For immediate release - September 28, 2005

Special kick-off event for the Florida Black Bear Festival schedueld for Sept. 30

LAKE COUNTY, FLA — Local residents will be gathering Friday, Sept. 30, from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Umatilla Community Center, 1 S. Central Ave., for a Jam BEAR-ee celebration to kick off the Seventh Annual Florida Black Bear Festival.

The $5 fish fry is open to the public and is hosted by the Umatilla Chamber of Commerce. A silent auction at the Jam BEAR-ee will benefit the Florida Black Bear Festival. The Jam BEAR-ee will include activities for the whole family and the live music of popular Lake County band the Remnants.

“It’s pretty amazing that it’s only $5 for a full meal and entertainment,” said Sherre Dabanian, Black Bear Festival coordinator.

The Seventh Annual Florida Black Bear is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 1, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Cadwell Park, located at 4 Cassady St., Umatilla.

Amidst the fun and games, the free event aims to spread information about how residents can protect the natural habitats of the Florida Black Bear and other wildlife. The one-day educational event is fun for all ages as thousands of Floridians and guests are expected to attend the bash in honor of the black bear.

Last year the festival had to be postponed due to the three powerful storms that severely impacted Central Florida. To assist the Gulf Coast region affected by hurricanes Katrina and Rita this year, the Leesburg Food Bank will be collecting nonperishable foods and basic toiletries at the festival and event-goers will also be encouraged to donate blood at the Central Florida Blood Center’s Bloodmobile.

“So you can come have fun at the Florida Black Bear Festival while dropping off canned goods and donating blood,” Dabanian said. “This is definitely a family event. That’s why we have such a wide variety of things to do.”

For more information about the Seventh Annual Black Bear Festival, call (407) 323-1298, e-mail info@flblackbearfest.org or log on to www.flblackbearfest.org.

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Contact information:
Christopher Patton
Communications Coordinator
Office: (352) 343-9609; Cell: (352) 455-0445
cpatton@co.lake.fl.us