GeorgeFest Celebration Begins In Eustis

    Georgefest is on the horizon in Eustis, and the city is just days away from kicking off the annual celebration that is the longest continuously-running celebration of George Washington's birthday in the United States.
   The fun runs from February 17-24, with the community coming alive for a host of events suitable for all ages, from a large carnival to live concerts, a bass tournament, movies in the park, and more. The event culminates on Saturday, February 24, with the grand parade at 10 a.m. along Bay Street and a concert with Drake White at 7:30 p.m.
   The fun kicks off this coming weekend. On Saturday, February 14, there will be food and craft vendors in Ferran Park downtown beginning at 6 p.m., leading up to a 7 p.m. concert in the historic bandshell featuring Bryce Mauldin. On Sunday, there will be a bass tournament, a chili cook-off, an ice cream social, and the Miss Eustis Georgefest Pageant, which begins at 6 p.m. in the bandshell.
   Monday will feature a 7 p.m. concert at 7 p.m. by the Lake Concert Band, and on Tuesday, there will be a movie at 7 p.m. on the lawn of the Clifford Taylor House, just north of Ferran Park.
   Wednesday sees the bandshell host a youth talent showcase at 7 p.m., preceded at 6 p.m. by a bike parade sponsored by the Lake Eustis area Chamber of Commerce. Thursday will bring the opening night of the annual downtown carnival, and a 7 p.m. concert downtown featuring Thunderstorm Artis.
   Things get even busier on Friday, February 23, with concerts in the venting both downtown and at the bandshell, a BMX Trickstars performance at the chamber parking lot just south of Ferran Park, and more.
   Saturday brings a full day of activity, kicking off with a free breakfast at 9 a.m. at the corner of Bay Street and Magnolia Avenue, the dog jog at 9:30 a.m., and the parade at 10 a.m. Those events will be followed by many more performances and demonstrations throughout the day.
   Georgefest is organized by the City of Eustis with support from the Lake Eustis Area Chamber of Commerce. For a complete schedule of events, visit www.eustis.org/Residents/Georgefest.