DESTINATION EAST COUNTY: DEC. 24-JAN. 29

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East County News Service

December 20, 2016 (San Diego’s East County) -- This week’s Destination East County includes a cribbage tournament, a brass band concert and off-road excursions into the Anza-Borrego desert.

Plus, we’ll tell you about coming attractions including New Year’s Eve bashes in Alpine and La Mesa, an International Music & Art Festival in Poway, a library concert, ice skating, a hike up Mt. Helix and a performance by Ben Vereen.

So scroll down for all of these events and many more!

BRASS BAND AT PARKWAY PLAZA DEC. 24

Parkway Plaza Shopping mall invites you to enjoy a joyous selection of holiday songs featuring the Salvation Army Brass Band.  The band will present a concert in the in the Macy's Court on Christmas Eve, December 24th, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. For details visit www.ShoppingParkwayPlaza.com.

CRIBBAGE CLUB TOURNAMENT DEC. 27 IN LA MESA

On December 27th, you’re invited to the Cribbage Club of San Diego’s meeting and tournament at the San Pasqual Winery tasting room in La Mesa (8364 La Mesa Blvd.).  Cribbage is a card game of challenge and fun.  If you've never played, or are a bit rusty, you can come at 5 p.m. for lessons.  A round-robin tournament runs from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. (Tournament entry fee is $10). Or you can just watch the action, while enjoying wine and cheese.  For more information, visit www.SanPasqualWinery.com.

SPLIT MOUNTAIN EXCURSIONS: THURSDAYS IN DEC. AND JAN.

Winter is a wonderful time to warm up with a visit to the Anza-Borrego Desert. California Overland Adventures will be leading excursions to Split Mountain in the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park each Thursday in December and early January starting at 10:30 a.m. 

The adventure begins with an off-road ride in a military truck that rumbles into Split Mountain, where you’ll see the enormous slot canyon and towering rock walls where earthquakes and flooding split the mountain in half. 

Then a one-mile trek uphill will reward hikers with views of wind caves formed by erosion, with panoramic views of the desert below. Participants must be in good physical health for this excursion into a land of dramatic geological formations.  For reservations or details on this or other desert adventures, you can visit www.CaliforniaOverland.com.

PREVIEW OF COMING ATTRACTIONS

NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY AT VIEJAS DEC. 31

Once again, Viejas Resort will host its signature New Year’s Eve ball drop reminiscent of the one in New York’s Times Square.  You can rock the house with fellow revelers in the Park at Viejas and party under the stars while awaiting the ball drop.

Other options include cocktails in the park or party seating in the Oak Ballroom. For more information, you can visit www.Viejas.com.

NEW YEAR’S EVE BASH IN LA MESA

On December 31st, you’re invited to A New Year’s Eve bash co-hosted by La Mesa Wine Works and Bolt Brewery, located on Center Street in La Mesa.  You can ring in the new year with a ticket that includes sparkling wine, party favors, a chance to win prizes, plus discounts on beer and wine.  There will also be live music and barbecue foods available to purchase.  There is a cost ($20) with discounts for designated drivers.  An RSVP is required. You can get details at www.SanPasqualWinery.com.

JOE RATHBURN AT RANCHO SAN DIEGO LIBRARY JAN. 3

Joe Rathburn will perform positive music that speaks to the listeners’ hearts and minds on January 3rd at 6:30 p.m. in the Rancho San Diego Library (11555 Via Rancho, El Cajon). His music has been likened to singer/songwriters of the’60s and ‘70s including Paul Simons, James Taylor and Cat Stevens. He’s performed at venues ranging from night clubs to festivals to coffeehouses, headline his own shows as well as opening for top talent including Chuck Berry, Ray Charles, the Guess Who, and Kiss.

INTERNATIONAL MUSIC & ART FESTIVAL JAN. 7 IN POWAY

An International Music, Dance & Art Festival sponsored by the San Diego Chinese Art & Cultural Society will be presented on Saturday, January 7th at 7 p.m. on the Poway Performing Arts Center. The festival will not only promote the awareness of Chinese art and culture but also embrace and promote other cultures.   Scholarships will also be awarded to winners of the Youth Art Competition.  For tickets and details visit www.PowayCenter.com.

WALK UP MT. HELIX JAN. 7

You’re invited to start the New Year off on the right foot by joining the Grossmont Mt. Helix Improvement Association’s Walk Up Mt. Helix on Saturday, January 7th at 10:00 am.

Walkers will gather at the Fire Station on Vivera and stroll to the summit. At the amphitheater, enjoy live music by Jan McBride Jazz, tasty refreshments, and the beauty of this unique community.

This (free) event is open to everyone in the community to join old friends, meet new neighbors, and relish a beautiful morning in the Park. Children and dogs are welcome to participate.

BEN VEREEN ON STAGE IN POWAY JAN. 12

Tony Award-winning Broadway icon Ben Vereen brings his show, Steppin’ Out Live with Ben Vereen. to the Power Center for the Performing Arts on January 12 at 7:30 p.m. The program is a unique blend of artistry, combining a tribute to Broadway, Frank Sinatra, and a very special tribute to Sammy Davis Jr. This show includes Vereen’s three-piece ensemble and the Ben Vereen Youth Orchestra. For tickets and details, you can visit www.PowayCenter.com.

ICE SKATING AT VIEJAS NOW THROUGH JAN. 29

The largest outdoor ice skating rink in Southern California is open at Viejas from now through the holiday season, until January 29th.  Under the glow of holiday lights, guests and visitors can glide around the rink or enjoy seasonal goodies. Feel the cool Pacific mountain air on your face while you bunny hop, camel spin, and swizzle your way around our ice rink—right here in San Diego.  For details you can visit www.Viejas.com.

That’s all for this week!

If you have an event you’d like added to our calendar, or if you would like to sponsor the Destination East County column on our website, or the Destination East County show on KNSJ radio, you can contact editor@eastcountymagazine.org   Destination East County is the most-read feature on our website.

We’ll be back next week with more festivals, events and attractions in San Diego’s East County!


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