Just about everyone in Lake County knows already that the “Today Show” is featuring Mount Dora in its “Merriest Main Street” series, but the Daily Commercial has discovered some as-yet-to-surface details behind the NBC “Today Show” visit to Mount Dora on Dec. 5.
“Each year, the series highlights festive and charming holiday destinations across the country, and Mount Dora has been selected to help kick off this year’s features,” the city’s social media heralded.
“The Today Show crew will be capturing a special sneak peek of the Mount Dora Lighted Boat Parade, celebrating one of the city’s most beloved holiday traditions,” the city said on social media.
Other towns featured in the “Today Show” holiday series have included Bardstown, Kentucky, and Stockbridge, Massachusetts.
Who will be hosting the ‘Today Show’ segment in Mount Dora?
Will it be Al Roker? Nope. NBC producers, not their talent, will be in town representing the “Today Show,” said Mount Dora’s spokesperson Misty Sommer, who shared that WESH-Channel 2 News anchor Christina Watkins will host the morning segment.
“I am HYPED for tomorrow,” WESH’s Watkins told Daily Commercial in an email before the event. “I love Christmas so much, I’ve adopted the nickname ‘Christina Kringle’ during the holidays. HA!”
Watkins emphasized that WESH 2 is fortunate to help spotlight Mount Dora.
What turned the ‘Today Show’ onto Mount Dora?
When tasked with identifying a local community with unique holiday charm, Mount Dora instantly came to mind for the WESH 2 team, Watkins said.
“We have a great relationship with the ‘Today Show,’ working hand-in-hand to bring the stories of Central Florida to a national audience,” the news anchor added. “I have to mention, if we could highlight all of Central Florida this holiday season, we would. We have some incredible towns that really bring the joy every year.”
According to Sommer, WESH had been campaigning for the idyllic Lake County town to be featured as one of its Merriest Main Streets for the past couple of years.
“When they saw our event schedule, they saw the lighted boat parade, and you know, because they’re a national show with it being Florida, they were like, that is such a Florida thing to do: a lighted Boat Parade!” the city’s spokesperson effused. “So they’re coming in to do, you know, again, it’s Merry Main Street, but the focus for Mount Dora is a sneak peek at the lighted boat parade.
Can anyone watch the taping?
Yes, all are invited to join the live crowd onsite during the filming. Arrive early if you can. The crew will be roving around the historic downtown district of Mount Dora and the shores of Lake Dora as early as 4:30 a.m., filming B-roll of the town and its holiday lights.
Residents and visitors wishing to participate must arrive no later than 7:30 a.m. at the filming location: Lakeside Inn (100 Alexander St., Mount Dora).
“Being selected for the TODAY Show’s Merriest Main Street series is a wonderful recognition of the charm, character, and holiday spirit that our community is known for,” City Manager Vince Sandersfeld said in a press statement.
“We hope to see a great turnout to help showcase Mount Dora to viewers across the country.”
Where do you park?
There will be no on-site parking at Lakeside Inn for participants. Attendees are encouraged to use street parking or the public lot at 4th Avenue and Alexander Street (400 N. Alexander St.)
News of the taping went viral
Said Sommer with a hint of anxiety mixed with humor: “I’m like, what’s the crowd gonna be like? Is Lakeside Inn gonna regret signing up for me? I don’t know!”
