DESTINATION EAST COUNTY: TOP FESTIVALS AND EVENTS MAY 19-JUNE 29

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By Miriam Raftery

May 17, 2018 (San Diego’s East County) -- This week’s Destination East County includes America on Main Street in El Cajon, the Manzanita High Rendezvous at Lake Morena, the Ramona Rodeo,  a bike ride at Lindo Lakes, a salute to military families at Lake Morena, customer appreciation days at the Garden,  Rock and Roar at Lions, Tigers and Bears, and Stars on the Water in concert in El Cajon.

Plus, we’ll have a preview of coming attractions including the Santee Street Fair and Craft Beer Festival, Laurel and Hardy comedy night in Spring Valley, a stockroom speakeasy in Alpine, La Mesa’s Flag Day Parade, Fido Fest in Santee, outdoor movies in county parks, a Secret Garden Party at St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center, San Diego Concert Band in concert, a Taste of La Mesa, Santee’s summer concert series, and a heritage quilt show in Julian.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 concert will be 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

NOW FOR A PREVIEW OF COMING ATTRACTIONS…

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. 

NOW PLAYING: MOVIES IN THE PARKS

County Parks and Recreation will present 151 movies in parks across our region all summer long.  (View the full schedule of free films)  Showings start 15 minutes after sunset and movies are rated G through PG-13.

Movies playing at East County locations early in the season include the Lego Ninjago Movie at Stelzer Park in Lakeside on June 2nd, Thor Ragnarok at Dos Picos County Park in Ramona on June 9th, Mary Poppins at the San Carlos Community Park on June 15th, The Boss Baby p laning at both Flinn Springs and Pine Valley County Parks on June 15th, and The Sandlot at Hilton Head County Park in Rancho San Dieigo on June 22nd.

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).

JULIAN QUILT SHOW JUNE 29-JULY 4

For 27 years, the Julian Woman’s Club Heritage Quilt has showcased the talents of local quilters. This year’s show will feature newly made and heirloom quilts on display. The show runs from June 29th to July 4th in the Julian Town Hall upstairs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. You can vote for your favorite quilt, purchase quilts and hear from quilting expert and author Eleanor Burns. 

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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