2017 58th Annual Florida Rail Fair in Deland Preview

Written by Nathan Werthimer

Deland, FL – Many people play and collection model toy trains, railroad artifacts and railroad memorabilia. This venue is a one-stop shop on all train parts and accessories for the best prices around. This event is held on Jan 14 & 15, 2017, at the Volusia County Fairgrounds in Deland inside the Tommy Lawrence Arena. This is a family friendly place!

When driving down to the Florida Rail Fair in Deland, it is an easy drive from Orlando or Jacksonville. The Volusia County Fairgrounds is just two blocks east on State Road 44 right off of I-4. There is plenty of free parking available.

Upon walking into the Tommy Lawrence Arena, one will be greet by the event admissions staff member at the door. Once one walks thru the doors there is about 250+ tables and booths to purchase model train merchandise. There are all different brands of the model railroads from Lionel, Buchmann, and much more. Plus, there are various sizes from gauges, HO, OO, N, O, G, TT and Z.

If you already have a train set, there are plenty of accessories to add to your favorite train set at home. At home, pre-plan your train track layout on paper. Then start with a flat wood surface to build a track layout. Next, one will want too creative your own city or town. You’ll need some train tracks, buildings, vehicles, mini people, and other items. What better place to see the largest selection of merchandise for any train set.

After buying some model train merchandise, one needs to check out the large model train set located in a separate building. Most people are amazed of a few live model train sets at this venue. If you spot a Train Operator at the controls you can ask him or her all the questions you want. One might be surprised by the answers to get.

Golden Spike Enterprises produces many model train show in the Southeast and are held in Atlanta, Jacksonville, Tampa, and Deland. For more information go to www.gserr.com  If you like this article, then like it on our Otownfun WordPress account. For more great event listings please check us out at www.otownfun.com .

Photos courtesy by icflorida.com

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

 

 

 

 

2017 Orlando International Paper & Postcard Expo Preview

Photo courtesy by Mary Martin Antique Postcards Facebook page

Written by Nathan Wertheimer

Orlando, FL – Central Florida Fairgrounds is hosting the Orlando International Paper & Postcard Expo promoted by Mary L. Martin (MLM) held on Friday, January 13, 2017, from 10am – 5pm and Saturday, January 14, 2017, from 10am – 4pm. Admission at the door is $5.00. This show is a must see for serious papers and postcards collectors. MLM claims to have one of the largest postcard inventories in the world, with more than 1,000,000 cards in stock at all times.

Here is a little history about Mary L. Martin LTD. Mary L. Martin Ltd. Postcards is a family owned and operated business, and also the largest postcard shop in the entire world. Started over forty years ago by Mary L. Martin, she quickly became known around the world as an expert in antique and rare postcards (deltiology). Today, her daughter continues the namesake, and has become known for having the same expertise her mother possessed. Having written over twenty-five books on the subject of postcards, it is no wonder that when people think “postcards”, they think “Mary L. Martin”. Mary and her son Joe now run the business. MLM has multiple locations including this location in Havre De Grace, Bay Side Antiques. Stop in and say hello! Their company history was found on there company Facebook about page.

The Central Florida Fairgrounds is an easy drive anywhere in Central Florida. Just take Colonial Drive (Highway 50) going west from Downtown Orlando. They are located at 4603 West Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL 32808. There is plenty of free parking near the event building.

If you’re a new or an avid paper or postcard collector this is the place to be this weekend. One will find rows and rows of dealers selling many various colors, styles, and antique cards. Prices will vary depending on the characteristic of each paper or postcard. Some prices on postcards maybe negotiable just ask the dealer. Besides the paper and postcards, there are also collector supplies to preserve the valuable papers. It is worth the time and money to preserve these papers for years to come.

For more information go to www.marylmartin.com , email marymartinpostcards@gmail.com or 410-939-0999. If you like this article, then like it on our Otownfun WordPress account. For more great event listings please check us out at www.otownfun.com .

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

Sources of information from Central Florida Fairgrounds, Mary L. Martin LTD website and Facebook pages

Artegon in Orlando Slated to Close at the End of the Month

Photo courtesy by artegonmarketplace.com

Written by Staff Reporter

Orlando, FL – On Thursday, January 12, 2017, local media outlets are reporting that the Artegon Marektplace in Orlando is closing at the end of January. If you have ever gone to this unique place there is so much to see and do. It is a sad day to hear about the anti-mall place closing for good. This is your last chance to visit this place before it closes.

Upon further investigation into the closing of Artegon Marketplace, the Lightstone Group who owns this property has not posted any press releases and or a business closing notice on their website either. Stay tuned for more information. The only thing still on their website states “Much like the city itself, Artegon Marketplace offers Orlando shopping options that are equal parts eclectic eccentricity and beloved brands. Reel in the latest fishing equipment at Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World Orlando, grab a graphic novel at the second largest fandom store in the US, Gods & Monsters, or prepare for some beach bumming at the world-renowned Ron Jon Surf Shop. Your shop-hopping options don’t end there; Artegon Marketplace features Florida’s largest, and Orlando’s only, daily indoor artisanal marketplace with more than 100 artisans and craftspeople at work every day.”

Most of the stores in the marketplace are effective will be closing up their storefronts. Some of these stores may relocate in the same area. If is unknown at this time what stores will still be reopen for business at another location. The outer perimeter of the mall stores will still continue to be open for business. These stores are Bass Pro Shop and Cinemark Theater. It is unclear how long these store will stay open too.

Besides the variety of stores, Artegon offers great entertainment, Food Truck Fridays, restaurants, and much more. In the past years, Artegon has had high-end live concerts outside in front of the building.

Once the Artegon closes the building look for property management to release more information what they will be redeveloping the property. Some people in the hospitality industry believe this location could be sold and torn down for the next large theme park in the area.

For more information on the Artegon Marketplace, please visit www.artegonmarketplace.com . If you like this article, then like it on our Otownfun WordPress account. For more great event listings please check us out at www.otownfun.com .

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

 

 

2016 Central Florida Aldis Supermarket Review

Written By: Nathan Wertheimer

Orlando, FL – If you’re a conscious consumer like myself, you will probably looking to save some money on your groceries. There is an alternative and this is where Aldis Supermarket comes in. I have compared other grocery chains and Aldis beats out the other competition. There are many reasons why I believe Aldis is the best grocery chain for the low to medium household incomes.

While driving down the Central Florida roadways you may spot and Aldis. There are many Aldi Supermarket locations in the Central Florida area. Aldi came into the market back around 2009 and have been going strong every since. What makes Aldi unique is the renting of a shopping cart for a quarter deposit. This cuts down on abundant of stray carts on and off their property. When you shop at Aldis don’t forget to bring your own shopping bags. One will need more than one bag. Plus, you’ll save some money because you will not have to purchase paper and plastic bags at the check out stand and you’ll be saving the environment in the process too.

When walking into the store with a shopping cart, you will notice that this grocery store is not a hug place to shop, but a more convenient place with a narrow selection of items with the best prices possible. The store has daisy products, fresh cut meats pre-packed, seafood pre-packed, fruits and vegetables, bake goods pre-packed, generic brands products, and some national brand products too.

This supermarket doesn’t have a regular Deli Department counter for sliced meats, Bakery Department counter, Meat & Seaford Department, a Pharmacy, and sometimes a gas station. Many people call this store a non-frills supermarket. Most of the stores are about the same size in space. Don’t expect Aldis to move items around the store so you have to look for them. These items are in the same location every time you enter the store.

When checking out at Aldi is sometimes hit or miss with the lines at the check stand. Most shoppers know the process when checking out at Aldis. Place all of your grocery on the conveyer belt at the check out stand. Next, place your empty shopping cart next to the cashier. The cashier will place every item you purchased into the cart. While the cashier is scanning every item you brought. The shopper must decide on a payment method for your purchases. They take cash, debt, and credit only. No personal checks are accepted. Once you leave the check stand now one has the fun task of bagging of all their items that they purchased and take it to the your vehicle. Once finished return the shopping cart and get your quarter deposit back and head home.

Once you shop at Aldis you will never look back at going to the other grocery store chains. Even though Aldis is a much smaller store than the average big grocery stores, one will save time and money.

For more information on the Adlis go to www.aldis.us . If you like this article, then like it on our Otownfun WordPress account. For more great events content please check us out at www.otownfun.com

Note: All written content and images are copy righted by either the person and or company who wrote and photograph published for this article.

Photo courtesy by Aldi.us

 

Ollie’s Bargain Outlet Casselberry’s Store is Now Open!

Written by: Nathan Wertheimer

Casselberry, FL – There is now a new store in town to complete with Big Lots, which is right down the road. When you walk thru the doors of Ollie’s you will see a huge load of great merchandise on the shelves. It is like a mini Super Walmart and with much more…

Here is a little history about Ollie’s from the past to the present. Ollie’s was formed with the four fathers of investors. The very first Ollie’s Store opened in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania on July 29, 1982, and from then on they have been adding more stores throughout the eastern United States. Where did they get the slogan “Good Stuff Cheap?” This was a concept from Ollie’s second store known as the annex, which changed the Central Pennsylvania landscape. A coupe of years later in 1985, Ollie open his 3^rd store in York, PA. While gaining loyal customers at their stores, the company came up with Ollie’s Army Bargain Battalion, which is a customer rewards card. One can apply in-store for one of this reward card.

In 2000, there was leadership shake-up at the top of the company. Then in 2011, Ollie built a new distribution Center in York, Pa. Later in 2011, Ollie opened his 100^th store opening in Barboursville, WV. With many stores open now, Ollie built a 2^nd distribution center in Atlanta, GA area, with paving the way for further expansion into the Southeastern United States. Another big miles stone was in middle 2015 with Chairman, President and CEO Mark Bulter rang the opening bell on NASDAQ, which became a public traded company using the “OLLI” symbol. Now in 2016, Ollie’s company is now one of America’s largest retailers of closeouts, excess inventory, and salvage merchandise. This chain currently operates 224 stores in 19 states including Florida.

There are many Ollie’s Stores in Florida now. Here are the list of stores in Florida, which are in West Orlando, Jacksonville, Niceville, Ocala, Leesburg, and finally Casselberry. You have not seen the last of Ollie’s Bargain Outlets in Central Florida. Look for more stores in the future. There is a store coming to Osceola County in the City of Kissimmee in the near future.

When entering the one of Ollie’s store, be sure to get a shopping cart because you’ll need it to fill it up with all the great bargains. This store has everything from A-Z with fifteen store departments located within one place. Here is the break down of Store Departments such as Housewares & Home Textiles, Food, Flooring, Books & Stationary, Toys, Home Improvements & Hardware, Electronics, Clothing & Luggage, Lawn-Garden-Patio, Health & Beauty Supplies, Sporting Goods, Pet Supplies, Automotive, and Holiday Items, and Odds & Ends. You will find brand name merchandise at up to 70% off the fancy retail store prices. You can expect to see this assortment of items in the each department, but you won’t likely find the exact same products or brands in every category on every visit as claimed by Ollie’s Bargain Outlet. If you see a product you like buy it because it may not be there the next time you shop there.

I highly recommend this store to everyone. It is worth the drive to the Casselberry’s Ollie’s Bargain Outlet store located at 942 Semoran Blvd (HWY 436), Casselberry, FL 32707. 407-262-0995. Store Hours are Sunday: 10am – 7pm, Monday-Saturday: 9am – 9pm.

Note: Some sources of information came from the Ollie’s Bargain Outlet website.

 

 

Central Florida Area Farmer’s Markets

Orlando, FL – If you’re looking to buy local products and services than check out your local farmers market in your area. There are many to choose from. These farmers markets are open year round on either Saturday or Sunday, but there are some that are open on other days of the week too. When you visit these markets they offer fresh produce, local farmers, local honey, baked goods, plants and flowers, handmade soaps & spa items, fine arts and crafts, vintage & collectable goods too. Plus, some farmers market have live musical entertainment while your shopping. Keep our economy grow. Buy local and support your small business owners.

These are a list of Central Florida Farmers Markets:

Windermere Farmer’s Market (Friday)
http://www.town.windermere.fl.us/pView.aspx?id=23722&catid=487

Saturday Farmers’ Market – Winter Park (Saturday)
https://cityofwinterpark.org/departments/parks-recreation/activities-events/saturday-farmers-market/

Farmers Market – Lake Mary (Saturday)
http://www.lakemaryfl.com/farmers-market

Sanford Farmers Market (Saturday)
http://sanfordfl.gov/index.aspx?page=1021

Winter Garden Farmers Market (Saturday)
http://www.wintergardenfarmersmarket.com/

Winter Springs Farmers Market (Saturday)
http://www.winterspringsfarmersmarket.com/Home_Page.html

Orlando Farmers Market (Sunday)
http://www.orlandofarmersmarket.com/

Sweetwater-Wekiva Farmers Market (Sunday)

http://swfarmersmarket.wixsite.com/swfm

Maitland Farmers Market (Sunday)
https://www.itsmymaitland.com/community-events.aspx?a=viewPost&PostID=13022

The Monday Market at Lake Nona (Monday)
https://www.facebook.com/Lakenonaymcafarmersmarket/

Please note there are many more out there in the Central Florida area.