Halloween plans? It's never too soon. 'Oddities' organizers announce fest in Tavares

The Lake County Oddities Marketplace took over the Lake County fairgrounds with cool and creepy style and a lot of laughs on Saturday, July 13.

Shoppers perused taxidermy, bug art, bones and bone art, wet specimens, witchy items, clothing, campy and cute gee-gaws along with a variety of accouterments and memorabilia.

Retro-riffic singer Pearls Mahone entertained the market-goers with her singular mix of soul, bluegrass and rock-a-billy.

Despite its macabre overtones, the monthly market doesn't take itself too seriously. Upbeat and friendly, Oddities events have become a shopping and entertainment favorite at venues throughout central Florida.

If you haven't been to one, expect the spooky, the icky, the kitschy, the mysterious, the beautiful and the hilarious all at once.

Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.

Though on hiatus in Lake County for two months, the next not-too-far-away markets are planned from 5 to 10 p.m. in Ocala on Friday, July 19, at the Ocala market complex downtown (with Spectral Runes) and from noon to 5 p.m. in Inverness on Sunday, July 28, at the Citrus County Fairgrounds (theme: "Goth Girl Summer").

Expected to be worth the wait, the next Lake County Oddities event will take over the Far Reach Ranch, aka the "Fear Ranch," at 1255 S. Dora Blvd., Tavares, from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 29, kicking off the Halloween season in proper twisted and kooky style, bigger and badder than usual. For more info about the farm, visit farreachranch.com.

"The details are not 100% laid out however we should have a DJ, food trucks, a mini haunt, games and more," organizer Matt Grey told the Daily Commercial.

The Lake County Fairgrounds marketplace returns on Oct. 25, from 6 to 10 p.m. Seventy-plus vendors are scheduled to sell their merchandise.

Vendors are vetted for all ages, so you can bring the kids to the Oddities' family-friendly events. Admission and parking are free, and vendor spots still available. Details: 352-875-4224, ocalaodditiesmarket.com.

Check out more photos of the July Oddities event in Eustis at dailycommercial.com.