The city of Clermont may not be holding its annual “Red, White and Boom!” this year but that isn’t keeping our little friend from celebrating Independence Day! Before cooking out and perhaps setting off a few fireworks of your own, why not come by the Historic Village and snap a photo or two with this happy guy? The Village will be open for tours that day from 1:00 to 4:00 PM so you can combine your photo opp with a little history on America’s birthday. The Village even has picnic tables if you would like to enjoy our beautiful view of Lake Minneola while eating your lunch.
Located at 490 West Avenue, the Village is open every Saturday and Sunday from 1:00 to 4:00 PM. Because of the city’s work on road improvement, it is not currently possible to get to the Village parking lot. Access to the Village is from the grass parking lot off Minneola Avenue which is located directly behind the Hooks Schoolhouse. Signs on Minneola Avenue will direct you to the lot. Admission to the Village is always free however, a donation of $5.00 per adult (anyone over 12) is requested.
Once you are on the grounds of the Village, all visitors are asked to report directly to the pavilion to sign our guest book and for a brief explanation of the changes that have been made to our procedures. The changes are: only one group at a time will be permitted in each building. One volunteer will be stationed where (s)he can see the entrances to all the buildings to ensure this. No volunteers will go on tours with guests. There will be signs inside the buildings asking people to not touch the display items. We will wipe down knobs, railings and buttons after people leave each building. Some rooms will be roped off from the public. And, finally, all volunteers will wear masks.
If you are interested in the history of Clermont or in history in general, why don’t you consider joining the Clermont Historical Society? Membership is just $25.00 per person or $35.00 for a couple annually. In September, we are planning on resuming our monthly meetings that are held on the second Monday of each month in the Train Depot at the Village. The board meeting (open to the public) is at 6:00 PM followed by a presentation at 7:00 PM. Opportunities for rentals will have to wait for phase 3 of reopening by the state. In the meantime, you can see lots of pictures and information about the Village on our Facebook page. A new website will be launching soon. For questions or further information please call 352-242-7734. We hope to see you all now that the Village is reopened and Happy Fourth of July!
