DESTINATION EAST COUNTY: TOP FESTIVALS AND EVENTS MAY 26-JUNE 23

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By Miriam Raftery, East County Magazine

May 23, 2017 (San Diego's East County) -- This week’s Destination East County includes a catfish opener at Santee Lakes this Memorial Day weekend,  Ramona Valley Wine Country’s Summer of Wine kick-off events, the Coyote Band in an outdoor concert in downtown El Cajon,  the Baja Blues Boys live in Ramona and open ranch  day at the Oasis Camel Dairy.

Plus, we’ll tell you about coming attractions including the La Mesa Flag Day parade,  Fly Days at the Gillespie Field Café,  Family Day at the Van Ommering Dairy in Lakeside, Lavender Day at Summers Past Farm, Boars and Brew at the Lakeside River Park, the Julian Dance, Fido Fest, a Taste of La Mesa,  summer concerts in  Santee, Father’s Day adventures, a Julian Blues Fest, and the Secret Life of Pets at Santee Lakes featuring a movie plus close encounters with animal ambassadors from around the world. 

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

THIS WEEK

CATFISH OPENER AT SANTEE LAKES MAY 26-28

Beautiful Lake Jenninngs in Lakeside will host its Catfish Opener this Memorial Day weekend, with night fishing on Friday, Saturday and Sunday May 26th through 28th.  The lake will be stocked with 2,000 pounds of catfish for this event.

The lake will be open from 6 a.m. to midnight. A full sized lantern is required after 8 p.m. for the night fishing.  There are also many daytime activities to enjoy, such as kayak, paddleboat, motorboat and rowboat rentals , hiking, picnicking and bird watching.  Learn more at www.LakeJennings.org.

SANTEE STREET FAIR MAY 27

You’re invited to join over 30,000 visitors at the Santee Street Fair and Craft Beer Festival this Saturday, May 27 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Town Center Parkway and Riverview Parkway in Santee.

Celebrating its 9th year, the Street Fair will host its fourth annual beer festival featuring local breweries. There will also be more than 300 various food and vendor booths, art, kids zone, local entertainment and more,

All ages are welcome.  For directions and more information visit http://santeestreetfair.com/

SUMMER OF WINE:  MAY 26-29 RAMONA

Winery members of the Ramona Valley Vineyard Association will kick off the Ramona Valley Wine Country Summer of Wine with extended tasting days and unique experiences over Memorial Day Weekend, May 26-29, 2017.

Participating wineries will offer wine tastings, barrel samples, music, Sangria contests, art and wine classes,  an educational talk on living with coyotes, and the playing of a Civil War drum.

For a schedule and list of what each winery is offering, you can visit www.ramonavalleyvineyards.com

DINNER AND A CONCERT IN EL CAJON

El Cajon’s  dinner and a concert series continues.  Bring your lawnchair  and a picnic dinnerto enjoy an outdoor concert under the starts from 6 to 8 p.m.  at Prescott Promenade, or arrive early to enjoy dining at one of the many restaurants on Main Street downtown. 

Performances coming up include country music by Coyote Band on May 26th, ‘70s and ‘80s dance music with Detroit Underground on June 2nd, and country songs of today and yesterday with Out of the Ashes on June 9th. For a full lineup all summer long, visit www.DowntownElCajon.com.   

BAJA BLUES BOYS IN WYNOLA MAY 26

The Baja Blues Boys, known for their original acoustic and electric blues plus roots, Americana and party music, will be performing at the Wynola Pizza Express just outside of Julian on Friday, May 26th from 6 to 9 p.m.  You can find details and directions at www.WynolaPizzaExpress.com or get a list of all local appearances by this talented group at www.BajaBluesBoys.com.

OASIS CAMEL DAIRY OPEN HOUSE MAY 27-28 IN RAMONA

The Oasis Camel Dairy I Ramona invites you to an open farm day May 27th and 28th from 1 to 4 p.m.  with a camel show at 1:30. Meet curious camels, take a camel ride, shop for camel milk soaps and camel milk goods and visit a petting zoo.

For details and directions, visit www.CamelDairy.com.

 PREVIEW OF COMING ATTRACTIONS

LA MESA FLAG DAY PARADE JUNE 3

La Mesa salutes Old Glory at the city’s annual Flag Day Parade on Saturday, June 3rd. The parade begins at 10 a.m. in La Mesa’s downtown village, led by the U.S. 3rd Marine Airforce Wing Band.  You can also cheer on war heroes, equestrian groups, marching bands and more. 

Guests are encouraged to wear red, white and blue and show patriotic spirit.  Arrive early for pre-parade concerts starting at 9 a.m. by the La Mesa Arts Academy and Parkway Middle School band.  After the parade, stop by Legacy Park for free ice cream on La Mesa Blvd. between 4th and Allison Avenue.  For more information, visit www.cityoflamesa.com/specialevents.

FLY DAYS JUNE 2 AT GILLESPIE FIELD

Air Group One and Gillespie Field Café invite you to Fly Days at Gillespie Field on June 2nd from 4 to 8 p.m., when the Gillespie Field Cafe comes alive with live music, hot rod cars, antique airplanes and World War II aircraft.  The Gillespie Café is located at 1921 North Marshall Avenue in El Cajon.  For more information, you can visit www.GillespieCafe.com.

FAMILY DAY AT THE DAIRY JUNE 3

June is National Dairy Month. To celebrate, Van Ommering Dairy and Oma’s Pumpkin Patch in Lakeside invites you to celebrate during Family Day at the Dairy on Saturday, June 3 with tours, ice cream and play activities from slides and swings to a petting zoo.

Gate opens at 9:30 a.m. and close at 4 p.m.  There are tours  at several times throughout the day of the dairy farm on a tractor-drawn hay ride. Guests are welcome to pack a picnic and enjoy lunch at the farm. 

(Tickets are available at the door or can be reserved ahead by emailing vanodairy@gmail.com. Van Ommering Dairy and Ona’s Pumpkin Patch are located at 14950 El Monte Road in Lakeside’s El Monte Valley.)

Learn more at http://omaspumpkinpatch.com/.

LAVENDAR DAY, ANTIQUE AND CRAFT FAIR JUNE 10 IN FLINN SPRINGS

Summers Past Farms in Flinn Springs invites you to Lavender Day, which also includes an antique and craft fair on Saturday, June 10 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

You can celebrate the frangrance and beauty of lavender, shop for lavender plants and lavender-scented gifts, and find over 40 craftsmen and expert artisans offering crafts, collectibles, antiques and a garden sale.

Jim Earp will provide live music which you can listen to on the lawn or at a coffee bar.  Guests are encouraged to wear lavender!  For details you can visit www.SummersPastFarms.com.

BOARS AND BREW JUNE 10 AT LAKESIDE RIVER PARK - UPDATE: THIS EVENT IS CANCELLED

The Lakeside River Park Conservancy will host its third annual “Boars and Brew” event on Saturday, June 10th from 4 p.m.  Wear comfortable walking shoes for a beer stroll a trail through the river park, where you can savor beer basting and pork dishes.  You can get tickets and details at www.LakesideRiverPark.org.

JULIAN DANCE JUNE 10

Sons of the American Legion will present the 11th annual Julian Dance on June 10th from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. The backcountry dance and barbecue features music by Three Chord Justice and the California Rangers, a large dance floor, plus dinner slow-cooked Santa Maria style over open oak-wood flames.  Foods, wines and beers are available for purchase. 

This event is described as a “throwback to a simpler time with twinkly lights and bonfires backdropped by dark mountain skies,” a time for mountain residents and visitors to get together for a great time.

To listen to the bands, or get tickets, you can visit http://juliandance.org/.

FIDO FEST JUNE 10 IN SANTEE

The City of Santee will be hosting Fido Fest on June 10th from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., along with Camp Bowwow.  Fido Fest will be held at Town Center Community Park East (550 Park Center Dr.). 

You can adopt a dog from any of the dozens of rescue groups on hand, win giveaways, enjoy live entertainment, get discounts on vaccinations, microchipping and dog licenses, and bid on silent auction prizes to benefit Dogs on Deployment, which helps deployed military members find volunteers to board their pets.

(Details: http://www.ci.santee.ca.us/Index.aspx?page=8&recordid=3620 )

SUNDAYS AT SIX CONCERTS IN LA MESA START JUNE 11

La Mesa’s summertime Sundays at Six Concerts season begins June 11th and will be held each Sunday evening at 6 p.m. through July 23rd at Harry Griffen Park (9550 Milden St.  Admission is free.)

Opening night will feature the San Diego Concert Band on June 11th.   Other performers this season will include Ginger Cowgirl, Fanny and the Atta Boys, Dim the Lights, Fringe Benefitz, and Sonic Epidemic. Music styles over the season include show tunes, country, bluegrass, jazz, blues, disco, classic rock, and horn tunes of the ‘70s.  For more information, visit www.lamesaparks.org.

TASTE OF LA MESA JUNE 12

The La Mesa Chamber of Commerce invites you to enjoy tastings from dozens of local restaurants, caterers, pubs and more  at the ninth annual “Taste of La Mesa” being held on Monday, June12th from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the La Mesa Community Center. 

Savor options such as gourmet sausages, Himalayan cuisine, farm-fresh foods,  beer and other beverages. 

For all the delicious details including a full list of participating restaurants, caterers, and beverage providers, you can visit www.LaMesaChamber.com.

NIGHT FISHING AT SANTEE LAKES JUNE 15

You’re invited to come drop a line during night fishing at Santee Lakes on Thursday, June 15th from 5 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Bring a lantern!  For details visit www.SanteeLakes.com.

SANTEE SUMMER CONCERTS:  THE CATILLACS JUNE 15

Santee kicks off its summer concert series with the Catillacs on June 15th from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Town Center Park East (550 Park Center Dr.).  This event also features a classic car show, kids’ activities and picnic style seating, as well as food trucks.

(Details: http://www.ci.santee.ca.us/Index.aspx?page=8&recordid=3646)

FATHER’S DAY ADVENTURE JUNE 17 AT FORT CROSS IN JULIAN

Fort Cross in Julian invites you to bring dad for a Father’s Day Adventure on June 17th that includes rugged, manly fun things – like a tomahawk throwing competition, archery contest and paintball slingshot area. 

The family can enjoy a petting zoo, sunset hayride, dinner and playing jug band instruments around a campfire. You can spend the day or even camp overnight.  A community campfire will be provided for breakfast and dinner.  Bring your own picnic foods, or you can purchase foods at restaurants within a block from Fort Cross.   

Space is limited for this manly Father’s Day adventure.  You can reserve tickets for dear old Dad and the whole family at www.FortCross.com.

JULIAN BLUES JUNE 17

The 19th annual Julian Blues festival is set for June 17th at Menghini Winery.  This year’s lineup includes Philip Sayce, Dennis Jones, Earl Thomas, Ben Robinson and The McCoy Brothers, and on the Backporch stage, the Chris Fast Band.

The event is produced by Robb Bower.  Tickets are available at www.Robb-Bowerpresents.com.  

FATHER’S DAY BRUNCH WITH COWBOY JACK JUNE 18 AT PINE HILLS LODGE

Pine Hills Lodge will host a Father’s Day Brunch on Sunday, June 18th.  Cowboy Jack will sing traditional country music from Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, Willie Nelson and more, also playing acoustic guitar and harmonica. Cowboy Jack Johnson is the lead singer from the Band in Black and the singing cowboy at Rawhide Ranch. 

For reservations and details, visit www.PineHillsLodge.com.

SECRET LIFE OF PETS JUNE 23 AT SANTEE LAKES

Santee Lakes invites you to watch the Secret Life of Pets on an outdoor movie screen on Friday, June 23rd from 6 to 10 p.m.  There’s more before the movie – Wild Wonders  will do a presentation plus meet and greet with six animal ambassadors from all over the world including rainforest kinkajou, hairy armadillos, great horned owls, African hedgehogs, north American alligators, boa constrictors, and porcupines

There will also be crafts for kids and food trucks.  Find directions to the lakes at www.SanteeLakes.com and check the Santee Lakes Facebook page for listings of additional movies and more all summer long.

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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