by Chuck Seaver, SOUTH LAKE TABLET
Victory Pointe Park of Clermont was the setting for a day full of family fun and excitement on Saturday, February 8th. The Citrus Champs Carnival, organized by Marz Event Management, was a homestyle carnival complete with ethnic foods, games, bands, dancing, and even a Florida-themed citrus wagon parade.
Contestants in the parade brought back Central Florida memories of a time when citrus ruled the land and orange groves adorned the rolling hills of Clermont during an era when the town was popularly known as “The Gem of the Hills.” Enthusiastic entries included pull-along wagons decorated with bright orange and yellow decorations that encouraged one to remember the sweet essence of the orange blossom aroma that graced one’s senses in the springtime. Local business E-Go Depot included an old-fashioned “smudge pot” in their wagon display of the parade. Smudge pots were a popular way to provide heat to the citrus groves when frigid temperatures threatened the trees and fruit.
The popular Lake Steel Orchestra was on hand to provide a Caribbean flair to the festive event that provided cultural delights such as a live performance by Orquesta Son Latino, Charlie Donato, and Mambo Mario Diaz as the master of ceremonies.
Marz Event Management Director Maritza Rivera was excited to roll out the event to bring several things together in one place. The Citrus Champs Carnival is an ongoing effort to pay homage to the South Lake community by focusing on the roots of its citrus era and small-town charm while recognizing the diverse and growing community that South Lake has become.
The event was a collaborative effort with key sponsorship from Lake-Sumter State College, Florida Blue, Renewal by Anderson, and Advent Health-Clermont.
Visit www.marzevents.com for a full list of upcoming events, including the annual Pig on the Pond community festival in March.
