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By Miriam Raftery
August 2, 2017 (San Diego’s East County) -- This week’s Destination East County includes the Dog Days of Summer at Ramona wineries, a Sip of Julian, Cajon Classic Cruises, plus outdoor concerts in Lemon Grove, Santee and El Cajon.
Plus, we’ll have a preview of coming attractions including the HeART of Mt. Helix, a Star Party in Lakeside, a dive-in movie and ice skating at Kroc Center, the Chippendales at Sycuan, the Ramona Country Fair, Laurel and Hardy comedy films with Thelma Todd n Spring Valley, a Fall Art Show in Julian, the Ramona Grape Stomp, and Lakeside River Park Conservancy’s Once in a Blue Moon.
So scroll down for all of these events and many more!
THIS WEEK
DOG DAYS OF SUMMER: AUG. 5-6 AT RAMONA WINERIES
The Ramona Valley Vineyards Association presents the Dog Days of Summer. You’re invited to bring your dog to 10 participating wineries in Ramona this Saturday and Sunday, on August 5th or 6th, from noon to 6 p.m. to get a treat for your furry friends and maybe even win prizes.
Some wineries are also offering additional activities and specials. At Vineyard Grant James, for instance, you’ll receive “pupsicles” and you can enter your dog in contests such as best tail wagger, best kisser, best trick and for the grand prize, best dressed.
For a list of participating Dog Days of Summer wineries, you can visit .RamonaValleyVineyards.com.
SIP OF JULIAN AUG. 5
The Julian Chamber of Commerce will host the third annual Sip of Julian on Saturday, August 5th from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The sip features growers and producers of hard cider, wine, craft beer, showing that Julian has much more to savor beyond apple pies.
This event is a fundraising benefit for Julian’s Annual Country Christmas and Tree Lighting Celebration. For more information, you can go to VisitJulian.com.
CAJON CLASSIC CRUISES EACH WEDNESDAY NIGHT
Cajon Classic Cruises continue each Wednesday night from 5 to 8 p.m. on Main Street in downtown El Cajon. The next few shows are convertible night on August 9th, Cajon Speedway family night on August 16th, classic car appreciation night August 23rd, and for motorcycle enthusiasts, the Harley Davidson Stampede on August 30th.
You can find the entire summer and fall schedule of Cajon Classic Cruises at DowntownElCajon.com.
EL CAJON DINNER AND A CONCERT SERIES FRIDAY NIGHTS
El Cajon offers its summer concerts on Friday nights all summer long. The next few shows include tropical rock with Stars on the Water August 4, and modern country music by Patrick Trampus on August 11. For details, visit DowntownElCajon.com.
LEMON GROVE CONCERTS IN THE PARK THURSDAY NIGHTS
Lemon Grove’s summer concerts in the park series continues each Thursday night from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Berry Street Park (7071 Mount Vernon) in Lemon Grove.
The lineup includes West of 5 playing rock from the 70s through today on August 10, and the Bayou Brothers with Cajun and zydeco music of New Orleans on August 17.
SANTEE SUMMER CONCERTS THURSDAYS
Santee’s summer concert series is held each Thursday night from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Town Center Community Park East (550 Park Center Drive).
August 10 is “Wingstock” night featuring a beer garden, foods from Wings and Things, and music from the summer of 1969. On August 17, Upstream will perform Caribbean and reggae music. Santee’s summer concert season ends on August 24, with variety music by the Mighty Untouchables.
NOW FOR A PREVIEW OF COMING ATTRACTIONS
HEART OF MT. HELIX AUG. 12
The 10th annual HeART of Mt. Helix on August 12th from 5 to 10 p.m. will feature live art demonstrations and art auctions, music on two stages, a juried art show, succulent plant sale, and tastings from top local restaurants atop Mt. Helix.
The cherished “party on the hill” attracts around 500 guests annually, with funds benefitting the Mt. Helix Park Foundation for upkeep of the amphitheatre and park facilities.
For tickets and the line-up of this year’s entertainers, artists, restaurants and other participants, visit mthelixpark.org and click on the Heart of Mt. Helix link.
STAR PARTY IN LAKESIDE AUGUST 12
You’re invited to join county park staff and the San Diego Astronomy Association for an evening of stargazing and a family campout at Oakoasis campground in Lakeside on August 12th. The fun starts with a sunset hike from 7 to 9 p.m. to search for bats and scorpions, followed by an evening of stargazing, campfire songs, storytelling, and s’mores.
(Evening activities are free; campsite spaces are $24 for overnight stays). For reservations and information, you can call (858) 563-3600.
DIVE-IN MOVIE AT KROC CENTER AUGUST 16
What better way to cool off on a hot summer night than at a dive-in movie in the swimming pool at Kroc Center? You can chill out in the pool on August 16 starting at 7 p.m. and watch Moana, a Disney movie with showtime at dusk. For details visit www.sd.kroccenter.org.
ICE SKATING AT KROC CENTER ALL SUMMER LONG
Here’s another cool way to beat the heat. The Kroc Center also offers public ice skating sessions each Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 3:30 to 5 :30 p.m., Saturdays from 1 to 3 p.m. and Sundays from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. all summer long.
Skate rentals are available. Kroc Center is located at 6737 University Avenue, just west of 70th street. For rates and details, visit sd.kroccenter.org.
CHIPPENDALES AUGUST 19 AT SYCUAN
Listen up ladies – the Chippendales will be onstage with their all-male revealing review at Sycuan’s Live and Up Close Theatre in El Cajon on August 19 at 7 p.m. and again at 10 p.m. How much will they dare to bare? For tickets and details, you can visit Sycuan.com.
RAMONA COUNTRY FAIR AUGUST 24-27
The annual Ramona Country Fair will be held August 24-27 at the Ramona Outdoor Community Center (421 Aqua Lane, Ramona).
Crafts, carnival rides, contests, vendors, live entertainment, fair food and lots of fun are highlights of this event. A Western show and the 2nd Ramona motorcycle rally are also being held this year.
The fair is open Thursday and Friday evening, August 24 and 25 and all day on Saturday and Sunday, August 26 and 27. For full hours and details, visit facebook.com/RamonaCountryFair
SAPS AT SEA PRESENT LAUREL AND HARDY FILMS AUGUST 26
Thelma, Stan & Ollie will be the theme at the next gathering of the Saps at Sea, the Laurel & Hardy Sons of the Desert association in San Diego, on August 26th at 7 p.m. at Trinity Church (3902 Kenwood Drive) in Spring Valley.
The event highlights works of Thelma Todd. This bubbly blonde was not only a highly-respected actress and comedian, but a long time favorite of the Saps featured in several hilarious comedy clips that will be shown.
JULIAN ARTS GUILD FALL SHOW SEPT. 2-4
The Julian Arts Guild will hold its Fall Art Show on September 2, 3 and 4 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Julian Town Hall (2129 Main Street, Julian).
This is a free event showcasing the works of talented Julian artists. Artworks displayed will include weaving, ceramics, gourd painting, drawing and mixed media.
For more information, you can visit JulianArtsGuild.org.
RAMONA GRAPE STOMP SEPT. 9
The first annual Ramona Grape Stomp is set for September 9th from 12 noon to 5 p.m. at the Ramona Outdoor Community Center pavilion at 421 Aqua Lane in Ramona.
To celebrate the harvest of grapes throughout the Ramona Valley, this fun family event will offer attendees the opportunity to squish grapes between their toes in grape-stomping challenges, with prizes awarded to the best stompers. Attendees can also taste award-winning wine from local wineries and check out food, arts and crafts, and children events.
The Ramona Grape Stomp is being presented by the Ramona Rotary Club, the Ramona Senior Center, and the Ramona Valley Vineyard Association Proceeds will benefit education and support services provided by these organizations, such as a senior nutrition program, college scholarships; Fourth of July fireworks; the Ramona Boys & Girls Clubs; and education on this fast-growing wine region.
You can get tickets at ramonagrapestomp.com.
ONCE IN A BLUE MOON: SEPT. 16 IN LAKESIDE
Lakeside’s River Park Conservancy will present its 11th annual Once in a Blue Moon Gala and Auction at the River Valley Equestrian Center on the evening of September 16th.
You’re invited to help honor partners in conservation and raise funds for science programs for kids. This year’s event includes dinner, an auction, and an exhibition polo match.
You can learn more about the Lakeside River Park Conservancy and get tickets for Once in a Blue Moon by clicking the events tab at LakesideRiverPark.org.
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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