireworks: Celebrate Independence Day, 2006
  

  Monday, July 3 is the Fireworks over Lake June show, Sponsored by the Lake Placid Jaycees. You can view this fantastic show from virtually anywhere near or along the lake. The past couple years, Melissa, Zack and I go by boat which is fantastic. It's gotten more and more crowded on the water, but nearly everyone seems careful. This has been a first-rate show that has gotten better and better and includes some really big and nice pyrotechnics. It lasts for quite a while too. Bring the family out to one of the parks along the lake for a spectacular evening of fun. The show starts just after dark.

  You can support this year's great show - and future shows - by sending a donation to (no cash please):

  Jaycees Fireworks 2005
  P.O. Box 2490
  Lake Placid, FL 33862

  We haven't heard much about this yet, but we're assuming (like last year) that on Tuesday, July 4k, Sebring will host a fireworks show of their own. There may also a Day-Long Celebration. The fireworks start at 9:00pm and the events during the day are held at the Allen Altwater Cultural Complex starting at 9:00am. For more information, call: 863-402-6833.

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  Lake Placid Country Fair
  Held during the first full weekend in February. About 200 crafters, local clubs and organizations and entertainers gather in the big circle (DeVane) in Lake Placid. This year, it started out soggy as it rained most all day Saturday, but Sunday was REAL nice. It was fairly crowded and looked to be a success from the people we spoke to. Click here for more information.

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  2005 Holiday Parade
  All About Realty - having our offfice right near the parade route - had a pre- and post- parade party with shrimp, dips, ham, desserts and more. We also passed out goodies to the kids. It was a great time had by many of our friends and clients. Oh, of course there was a parade too! There were over 100 floats - some of them worthy of much "bigger" parades (though pretty much all were very creative and very nice). This is an incredible event for a small town.

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  Celebrate Independence Day, 2005 In Style
  

  Sunday, July 3 is the Fireworks over Lake June show, Sponsored by the Lake Placid Jaycees. You can view this fantastic show from virtually anywhere along the lake, but Melissa, Zack and I go by boat for an even better experience. This is a first-rate show that has some really big and nice pyrotechnics and lasts for quite a while. Bring the family out to one of the parks along the lake for a spectacular evening of fun. The show starts just after dark.

  You can support this year's great show - and future shows - by sending a donation to (no cash please):

  Jaycees Fireworks 2005
  P.O. Box 2490
  Lake Placid, FL 33862

  On July 4k, Sebring will host their own fireworks show which is also really good. There is also a Day-Long Celebration. The fireworks start at 9:00pm and the events during the day are held at the Allen Altwater Cultural Complex starting at 9:00am. For more information, call: 863-402-6833.

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  Well, it wasn't the best day for us -
  only a couple very small ones

  2005 Bass Tournament On Lake June
  

  The 8th Annual Lake PLacid Chamber of Commerce Bass Tournament will be held on Sunday, April 10, 2005 on Lake June from safe light until 2:30 p.m. It's held right at the Lake June Ballfields and is sponsored by Glades Electric Cooperative, Inc. & The News Sun. The fishing has been pretty good lately, so this should be a great tournament. Melissa and I will be out there fishing as a team, so come on out and meet us! If you DON'T fish, right after the tournament ends, everyone and anyone is encouraged to come out to the ballfields for the weigh in - these are always pretty fun and exciting, so come check it out! Here are the contest rules:

  1. Eligibility - This is a team tournament. Only two participants per boat and each boat must have two participants.

  2. Entry Fee - $80 per team. This includes $20.00 Big Bass. Big Bass will be 100% payback.

  3. Registration - Boats will take off in the order in which entries are received. May pay at the ramp (by exact cash or by check for exact amount made payable to the Lake Placid Chamber of Commerce).

  4. Tournament Hours - Safe light to 2:30 p.m. All boats must be in the basin prior to designated return time or they will be disqualified. NO EXCEPTIONS!

  5. Tackle/Equipment - Only artificial lures may be used, except for pork rind. Only one rod (not to exceed 8' in length) and reel per person may be used at one time. Trolling (as a method of fishing) is prohibited. All bass must be caught in a traditional manner. Penalty for dead fish is .5 pound per fish. Fish must measure 12" on golden rule with tail closed or fanned. Any short fish will result in loss of that fish and team’s big fish. Any team with more than five (5) fish brought to scales will be disqualified. No culling at ramp. No team is to possess more than a limit of five (5) Bass at one time. 6. Boat - Each boat will be inspected prior to take off to ensure that it meets US Coast Guard regulations, that it has a running aerated live well, and that running lights are operational. If lights are not operational, the boat will go out last. Each person must wear a US Coast Guard approved life vest at all times the boat’s combustion engine is running. 7. Fishing Areas - An angler may not leave his or her boat except in an emergency. All water that is accessible by boat is permitted. No fishing is permitted within 50 yards of any competitor’s boat that has its anchor down and trolling motor up–use good sportsmanship! No fishing inside boat basin or check-in site. No fishing in areas designated off-limits by State or local agencies. 8. Catch & Release - Every effort must be made to keep Bass alive. All Bass caught in tournament must be open water released in a minimum of 4' of water, as per State requirements. NO EXCEPTIONS! 9. Scoring - Winners will be determined by pounds and hundredths of an ounce. Payback will be one place per every five boats entered. The tournament will be limited to the first 50 entries received. 10. Alcohol - Absolutely no alcohol or illegal drugs on boat.

  Click HERE for more information and to download the entry form.

  Dan DeBono

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  Fifties Dance
  St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church invites the public to attend their 1st Annual "50's" Dance. It will be held April 8th from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM in the church parish hall. The live band, California Toe Jam, will provide the sensational music. The festive menu includes pizza, hot dogs, hamburgers, french fries, hot fudge sundaes, root beer floats and cherry soda. A donation of $10.00 per person is requested. The deadline for purchasing tickets is extended, you may purchase your ticket the night of the dance at the door. Please call 465-0051 to make arrangements if purchasing many tickets, so we can plan better for you. Additionally, you may pick your tickets up prior to the event, at our Thrift Shop (same location), Tuesdays and Fridays, from 9:30 AM to 12:00. Our church is located north of the town of Lake Placid. Directions: Turn west on Route 621 (Lake June Road) from Highway 27, go a half mile and bear to the right at the entrance of the church driveway. Please come out and enjoy the dancing, friendship, good food, music and have a great time! This is a wonderful event, all profit will be used to pay for our church expenditures.

  Hot Country Nights
  PRINT ARTICLE PAGE

  Grab your jeans, hats and boots, saddle up (or just hop in the car!) and ride out to the American legion at 1490 US27N. The event takes place January 8th at 7:00p.m. Tickets are $20 person and there is a cash bar. There is a wide variety of talent at this event and it's quite popular, so you can also get tickets in advance at the L.P. Chamber which is temporarily located at 744 CR621E. ALL proceeds will benefit our fabulous chamber.

  Dan DeBono

  2004 Choir Festival
  PRINT ARTICLE PAGE

  Several performing groups will celebrate the season this year on December 9th at Florida Hospital, Lake Placid (on US27). Refreshments include: Hot apple cider, cocoa and freshly-baked cookies. Mr. & Mrs. Claus will also be making a special appearance. Entertainers include church choir groups, a barber shop quartet, Lake Placid Elementary, Middle & High School Chorus and more.

  Dan DeBono

  Lake Placid Christmas Parade/Merchant's Open House
  PRINT ARTICLE PAGE

  This is a great event to do to get into the holiday spirit. The parade is sponsored by the Lake Placid Jaycees and kicks off at 7:00 p.m. on Main Street on December 11 (near Home and Office Essentials - a great store!)

  This year's theme is "A Christmas In Dixie." Melissa, Zack and I will be in the parade this year in a float called: Home For The Holidays. We hope to see all of you there as well! Of course, if you want in on the action, there is no fee for parade participation and simply contact the Chamber Of Commerce for an application at 465-4331, or chamber@lpfla.com.

  The Merchant's and Antique Holiday Open House is also on the 11th. There will be free refreshments and all the unique downtown stores will be open before the parade starts for your shopping pleasure. Then, December 20-23, the shops will be open from 6:00 until ??? with free refreshments and holiday music (school bands, church choirs) and more! Dan DeBono

  The Hurricanes Of 2004
  PRINT ARTICLE PAGE

  2004 was an historic year in Lake Placid and Highlands County - we went through three hurricanes (Florida had four, but one "spared" us!). Something like this hasn't occurred in perhaps hundreds of years - especially this far inland.

  But we're happy to say, that even with all that "action," our town came out of it relatively unscathed. There were lots of trees down, it was pretty messy, but there wasn't the "carnage" you saw on the news. By the time these storms move this far inland, they certainly lose a lot of steam, which is making Central Florida even more of a destination for those relocating.

  Best of all, statistically, our area should be okay for a couple hundred more years! :)

  For more information, you can call 863-441-2986 (ask for Melissa or Dan) or email here and we'll send you more information about our area.

  Sebring U.S. Sport Aviation Expo 2004
  PRINT ARTICLE PAGE

  The U.S. Light Sport Aviation Expo Advisory Board at Sebring Regional Airport presents an exposition to highlight this imits by State or local agencies. 8. Catch & Release - Every effort must be made to keep Bass alive. All Bass caught in tournament must be open water released in a minimum of 4' of water, as per State requirements. NO EXCEPTIONS! 9. Scoring - Winners will be determined by pounds and hundredths of an ounce. Payback will be one place per every five boats entered. The tournament will be limited to the first 50 entries received. 10. Alcohol - Absolutely no alcohol or illegal drugs on boat.

  Click HERE for more information and to download the entry form.

  Dan DeBono

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  Fifties Dance
  St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church invites the public to attend their 1st Annual "50's" Dance. It will be held April 8th from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM in the church parish hall. The live band, California Toe Jam, will provide the sensational music. The festive menu includes pizza, hot dogs, hamburgers, french fries, hot fudge sundaes, root beer floats and cherry soda. A donation of $10.00 per person is requested. The deadline for purchasing tickets is extended, you may purchase your ticket the night of the dance at the door. Please call 465-0051 to make arrangements if purchasing many tickets, so we can plan better for you. Additionally, you may pick your tickets up prior to the event, at our Thrift Shop (same location), Tuesdays and Fridays, from 9:30 AM to 12:00. Our church is located north of the town of Lake Placid. Directions: Turn west on Route 621 (Lake June Road) from Highway 27, go a half mile and bear to the right at the entrance of the church driveway. Please come out and enjoy the dancing, friendship, good food, music and have a great time! This is a wonderful event, all profit will be used to pay for our church expenditures.

  Hot Country Nights
  PRINT ARTICLE PAGE

  Grab your jeans, hats and boots, saddle up (or just hop in the car!) and ride out to the American legion at 1490 US27N. The event takes place January 8th at 7:00p.m. Tickets are $20 person and there is a cash bar. There is a wide variety of talent at this event and it's quite popular, so you can also get tickets in advance at the L.P. Chamber which is temporarily located at 744 CR621E. ALL proceeds will benefit our fabulous chamber.

  Dan DeBono

  2004 Choir Festival
  PRINT ARTICLE PAGE

  Several performing groups will celebrate the season this year on December 9th at Florida Hospital, Lake Placid (on US27). Refreshments include: Hot apple cider, cocoa and freshly-baked cookies. Mr. & Mrs. Claus will also be making a special appearance. Entertainers include church choir groups, a barber shop quartet, Lake Placid Elementary, Middle & High School Chorus and more.

  Dan DeBono

  Lake Placid Christmas Parade/Merchant's Open House
  PRINT ARTICLE PAGE

  This is a great event to do to get into the holiday spirit. The parade is sponsored by the Lake Placid Jaycees and kicks off at 7:00 p.m. on Main Street on December 11 (near Home and Office Essentials - a great store!)

  This year's theme is "A Christmas In Dixie." Melissa, Zack and I will be in the parade this year in a float called: Home For The Holidays. We hope to see all of you there as well! Of course, if you want in on the action, there is no fee for parade participation and simply contact the Chamber Of Commerce for an application at 465-4331, or chamber@lpfla.com.

  The Merchant's and Antique Holiday Open House is also on the 11th. There will be free refreshments and all the unique downtown stores will be open before the parade starts for your shopping pleasure. Then, December 20-23, the shops will be open from 6:00 until ??? with free refreshments and holiday music (school bands, church choirs) and more! Dan DeBono

  The Hurricanes Of 2004
  PRINT ARTICLE PAGE

  2004 was an historic year in Lake Placid and Highlands County - we went through three hurricanes (Florida had four, but one "spared" us!). Something like this hasn't occurred in perhaps hundreds of years - especially this far inland.

  But we're happy to say, that even with all that "action," our town came out of it relatively unscathed. There were lots of trees down, it was pretty messy, but there wasn't the "carnage" you saw on the news. By the time these storms move this far inland, they certainly lose a lot of steam, which is making Central Florida even more of a destination for those relocating.

  Best of all, statistically, our area should be okay for a couple hundred more years! :)

  For more information, you can call 863-441-2986 (ask for Melissa or Dan) or email here and we'll send you more information about our area.

  Sebring U.S. Sport Aviation Expo 2004
  PRINT ARTICLE PAGE

  The U.S. Light Sport Aviation Expo Advisory Board at Sebring Regional Airport presents an exposition to highlight this type of aircraft. It reuns from Oct. 28-31 near the race track that hosts the famous 12 Hours of Sebring Endurance Race. For more information, visit www.sport-aviation-expo.com or email to Expo@sebring-airport.com or by calling (863)655-6444 / Ext. 117

  Fall, 2004 Parade of Homes
  PRINT ARTICLE PAGE

  Presented by the Highlands County Builder's Association and Sponsored by our Newspaper, Highlands Today.
• The Public is invited to see and visit many new homes by builders throughout Highlands County.
• Register to win a $300 Gift Certificate, compliments of Turner Furniture
• Oct. 15 - 31. Hours are: Saturdays 10 am to 5 pm &, Sundays 1 to 5 pm, Weekdays 12 pm to 5 pm
• Contact the Highlands County Builder's Association at 863-382-1304 for more information.