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By Miriam Raftery
May 9, 2018 (San Diego’s East County) -- This week’s Destination East County includes a Taste of Julian, the Coyote Music Festival at Cuyamaca College, the Jukebox Kings in downtown El Cajon, a Salsa fiesta in Lemon Grove, Sherlock Holmes Final Adventure at Grossmont College, and the Manzanita High Rendezvous in Lake Morena.
Plus, we’ll have a preview of coming attractions including a Mother’s Day hike on Volcan Mountain in Julian, a salute to military families including kayaking and mountain biking at Lake Morena, a star party at Oakoasis in Lakeside, hiking in Flinn Springs, wilderness survival for families in Lake Morena, a bicycle ride and safety talk at Lindo Lakes in Lakeside, the Ramona Rodeo, the America on Main Street festival in El Cajon, Wild in the Country at Lions, Tigers and Bears in Alpine, Laurel and Hardy comedy night in Spring Valley, La Mesa’s Flag Day parade, a Secret Garden Party at St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center, Fido Fest in Santee and Santee’s summer concert series.
So scroll down for all of these events and many more!
MOTHER’S DAY WILDERNESS HIKE AT VOLCAN MOUNTAIN WILDERNESS PRESERVE MAY 12
Go on an early Mother's Day hike with Bill Augustus to the Volcan Mountain summit from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 12. Enjoy the beautiful views that stretch from the Salton Sea to downtown San Diego and marvel at the wildflowers along the trail. This hike will be around 7 miles and is considered moderately strenuous, with an elevation gain of 1,000 feet. For more information, call the park at 760-765-4098.
STAR PARTY AT OAKOASIS COUNTY PRESERVE MAY 12
Ever wonder what’s up there? Join park staff and the San Diego Astronomy Association for an evening of stargazing at Oakoasis County Preserve from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m on Saturday, May 12. Arrive at sunset for a twilight hike to search for bats and scorpions! Adults can “geek out” on astronomy and everyone will enjoy optic-friendly s’mores! For more information, call the park at 619-561-0580 or view the event on Facebook.
A TASTE OF JULIAN MAY 12
A Taste of Julian features a self-guided culinary tour of 15 to 20 restaurants, bakeries, wineries, breweries in the beautiful mountain town of Julian on Saturday, May 12th from 1 to 5 p.m. You can also sample apple cider and Julian’s famous apple pies.
You can buy tickets at the Julian Town Hall, or online at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/taste-of-julian-tickets-43101484701.
COYOTE MUSIC FESTIVAL MAY 12 AT CUYAMACA COLLEGE
Cuyamaca College hosts the Coyote Music Festival on Saturday, May 12th from noon to 4 p.m. on the grand lawn. This student-produced show is always something to howl about.
You’re invited to bring a blanket, chair and picnic basket while enjoying this complimentary community concert organized by students studying music, technology, recording and business. Food trucks will also be available.
For directions to Cuyamaca College, go to www.Cuyamaca.edu.
DINNER AND A CONCERT IN EL CAJON: WEDNESDAY NIGHTS ALL SUMMER LONG
Downtown El Cajon's "Dinner and a Concert" series continues each Friday night from 6 to 8 p.m. all summer long. The concerts are held in Prescott Promenade Park on Main Street. The next concerts will be The Jukebox Kings playing ‘50s rock and roll on May 11th followed by Stars on the Water with tropical rock on May 18th.
Bring a picnic dinner to eat in the park, or you can arrive early to dine at one of the restaurants in downtown El Cajon.
View the complete Dinner and a Concert lineup at www.DowntownElCajon.com.
ARRIBA! LEMON GROVE LIONS HOSTS SALSA Y SALSA FIESTA MAY 11
The Lemon Grove Lions Club invites you to enjoy salsa tasting plus salsa dancing, Mexican food, music and prizes at their annual Salsa y Salsa Fiesta. The festivities will be held on Friday, May 11 from 6 to 9 p.m. to benefit service projects including support for the Lemon Grove Little League, Girls on the Run at Lemon Grove Schools, sponsorships to send kids to camp, and the Lion's International Disaster Fund.
The event will be held at the Monte Vistas Village Auditorium (2211 Massachusetts Avenue) in Lemon Grove from 6 to 9 p.m.
For tickets or to enter the salsa-tasting contest, contact JenniferMendozaLG@gmail.com.
SHERLOCK HOLMES: THE FINAL ADVENTURE MAY 10-19 AT GROSSMONT COLLEGE
The Grossmont College Theatre Arts Department presents “Sherlock Holmes: The Final Adventure” on Thursdays through Sundays, May 10th through 19th at the Stagehouse Theatre.
"The game is afoot, Watson—and it is a dangerous one!” Thinking he’s at the end of his career, a case comes to Holmes that he just can’t pass up. The King of Bohemia is about to be blackmailed by a notorious photograph, and the woman at the heart of this crime is the famous opera singer, Irene Adler.
With his trusted companion, Doctor Watson, at his side, Sherlock Holmes pursues first the case, and then the affections of Miss Adler—and in doing so, marches right into the lair of his longtime adversary, that malevolent genius of crime: Professor Moriarty.
For tickets, visit www.Grossmont.edu and click on the events calendar (or click here.)
MANZANITA HIGH RENDEZVOUS MAY 11-13 AND MAY 18-19 IN LAKE MORENA
You’re invited to step back in time and see history come alive at the Manzanita High Rendezvous. The authentic mountain man encampment with characters from the early 1800s will be open to the public May 11-13 and May 18-19 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Northcote Ranch near Lake Morena.
Visitors can watch and participate in tomahawk and knife throwing, archery, black powder shooting and more. Traders sell their goods, story tellers spin their yarns and there is fun for the whole family. In addition to day visitors, period campers are welcome, with pre-registration.
For more information or to register, you can visit www.ManzanitaRendezvous.com.
HIKING FOR THE VIEWS AT FLINN SPRINGS MAY 13
This quick hike at Flinn Springs County Park from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Sunday, May 13 goes from moderate to strenuous, but is enjoyable for all. The views from the top are fantastic; bring binoculars to get a better view of El Cajon Valley, and plan to take a lot of photos. For more information, call the park at 619-561-0180.
WILDERNESS SURVIVAL FOR FAMILIES AT LAKE MORENA MAY 13
Do you know how to survive in the wild? Join a ranger to learn skills to stay safe outdoors at Lake Morena on Sunday, May 13 from 3 to 4 p.m. Get info on what to do if you get separated from your group, how to prepare for a hike, how to build shelter, how to be fire safe, and how to understand the environment around you. Be prepared for a short hike. Appropriate ages are 5 to 15, but all are welcome. For more information, call the park at 619-579-4101.
NOW FOR A PREVIEW OF COMING ATTRACTIONS…
RAMONA RODEO MAY 18-20
The Ramona Rodeo will take place May 18-20 at the Ramona Outdoor Community Center (421 Aqua Lane) in Ramona, a venue that includes an Olympic-sized equestrian ring.
This professionally sanctioned rodeo features excitement ranging from bull-riding to kids trying their hand at mutton-busting.
This year’s featured acts include “wild child” Troy Lerwill, whose signature act includes jumping a 60-foot-long Ram truck and trailer on his dirt bike. You can also hear the honky-tonk band Nancarrow, winner of the best country music album in the San Diego Music Awards. Plus, you can join in honoring our local first responders.
For a schedule of events and tickets, you can visit https://ramonarodeo.net.
BICYCLE RIDE AND SAFETY TALK AT LINDO LAKE MAY 19
This safety program for kids from 6 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, May 19 at Lindo Lake County Park will be presented by local law enforcement, with activities run by community center staff. Vehicle access will be restricted so kids can ride their bikes around the peninsula and main park. It's fun for the whole family! This event is free and all ages are welcome. For more information, call the park at 619-443-9176 or view the event on Facebook.
SALUTE TO MILITARY FAMILIES AT LAKE MORENA MAY 19
Join the Spring Valley Teen Center's Nature Mentors Leadership Group for a tribute to our local military families at Lake Morena from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, May 19. We'll have free kayaking, mountain-biking and ranger-led hikes for you, your family and your friends of all ages to enjoy. Pre-registration is not required but will secure you family’s reservation times. For more information, call 858-334-8482 or view the event on Facebook.
AMERICA ON MAIN STREET MAY 19 IN EL CAJON
The City of El Cajon will present its 5th annual America on Main Street celebration and Salute to Heroes on Saturday, May 19 from 2 to 9 p.m. The event coincides with Armed Forces Day and celebrates the American spirit through the community’s many ethnic and historical groups.
Visitors can enjoy a full day of activities (free) and attractions including three stages of live entertainment on East Main Street between Magnolia and Ballantyne Street in downtown El Cajon. There will be over 40 performing acts, a laser show, carnival rides, scavenger hunt, international foods and traditional favorites to savor.
For more information, visit www.AmericaOnMainStreet.org.
THE GARDEN HOSTING CUSTOMER APPRECIATION DAY MAY 19
The award-winning Water Conservation Garden will host Customer Appreciation Day on Saturday, May 19, for customers of Helix Water District, the City of San Diego, Otay Water District and Sweetwater Authority.
The free event opens at 9 a.m. and ends at 1 p.m., offering a fun Saturday morning before the day heats up. And, Kona Ice will be there again this year, keeping it cool with FREE Hawaiian Shave Ice, which begins as a snow cone but tastes like a Hawaiian vacation when sweet cream and fresh fruit are added. There will be a limit of ONE FREE shave ice per person, while supplies last.
The event offers activities for kids, plus Ms. Smarty Plants, Butterfly Encounters, Tortoise Talk and garden tours. Homeowners can learn how to “Toss the Turf”, discover drought-tolerant plants, get landscaping advice and tour The Garden’s five acres for landscaping inspiration.
Helix Water District co-funded the development of The Water Conservation Garden so East County residents could experience the beauty of water efficient landscaping and envision a water efficient landscape of their own. The Garden also offers classes and events throughout the year.
The Garden is located on the Cuyamaca College campus at 12122 Cuyamaca College Drive West in El Cajon, just off Jamacha Road. For more information, go to thegarden.org or call The Water Conservation Garden at 619-660-0614.
ROCK AND ROAR: WILD IN THE COUNTRY MAY 19 AT LIONS, TIGERS AND BEARS
Lions Tigers & Bears, San Diego's only accredited big cat and exotic animal rescue, will host its annual springtime fundraiser, “Wild in the Country” on Saturday, May 19 from 3 to 7 p.m. This year's theme is Rock 'n' Roar.
Located just outside Alpine on the edge of the Cleveland National Forest, the sanctuary is home to over 75 animals including African lions, Bengal tigers, American black bears, Himalayan black bears, grizzly bears, mountain lions, leopards, an African serval, bobcats and dozens of rescued ranch animals.
Guests will enjoy al fresco dining in a country setting, plus live entertainment and an auction, all in the company of the sanctuary's animals.
Tickets are available at www.LionsTigersAndBears.org.
SANTEE STREET FAIR MAY 26
The Santee Chamber of Commerce invites you to join over 30,000 visitors at the 10th Annual Santee Street Fair and Craft Beer Festival on Saturday, May 26th from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Riverview Parkway and Town Center Parkway in Santee.
This event features live music and entertainment, more than 300 food and craft vendor booths, carnival rides, and breweries from all around San Diego County. Additionally, military families will be honored with the annual "Heroes Stage."
For more information, visit http://www.santeestreetfair.com.
SAPS AT SEA PRESENT “CHEEZ-IT, FELLAS! IT’S DA COPS!” MAY 26
The Saps at Sea, the official Laurel & Hardy fan club of San Diego, will continue their slam-bang festival of Funtastic films on Saturday, May 26 at 6:30 p.m. (with the show starting at 7:00 p.m.) at Williams Hall at Trinity Church (3902 Kenwood Drive) in Spring Valley.
This month, it's "Cheez-it, Fellas! It's da Cops!" The laugh fest highlights the boys, Stan and Ollie, on both sides of the law, being chased by the police as well as pursuing the bad guys. The program starts with a classic Tex Avery cartoon filled with guffaws, followed by The Second 100 Years (1927) with Stan and Ollie escaping prison and becoming part of a society party!
The guest comedian this month is Buster Keaton in Cops (1922). After intermission, a very special tribute to Chuck McCann, a founding member of the Sons of the Desert who recently passed away, will follow. The feature will be The Midnight Patrol (1933).
For more information, visit the Saps at Sea Facebook page.
STOCKROOM SPEAKEASY MAY 30
Summer calls for sipping on refreshing brews in great company. On May 30, you can do just that when Barons Market teams up with Temecula’s Aftershock Brewing to pair tasty beers with delectable dishes at each of its seven Southern California grocery stores for its summer-themed Backroom Beer Pairing. Often with sell-out crowds, Baron’s Backroom Beer Pairings transform Barons Market’s loading docks and stock rooms into food and local brew speakeasies.
The family-owned market will donate 100 percent of proceeds from its four San Diego locations to Second Chance Dog Rescue and from its three Temecula Valley locations to Animal Friends of the Valleys. In 2017, Barons raised more than $26,592 for local organizations through its quarterly pairings.
This event will offer the perfect taste of summer with flavorful beers from Aftershock Brewing and a carefully curated menu from Barons Market’s team of food and beer experts.
To join the summertime fun, head to one of Barons Market’s seven Southern California locations from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on May 30. Tickets will sell out, so purchase yours for $15 today.
LA MESA FLAG DAY PARADE JUNE 2
The City of La Mesa will present a Salute to Old Glory at its annual Flag Day parade on Saturday, June 2nd down La Mesa Boulevard in the La Mesa downtown village.
Pre-parade entertainment includes performances by local middle school bands at 9 a.m., with the parade rolling out at 10 a.m. This year’s grand marshal will local historian and author Jim Newland.
There will also be a free ice cream social after the parade at La Mesa Blvd. and 4th Street to round out a day of patriotic celebration.
FIDO FEST JUNE 9 IN SANTEE
The city of Santee is going to the dogs – and invites you to Fido Fest on June 9th from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event will be held at Town Center Community Park East (550 Park Center Drive) in Santee.
Fido Fest will feature dog adoptions, exhibitors, giveaways, demonstrations, live entertainment and a silent auction to benefit Dogs on Deployment, which helps deployed military members find volunteers to board their pets while they are away.
There will also be services for pet owners including vaccinations, microchipping, dog licensing, heartworm and flea preventative measures.
Dogs attending must be well behaved and on leashes, current on vaccinations, and ready to have a good time with lots of tail-wagging fun.
OUR SECRET GARDEN PARTY JUNE 2 AT ST. MADELEINE SOPHIE’S CENTER
St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center (2119 East Madison Ave.) will hold its inaugural Our Secret Garden Party on Saturday, June 2 from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the facility’s beautiful garden and new aquatics center in in El Cajon.
Guests can enjoy wine and beer tasting, catered foods, an arts auction, live entertainment, boutique vendors, visits from fairies in fabulous costumes, sales of student-made artwork and plants from the garden.
Proceeds benefit St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center, a nonprofit that educates and empowers people with developmental disabilities to realize their full potential.
For tickets, visit www.STMSC.org.
SAN DIEGO CONCERT BAND JUNE 10 IN LA MESA
The San Diego Concert Band has announced its 29th annual Spring Celebration concert and summer concert series. The next East County location will be June 10th at 6 p.m. at Harry Griffen Park in La Mesa.
Tickets can be purchased online at www.sandiegoconcertband.com, or at the door if not sold out.
TASTE OF LA MESA JUNE 11
The La Mesa Chamber of Commerce will host the 10th annual “Taste of La Mesa” on Monday, June 11th from 5 to 8 p.m. at the La Mesa Community Center. The event features samples of foods, wines, and beers from dozens of local restaurants, wineries and breweries.
Guests can also mix and mingle with local businesses who have display tables for attendees to visit. For tickets and details, you can visit www.LaMesaChamber.com.
SANTEE’S SUMMER CONCERT SERIES OPENS JUNE 14
Santee’s summer concert series opens June 14th and continues on Thursday nights all summer long at Town Center Community Park East (550 Park Center Drive) in Santee.
Most concerts run from 6:30 to 8 p.m., but several special events start earlier.
The June lineup includes the Cadillacs on June 14 playing vintage classic rock and roll plus a car show starting at 6:30. On June 21st, the fun starts at 5:30 with country night, and on June 28th, Upstream will perform reggae music starting at 6:30 p.m.
For a full lineup of concerts and other Santee happenings, visit the City of Santee’s website and click on the calendar or events (or see http://cityofsanteeca.gov/home/showdocument?id=15579).
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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