Mount Dora's Elizabeth Evans Park gets a full-on celebration of barbecue, beer, and All-American fun this Saturday when Pitmasters and Pourers returns for its fourth year. The free event runs from 3 to 9 p.m. on September 12 at 100 N. Donnelly St., with food and drinks available for purchase from eight barbecue vendors on-site — a change from previous years, when a sampling format bundled food into the ticket price.
The afternoon kicks off with a salute to veterans and first responders at 4 p.m., followed shortly by a professional wrestling showcase featuring personalities from Real Radio 104.1's Monsters in the Morning show. Country music duo Thompson Square takes the stage at 5:45 p.m., and a barbecue awards ceremony crowning the day's top pitmaster follows at 7 p.m. Naome Bradshaw & The Dot Coms close out the live music portion of the evening.
Between sets, attendees can play cornhole, relax in a cigar lounge, and watch college football — including the UCF game — on a large LED screen. The event carries extra meaning this year, coinciding with the 25th anniversary of September 11 and America's 250th anniversary celebration. City of Mount Dora cultural and special events manager Chris Carson described it as the last event of the summer season.
The night wraps up at 8:30 p.m. with a 300-drone light show over Lake Dora, including a butterfly tribute to Dolly Parton. The event is suggested for ages 18 and older but open to all ages; blankets and chairs are encouraged, and service dogs are welcome while other pets should stay home.
More details are available at mountdora.gov. This story originally appeared in the Orlando Sentinel.
