2017 Megacon Orlando Preview

Advertisement Graphic courtesy by Megacon

Written by Nathan Wertheimer

Megacon is coming back to Central Florida for their annual convention. Get ready for a jammed packed day full of comics, sci-fi, anime, gaming and horror, all under one roof on May 25-29, 2017, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando. It is a day packed with a whole lot of fun. Get your tickets now.

Traveling from Downtown Orlando to the Orange Convention Center (OCCC) is a quick and easy drive. Check your GPS for the best travel route. Follow the signs at the convention center. Arrive early for the best parking on property at the OCCC. Sorry, no free parking available. For overflow parking follow the signs off property to the Convention Center Satellite Parking Lot if open. Some area hotels will charge for parking on their property. For alternative transportation it is recommended to take the I-Ride Trolley, a ride sharing service, and or a taxi to and from this venue. Streets around the convention center may have traffic jams during high peak times of the day.

Some brief history about Megcon which started in Orlando in 1974 and have grown ever since then. On April 7, 2015, it was announced that MegaCon had been sold to Informa Canada Inc.. The con now operates under the auspices of Informa’s Fan Expo group, which also runs Fan Expo Canada and Dallas Comic Con. Following Megacon 2015 it was announced that for the first time Megacon will be extended to 4 days in 2016. Shortly after Megacon 2016, Megacon Tampa Bay was announced for October 28–30. This information was found at Wikipedia.com .

When arriving at the OCCC, please be aware that everyone must go through the security checkpoint. Megacon staff must approve cosplay weapons of any sort before entering the convention center floor. Ticket packages will vary. It is advised to buy your tickets on-line to avoid the long lines at the ticket counter at OCCC. Go to http://megaconorlando.com/tickets/

What to expect at this year’s convention? See celebrity guests, artists’ alley, workshops, photo opportunities, Q & A Sessions, attractions and much more. One cannot take all the action in one day. It is recommended spend 2-3 days at Megacon. Attendees and vendors are very friendly. By the end of the day attendees will be tired.

There will be many featured celebrity guests, which are Stan Lee and Tim Curry along many other guests making appearances too. Plus, there are celebrity autograph and photo booths to see your favorite celebrity. Many celebrities charge a fee for autographs and posing with them. The photo fee is usually from $10 – $100 plus. Prices will vary depending on the celebrity. Most celebrities will only take cash as a form of payment. Attendees tend to take photos with their personal cell phone camera to pose with a celebrity. If you forget to bring a glossy 8×10 photo of your favorite celebrity many of them will sell them with an autograph. Pack your patients for long lines for celebrities with huge followers.

There is so much more to see. Explore and shop in the artists’ alley. Many of these are full-time artists making a living on their creations. See these artists at work sketching away, painting, showing art demonstrations. Prices on artwork will vary depending on the artist. Many artists sell original artwork, prints, and limited edition lithographs too. Don’t be shy these artists are friendly and want to talk to the general public.

The must see attractions at this year’s convention are Back to the Future DeLorean Time Machine, Costume Contest, 1989 Tim Burton’s Batmobile, Starwars – 501^st Legion, and much more. There is just to much to list so check out the Megacon website.

To wrap up your Megacon experience one will want to see and do everything at this year’s convention. Don’t miss your opportunity of a lifetime. For more information on Megacon please visit www.megaconorlando.com . If you like this article, then like it on our Otownfun WordPress account. For more great events and places please check us out at www.otownfun.com .

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Sources of information from megaconorlando.com, Wikipedia.com

2017 Casselberry Rock ‘N’ Blues Concert and Car Show Preview

Looking for something to do over the Memorial Day weekend? Then check out the 2017 Casselberry Rock ‘N’ Blues Concert and Car Show featuring the singer Mike Zito and his band at Lake Concord Park on Saturday, May 27, 2017, from 5pm – 9pm. This is a free annual event from the City of Casselberry and is sponsored by the radio station 105.9 Sunny FM.

It is only a short drive from Orlando to Casselberry in Seminole County. Check your GPS for the best travel route. There is limited parking around this event. Attendees are advised to park at either the Casselberry Target or Home Deport parking lots. Some street around this event will be closed.  Limited handicap parking is available at the Casselberry Police Department. Contact the City of Casselberry for information on handicap parking for this event.

 Here is a little background on the opening act and headliner at this event. Zito co-founded the Royal Southern Brotherhood that features Cyril Neville, Devon Allman, Charlie Wooten and Yonrico Scott and went on to major international success. In 2012, Zito debuted his new band “The Wheel,” and its 2014 album “Gone to Texas” was nominated for a Blues Music Award. In 2015, the band released “Keep Coming Back” and Zito has been on the road ever since. “I love the blues, I love rock ‘n’ roll and I love country music. It’s what I do and who I am,” Zito said. “Having fun and playing music you love and believe in.” Opening up for Zito will be Tony Sheridan’s Band and Paul Stott and Band.  Back in 2015, Devon Allman was the headliner act at the Casselberry Hot Rods & Rock N Roll event.

Besides the music taking you down Memory Lane, there will be plenty of classic cars, muscle cars, and hot rods for car enthusiasts to enjoy. DJ Don from Cruising Orlando will be spinning some tunes. Plus, there will be awards for the best cars at this show. So bring your clean and shinny vintage to modern car or truck to this event for all to see.

Along with this holiday, Casselberry City Hall will have a Rock ‘N’ Blues Art Exhibit on display from May 25 – July 31, 2017, theme on cars and music. The City of Casselberry is a proud champion of the arts, and its City Hall reflects this through the display of quarterly art exhibitions. Visitors to City Hall will find it adorned with artwork by renowned local and national artists, featuring paintings, sculptures, photography, and mixed media works.

As part of this Memorial Weekend celebration, the City will again honor all veterans for their service with a color guard display and plaque. Plus, There will be over 20 vendors providing food, beverage, and an assortment of products will be on hand. So come down and enjoy Memorial Day weekend at Lake Concord Park in Casselberry. Don’t forget to bring your blankets and chairs and come join us for this event.

For more information on this event go to http://www.casselberry.org/index.aspx?NID=771 . If you like this article, then like it on our Otownfun WordPress account. For more great events and places please visit us at www.otownfun.com .

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Source of information from the City of Casselberry website

2017 Central Florida’s BBQ Blowout in Oviedo Preview

Press Release

Oviedo, FL (April 24, 2017) – The Oviedo-Winter Springs Regional Chamber of Commerce (OWSRCC), the City of Oviedo and Helpful Hands are thrilled to announce the entertainment lineup for Central Florida’s BBQ Blowout presented by Sonny’s BBQ and Oviedo Roofing. The BBQ Blowout will take place on Saturday, May 27, from 2pm-10pm at Oviedo Mall. Admission is free. Alexa Neilen will be singing the National Anthem at 1:50pm,and the final performance will be the Jeff Howell and Bubba Wilson Band from 7:00pm – 10:00pm.

OWSRCC is collaborating with Helpful Hands, a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide a better quality of life for children and their families by picking up where other agencies leave off.

“We are thrilled about this year’s stage line up,” stated Bridget Lake, Senior Director of Sponsorships and Events. “Amazing musicians and delicious BBQ, it doesn’t get better than that.”

Below is the main-stage entertainment lineup:

1:50 Alexa Neilen

2:00 Bailey Callahan

3:00 Paul Stott Duo

4:00 Michelle Lambert

5:00 Hoot n Holler

6:00 Megan Katarina w/ Band

7:00 Jeff Howell, Bubba Wilson and Band

Our emcees include OWSRCC’s house emcee Arnie Lee Nussbaum; Mr and Miss UCF, Angelo Baldado and Madison Daniel; Josh Strzalko, Helpful Hands; Alex Diaz, MIX 105.1; Mitchell Kenneth Perera, film director; and Brandon Lunzman, screenwriter and director.

For more information about Central Florida’s BBQ Blowout please visit http://www.bbqblowout.com

# # #

The Oviedo-Winter Springs Regional Chamber of Commerce is a private, not-for-profit business membership association. With corporate offices located at 376 N. Central Ave., near downtown Oviedo, the purpose of the chamber is to serve as an advocate for business and civic interests within our communities. For more information on the Chamber, please visit www.oviedowintersprings.org.

Helpful Hands, Inc. is a 100% volunteer run nonprofit charity. 96% of all fundraising and donations go to grant funding of Community Partners that strategically align with Helpful Hands, Inc. mission. With this support, Helpful Hands, Inc. funded $78,000 in grants in 2016 and over $84,000 in grants in 2017. All funded programs benefit more than 2,300 children and families in crisis. For more information on Helpful Hands, please visit www.helpfulhands.org. If you like this article, then like it on our Otownfun WordPress account. For more great events and places please visit us at www.otownfun.com .

Note: All written content and images are copy righted by either by the person and or company who wrote and photograph published for this article. This article may not be republished without written permission from otownfun.com. Any questions please contact Otownfunnow@gmail.com

2017 Winter Springs Food & Wine Festival Preview

Advertisement Graphics from Winter Springs Food & Wine Fest

Written by Nathan Wertheimer

Are you looking for some great food and wine samplings? Then get your ticket now for this year’s 2017 Winter Springs Food & Wine Festival held on Saturday, May 6, 2017, starting at 5pm, at Winter Springs Town Center. Gates open at 4pm. Attendees must be 21 and up to sample alcohol. Under 21 welcome, but cannot sample without wristband. This event will happen Rain or Shine. Sorry, no refunds.

Driving from Orlando to Winter Springs is an easy drive depending on the route you take. Check your GPS for the best route. There is plenty of free parking in the Winter Springs Town Center Shopping Center and at Winter Springs High School. Some streets may be closed off for this event. Arrive early for the best parking spaces closest to this venue.

Hungry? Check out the ABC Fine Wine & Sprits and iHeartRadio present the 2nd Annual Winter Springs Food and Wine Festival taking place Saturday, May 6^th, 2017 starting at 5pm. Enjoy a nice evening in the beautiful Winter Springs Town Center with samples of wine, spirits and craft beer. Plus, enjoy delicious food from area restaurants and live entertainment.

Ticket prices are $35 in advance and $45 at the door. If purchasing tickets on-line there is a service charge. Cash only when buying tickets at the door on day of event. To save on the service charge pick up your tickets at Pinch A Penny Pool Patio Spa, Winter Springs Town Center, Big City Pizza, Casey’s Grill on Tuskawilla Road, and Zoo Health Club in Winter Springs Town Center. Each ticket includes a five food samples, 10-1oz wine sample or 2oz beer sample. To purchase tickets online go to

https://www1.ticketmaster.com/event/2200526DC4DB9A43?irgwc=1&clickid=V0f1nUyXfQueRmEWLHUSRS%3A8UkhRwJyuIzsDzg0&camefrom=CFC_BUYAT_261094&impradid=261094&REFERRAL_ID=tmfeedbuyat261094&wt.mc_id=aff_BUYAT_261094&utm_source=261094-iHeartMediaOrlando&impradname=iHeartMediaOrlando&utm_medium=affiliate

There are many participating restaurants dishing out some of their best samples. Here is a list of restaurants such as Dunkin Donuts, BJs Restaurant & Brewhouse, Old Fashion Amarena Gelato, Rock & Brew, Crave it Love It, Casey’s Restaurant, Stefano’s Trattoria Restaurant, Huey Magoo’s Chicken Tenders, Victorios II Italian Restaurant, Kona Ice, Gator’s Dockside, King’s Smokehouse, DeVine Wine &Grill, Festive Affairs Food & Catering Service, Senor Tequila Mexican Grill, and Bonefish Grill. Some restaurants may change without notice. Attendees to this event will only be receiving samples and not a full meal from each of the restaurants.

Besides eating, there will be plenty of wine to choose from. Here is a list of choices such as Valckenberg Dornfelder, Undone Pinot Noir, Valckenberg Pinot Blanc, Malbec del Mercado, Sainta Julia Dry Rose, Kawin Sauvignon Blnac, The Ripper Shiraz, Ca’Momi Rosso, Bianco, Chardonnay, Cabernet , Vista Peak Chardonnay, Vista Peak Cabernet Sauv, Yellow Bird Chardonnay, Yellow Bird Shiraz, Oak Grove Reserve Zinfandel, Ste Genevieve Sweet Moscato, Yellow Bird Cabernet, Oak Grove Pinot Grigio, Oak Grove Sauv Blanc, Oak Grove Merlot, Vista Peak Charonnay, Arctic Fox White, Morro Bay Cabernet, Shannon Ridge Wrangler, Kawin Sauvingnon Blanc, M Lynch Merlot Cab, Paisajes De Los Andes Classic Carmenere, Le Temps Des Vendanges Dry White, Domaine Maby Tavel, Gouleyant Malbec Cahors, Castell Silvaner, Les Fosses D’Harengs Vouray, Chevalier de Bayard, Duca d’Amalfi, Southern Red, and Sunblush. Additional wines may be provided by Lakeridge Winery & Vineyard and PRP Wine International. Some wine selections are subjected to change without notice.

Some of the beer selection on hand are White Claw Black, Cherry, Lime, Grapefruit Brooklyn Brewery lager, defender, local 1, and Bel Aire Sour, Sailfish, Hedden Springs, Infinite, Walking Tree, Ocean Sun, Slim Pickens, Anchor Brewing – Blood Orange, Blackberry Daze IPA, Mango Wheat, Schofferhofer Grapefruit, Radberger and Palm Amber Ale, Deep Roots , Spook Hill, Boricua Beer, Taino Light, Tomoka Red Ale, Tomoka Oceanside IPA. Also, some beers are provided by Rogue Pub, Red Cypress Brewery, and Boricua Beer. Plus, there are some selection spirits on hand as well too. Choose from Pigalle Vodka with Steve’s Gourmet Olivesand Bloody Mary Mix, Tequila, and Moonshine.

This event was made possible by the following sponsors by ABC Fine Wine & Spirits, iHeart Radio, XL 106.7, Real Radio 104.1, and Magic 107.7. For more information on this event please visit www.winterspringsfoodandwine.com . If you like this article, then like it on our Otownfun WordPress account. For more great events and places please check us out at www.otownfun.com .

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Sources of information from Winter Springs Food & Wine Festival

 

 

 

2017 St Johns River Festival of the Arts Preview

Written by Nathan Wertheimer

Downtown Sanford, FL – The St Johns River Festival of the Arts is the last Spring time arts festival in Central Florida. Come see top artists from around the United States show off their wonderful masterpieces. One might even find the artist working on a new artwork and much more. This show is being held on May 6 & 7, 2017, on 1^st Street in Sanford.

Driving from Orlando to Sanford is an easy drive depending on the route you take. Check your GPS for the best route. There is plenty of free parking in Downtown Sanford. The art festival is right in the middle of Downtown Sanford. Parking is available at River Front Park, Fort Mellon Park, and even some street parking is available.

Come visit historic downtown Sanford, FL. will be transformed into an artist mecca for the sixth annual St. John’s River Festival of the Arts – A Fine Arts & Fine Crafts event! Stroll historic brick streets filled with art work from some of the best artists across the country. See Art-in-Action from live artist demonstrations. Create your own piece of artwork at workshops scheduled during the weekend. Enjoy gourmet tastes at our Culinary Arts Court while you listen to the sounds of acoustic performers. Aligned with our theme of Art-in-Action, we will have talented chalk artists adding more color to the streets of Sanford. Come spend the day in beautiful downtown Sanford and take home a beautiful piece of art to add to your art collection. Visit Sanford Florida, where there is so much to see and do!

Beside the artwork, there are three music stages set-up throughout the art festival. They are located on Myrtle Avenue & 1^st Street, Sanford Avenue & 1^st Street, and at Magnolia Square. Some of the type of music that will be performed will vary from Classical, Jazz, Folk, Contemporary Bluegrass, Rhythm & Blues, Caribbean, Latin, Easy listening, and Indie. Check art festival website for music listing times. Many of these singers are bands are locals.

Another thing attendees will not want to miss is the sidewalk chalk paintings located on the side on 1^st Street & Sanford Avenue. The artists will start on Saturday at 8am and end at 5pm. Come cheer on these artists while they create a masterpiece live and in person. These sidewalk chalk paintings will be judge and awarded at the end of the day on Saturday.

While viewing the many art booths some artists will be conducting art demonstrations. The St. Johns River Festival of the Arts is sure to be a feast for the soul and the senses. Fine Artists and craftsmen in a vast array of disciplines are invited to demonstrate their artistic talents offering visitors a rare opportunity to observe their creative process first hand and a chance to interact with the artist. People are fascinated when artists and craftsmen openly demonstrate their skills and discuss their techniques. Demonstrations are sure to leave our visitors with inspiration and a deeper appreciation of the creative process for each medium. Artist demonstrations inspire creativity and significantly encourage purchases and commissions. This year we will select a total of 12 featured demonstrating artists in such disciplines as Painting, Wood, Glass, Leather, Fiber, Sculpture, Drawing, Digital, Jewelry, Ceramics and Photography.

Sanford is more than just a small town. There are many shops and restaurants will be open for business during this art festival. Even the local bars will be open too. It is worth the drive to Downtown Sanford to check this year’s St. Johns River Festival of the Arts. For more information on this event please visit www.stjohnsriverfestivalofthearts.com . If you like this article, then like it on our Otownfun WordPress account. For more great events and places please check us out at www.otownfun.com .

Note: All written content and images are copy righted by either by the person and or company who wrote and photograph published for this article. Any questions please contact Otownfunnow@gmail.com .

Sources of information from stjohnsriverfestivalofthearts.com

2017 Leesburg Bike Festival Preview

Written by Nathan Wertheimer

The bikers will be rolling back around Central Florida for this year’s Leesburg Bikefest. This Bikefest is an all day event with much to see and do and is the World’s Largest Motorcycle and Music Event packed into 30 blocks for 3 days with over 60 Concerts, 200 Vendors, Amazing Bike Shows, 5 Hotbody Contests, 5 Venues and a Quarter Million People! Even non-bikers are welcome to attend. Leesburg Bikefest is located in the Downtown area of Leesburg. This event is being held on April 28-30, 2017.

Driving from Orlando to Leesburg is about an hour and a half drive to two hours depending on traffic and the route drivers take. Some people drive on Florida’s Turn-Pike to get to Leesburg. While others take State Road 411 northward from Orlando. Either way will get you to your destination. Once arriving in the Downtown Leesburg, vehicle parking is limited around town. Only motorcycles have an advantage parking close to the venue. Most motorcycles will park on Main Street. Arrive early for the best parking spot available. There are some parking lot for a parking fee at some properties. Some public parking lots may not be available in the downtown area during this event. During the peak of the day and evening motorists should expect to see heavy traffic on the streets in and around Leesburg. Law Enforcement will be out in heavy force looking for drunk drivers.

History of Leesburg Bikefest started in 1997 where the 1st Annual Leesburg Bikefest as a 1-day event with 4 vendors, canned beer, and a couple of local garage bands; with an estimated attendance of 5,000 motorcyclists. Since then, Bikefest has grown into a well-known event that hosts more than 300,000 attendees each year.

In order to meet the demands of Bikefest attendees, the event has grown from a 1-day event to a 3-day event and expanded to 20+ blocks in Downtown Leesburg and the Gator Harley Davidson location. Bikefest utilizes just about every square inch of outdoor space available in the downtown area, and also rents out buildings like the Opera House, Palace Theater, and the Leesburg Center for the Arts, transforming them into night clubs where the event can continue long after the outdoor venues have closed.

The streets of Downtown Leesburg are lined with hundreds of merchandise and food vendor booths, showcasing their wares and tantalizing the taste buds of the more than 250,000 event attendees. For the safety of the bikers and biker enthusiasts, the streets are closed down for motorcycles only, which helps produce a unique and successful Lake County event.

Although Bikefest started with a handful of local garage bands, Bikefest attendees have been entertained by some legendary “musical greats” such as Foghat, Leon Russell, Great White, Quiet Riot, and Confederate Railroad, just to name a few.

For those who don’t ride a motorcycle, yet still want to enjoy the experience; Bikefest features 50+ concerts, contests, a wide variety of biker skill and safely demonstrations, and is home to the legendary Rat’s Hole Custom Bike Shows.

By 2009, Leesburg Bikefest had grown to be the largest 3-day biker event in the country. Bikefest is the largest fund raising event for the Leesburg Partnership, and subsidizes the majority of other events they produce in Downtown Leesburg. Bikefest is also a main fundraiser for many local charities.

When Leesburg Bikefest started, the goal was to provide a great experience, support area businesses, and treat attendees better than any other biker events in the state. This goal has become a reality, and remains the main objective in planning the event. Bikefest promoters pride themselves on being able to say to Leesburg, Lake County, and Central Florida residents, “It’s your town, your party… no bike required!”.

Leesburg Bikefest has usually an older crowd than Daytona Bike Week. There is still a lot of fun all in one location. It is worth the drive to Leesburg for this one a year event. For more information on this event go to www.leesburgbikefest.com . If you like this article, then like it on our Otownfun WordPress account. For more great events and places please visit us at www.otownfun.com .

Photos courtesy by icflorida.com

Note: All written content and images are copy righted by either by the person and or company who wrote and photograph published for this article. This article may not be republished without written permission from otownfun.com. Any questions please contact Otownfunnow@gmail.com .

Source of information from leesburgbikefest.com

2017 Apopka Art and Foliage Festival Preview

Written by Nathan Wertheimer

Apopka is known for the largest nurseries that a variety of plants and trees being produced within the city every year. Now is your chance to buy from a whole seller to the general public. This festival is being held on the weekend of April 29 & 30, 2017.

From Orlando to Apopka is a quick drive up State Road 441. Just look for the festival signs that will direct drivers to Kit Land Nelson Park. If you’re looking for close parking to the festival, there is a parking fee to park in the field. Parking fees may range from $5-$10 per vehicle and are subjected to change without notice. Free parking is located in the residential areas in the area around the park.

All 100% of the proceeds from the Apopka Art and Foliage Festival are used to support various needs within the City of Apopka . Each of the following organizations and programs were beneficiaries from the 2017 Apopka Art and Foliage Festival: Anthony House , Apopka Historical Society Apopka Police/Fire/Recreation, Apopka Relay for Life, Avian Reconditioning Center, Cancer Care Resource Center, Canine Companions, Citizens Police Academy, Emergency Disaster GFWC, Future Rebels Fast Pitch, Habitat for Humanity Apopka, Hacienda Ranch, Harbor House, Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Foundation, Hope Community Center, Little League, Loaves & Fishes, Miss Apopka Pageant, Shop With A Cop, Special Olympics, Habitat For Humanity,
Pop Warner (AYS), Presidents Project, Quest North, R.O.C.K., Roger Daubach Foundation, 6 Scholarships to local graduating seniors, Special Scholarship to local adult woman returning to education, Seniors First, Other yet-to-be-designated Civic & Community

There will be a large selection of plants and flowers to buy. It is recommended to arrive early when they open to pick the best one’s for the day. At the end of the day, the plants and flowers may not look as pretty as when they are fresh from the morning. Some hard to find plants can be found at this festival. Many nursery vendors are available for any questions one may have. Even the Plant Doctor at this festival too.

Beside the plants and flowers there are many wonderful artisans and craftsmen on hand selling their hand-made works of art. One will find various sizes of fine art paintings, sculptures, photography, mix media art, and much more. Prices on artwork will vary by each artist from a few dollars to hundreds of dollars. Don’t forget to stop by the K-12 grade school children’s juried artwork exhibit.

Don’t leave this festival hungry. There will be plenty of food and drink vendors on hand for some great food. These vendors are cooking up breakfast sandwiches, hot dogs, Fresh squeezed lemonade, chicken tenders, gyro sandwiches, homemade ice cream, kettle corn, and much more. Prices on food will vary depending on vendor.

Throughout the day attendee can enjoy some free entertainment at the gazebo in the middle of the park. See festival website for schedule of entertainment. Here are just a few of the feature acts on stage which are Blake Guyre, Liverpool Live, Andrea Tyler – “Adele” Tribute Show, Polynesian/Samoan Dancers, and much more. They have seat waiting for you. There are a limited number of chairs near the gazebo.

For more information on this event please visit www.apopkaartandfoliagefestival.org . If you like this article, then like it on our Otownfun WordPress account. For more great events and places please check us out at www.otownfun.com .

Note: All written content and images are copy righted by either by the person and or company who wrote and photograph published for this article. Any questions please contact Otownfunnow@gmail.com .