By Robert Gehr

Cover photo: Chase Avenue Elementary 'Mexican Ballet Folklorico'

May 26, 2016 (El Cajon) -- The 3^rd annual America on Main Street in El Cajon was a big hit with young and old alike!

East County News Service

May 26, 2016 (Santee)--The Santee Street Fair and Craft Beer Festival draws over 30,000 visitors each year with patriotic fund for the whole family. The eight annual festival will be held this year on Saturday, May 28^th from 10a.m to 6 p.m. at Riverview Parkway and Town Center Parkway in Santee. The festival will feature local breweries and honor the military on the Heroes Stage.

Festival highlights include: a craft beer festival, live music and entertainment, a crafter row and artist alley, over 300 food and vendor booths, carnival rides, and games for the family. 

Listen to Destination East County, also aired on KNSJ, by clicking the audio link.

We thank the County of San Diego for a Community Enhancement Grant supporting Destination East County.

East County News Service

May 24, 2016 (San Diego’s East County) - This week’s Destination East County includes a  barbecue with firefighters,  the Santee Craft Beer and Street Festival, the catfish opener at Lake Jennings and more.

Plus we’ll have previews of coming attractions including La Mesa’s Flag Day Parade, Fido Fest in Santee, the Taste of La Mesa, an Apple Blossom Tea in Julian, and a Western luau in Descanso.

So stay tuned for all of these events and much, much more!

East County News Service

May 21, 2016 (Descanso) – You’re invited to a Western luau blending traditions of Hawaii and the Old West on Saturday, June 11 from 4:30 to 8 p.m. at Chapel of the Hills Community Church, 25153 Viejas Blvd. in Descanso.

East County News Service

May 20, 2016 (Santee) – The Santee Firefighters Fishing Derby will be held on Saturday, June 25 at Padre Dam’s Santee Lakes (Lake 3 and 4, Area G) from 6 a.m. to 11 a.m.   Derby participants will receive a free day permit, worms, raffle ticket, hot dog lunch and free door prizes while they last.

By Robert Gehr

May 15, 2016 (El Cajon) - Saturday, May 21^st is the day to mark your calendar this year. The annual America on Main Street in El Cajon is back. This year’s theme is “The Beach Comes East” and admission is free.  You can bring the entire family to this friendly, safe event and enjoy hours of good old-fashioned, wholesome fun. I’m quite sure you won’t be disappointed.

East County News Service

May 13, 2016 (Santee) – The River Park Festival and San Diego River Run 5K will take place this Saturday, May 14^th from 3:30 to 8 p.m. at Town Center Community Park East, 550 Park Center Drive in Santee.

The festival is free and includes live music, a beer garden by BNS Brewing and Distilling, tree planting (sign up) , interactive booths, kids’ corner, crafts, games and activities, BMX demos by East County BMX and a free bike repair event.

Listen to Destination East County, also aired on KNSJ, by clicking the audio link.

We thank the County of San Diego for a Community Enhancement Grant supporting Destination East County.

East County News Service

May 13, 2016 (San Diego’s East County) - This week’s Destination East County includes a madrigal concert, a butterfly festival, a blues fest, Wild in the Country, a Laurel and Hardy Wacky West film night and more.

Plus we’ll have previews of coming attractions including the Ramona Rodeo, Santee Street Fair, theater performances, a Flag Day Parade and American on Main Street.

So stay tuned for all of these events and much, much more!

East County News Service

May 5, 2016 (Jacumba Hot Springs) – The Jacumba Hot Springs Blues Festival on May 14^th from 1-8 p.m. will feature blues, brews and barbeque—as well as live music, vendors, kids’ activities and an art council raffle.

East County News Service

April 29, 2016 (Ramona) – The Ramona Rodeo takes play May 19-22, along with other activities including a parade down Main Street on the 21^st and dancing to the country band Patrick Howard Trampus on the 20^th and 21^st after the rodeo.  There’s also a free slack rodeo performance on the 19^th, as well as a kids day on the 22^nd featuring the youngest cowboys and cowgirls riding sheep in the mutton bustin’ competition.

 Adult rodeo events include bull riding, bareback riding, barrel racing, a tie-down competition, steer wrestling and more. Winners may advance to the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association national rodeo championship.

Event helps kids stay active and keep learning all summer long

Source:  East County YMCA Press Release

April 25, 2016 (Santee and Rancho San Diego)--On Saturday, April 30, the Cameron Family YMCA in Santee and McGrath Family YMCA in Rancho San Diego are holding free community events to inspire more kids to keep their minds and bodies active. This year marks the 25^th annual YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day^®, the Y’s national initiative to improve health and well-being for kids and families.  The day-long event features activities such as games, arts, crafts, wellness education, fitness demonstrations, and water safety in preparation for the upcoming summer months. All activities are designed to motivate and teach families how to develop healthy routines at home.  

East County News Service

April 24, 2016 (Alpine) – You’re invited to a party complete with a rib eye steak dinner, art show, live jazz, blues and swing music by Chet and the Committee—all to benefit revitalization of the Alpine Community Center, which needs help to keep its doors open.

East County News Service

April 24, 2016 (Rancho San Diego) -- Six local bands with styles ranging from flamenco jazz to country rock will be featured at the 2016 Coyote Music Festival on the afternoon of Saturday, May 7, at Cuyamaca College.

15^th annual celebration includes East County musicians

East County News Service

April 20, 2016 (San Diego) – San Diego’s 15th annual Gator By The Bay is the largest, most authentic Louisiana-themed music and food festival this side of the bayou. The festival will be held from May 5-8, 2016 at Spanish Landing Park, across from the San Diego International Airport. Presented by San Diego’s Bon Temps Social Club, it features four days of live music with over 90 musical acts and special performances on seven stages, along with 10,000 pounds of crawfish trucked from Louisiana, non-stop dancing, shopping, playing and eating on the beautiful San Diego Bay.

Several East County bands are among the performers, including Chet Cannon Blues Party (El Cajon), Fanny & the Atta Boys (La Mesa), Blue Frog Blues Band (La Mesa), Bubba McCoy Band (La Mesa), Todo Mundo (La Mesa) will be joining the list of more than over 90 musical acts and special performances on seven stages.

East County News Service

April 20, 2016 (Ramona) --You’re invited to view or take a flight aboard vintage World War II aircraft at the Ramona Airport (2898 Montecit Rd., Ramona) April 20 through 22^nd as part of the Collings Foundation’s Wings of Freedom Tour.