My dear Jane Austen Sisters,

Can you imagine that 250 years after your death 1000’s of women around the world would want to celebrate your birthday? Well that’s exactly what we are going to do this February 7, 8 and 9, 2025, here in Mount Dora at the Jane Austen Fest. (Note: we have added a full day on Friday this year.)

We are working diligently to make this the best Fest yet! Women from many parts of the world have descended upon this little town and in our evaluations have said, “What a perfect place to hold this Fest.”

This year our speakers include Kim Wilson, Rachel Dodge, Juliette Wells, and Elizabeth Steele…all richly attuned to Jane.

Our authentic Regency Dinner will be at the Yacht Club, a wonderful building with a huge deck where the sunset can easily be seen in all it’s glory. After that we will watch an 18th Century play with the Regency Players (professional actors from Disney) that Jane probably saw in London. This will be our Saturday night event instead of the Ball.

Of course, Tea will be served at the Donnelly House all day Saturday. Our workshops include Bonnet making, Quilling, Stained Glass, Lawn Bowling, Making Jane Austen’s beaded bracelet, and a new experience…Picking Strawberries as most Regency women would have done.

But the exciting news is a Hot Air Balloon Ride! It will be tethered and it will be short but the experience should be exciting. The first hot air balloon was in the air in 1783 in Versailles – well into the Regency era. Jane would probably have been 8 years old but would have heard about the event no doubt. “It was heard about around the world.”

We are also adding a picnic, picnics were the rage in the Regency era. Another added event will be Yoga on Saturday morning on the beach, a novel discussion group, and a scavenger hunt.

One of the things the City of Mount Dora has added is a little bus called Freebee. It is free and can be taken all over town which will help with getting places this year.

Our Registration is set for opening November 1. We have an early bird special and that is; $39.00 per day registration until November 30. December 1 the registration will be $44.00 per day.

We hope you will join us this year. Remember the proceeds provide scholarships for women.

Janefully,

Margaret Jane Andersen
President
Jane Austen Fest

A Foot in the 21st Century and a Toe in the Regency Era