August 18, 2013 (Spring Valley) – The Branding, celebrating the YMCA’s promise to strengthen the foundation of the East County Community will be held at the McGrath Family YMCA, 12006 Campo Road, Spring Valley on September 28 from 5:00 – 10:00 p.m. The event will bring country glam to East County, with dining and dancing under the stars to the live music of the Carolyn Sills Combo and Crosswinds Band.

September 14, 2013 (Jacumba) – Miller’s Towing is holding its first annual Jacumba Jamboree on September 20 and 21, beginning 4 p.m. Friday, at 42748 Old Highway 80, Jacumba. This self-styled “redneck party” will include a demolition derby, mud bogging, monster truck riding, lawn mower riding, food vendors, live music and more.

September 12, 2013 (Barrett Junction) The Highway 94 Club will showcase local wines at a special tasting event Thursday September 19 at the Barrett Junction Café, 1020 Barrett Lake Road in Dulzura. Everyone (at least 21 years old) is invited. Come and meet the vintners, learn a little about grape growing and wine making and taste some excellent wines. The event starts at 6:30 p.m. and will be held on the back patio of the café. Dinner is $9 per person and the wine tasting is complimentary with each purchased dinner.

Winemaking is taking hold in East County. Local wine grape growers and wine makers are starting small, boutique wineries on their properties. These vineyards are beginning to produce some very high quality wines. Over the past few years, several of these wines have won Gold, Silver and Bronze awards at the San Diego County Fair’s yearly Amateur Wine Competition.

The German American Societies of San Diego, Inc., will host its traditional Oktoberfest on Friday, Saturday and Sunday during the last weekend in September and the first weekend in October. The event will be held at 1017 South Mollison in El Cajon.

The  Guggenbach-Buam, band joins the festivities from Baden-Württemberg, Germany. Hear a song by the band here. Visitors are also invited to savor authentic German food, such as bratwurst, ox-on-the-spit, potato salad, potato pancakes, sauerkraut, red cabbage and a variety of German pastries, along with a selection of German beers and liquors.

September 10, 2013 (El Cajon) – The 15th Annual All Fore R.E.C Golf Tournament, Dinner & Auction is September 20 at the Sycuan Golf Resort, 3007 Dehesa Rd., El Cajon.  The Shotgun Start is at 12 p.m.  This event is presented by the City of El Cajon Recreation Department and Crest Kiwanis Club to support recreational activities for East County youth.

September 10, 2013 (Alpine) – Lions Tigers & Bears is hosting a networking mixer on September 18 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.  Visitors will be able to network with local businesses, visit the big cats and bears and enjoy food beverages and entertainment.

Tickets are $40 per person and can be purchased here or by calling 619-659-8078 and selecting option 2.  Lions Tigers & Bears is located at 24402 Martin Way, Alpine.  Visit www.lionstigersandbears.org for more information.

September 7, 2013 (Spring Valley) – The San Diego County Library celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with the 8th annual Spring Valley Library Fiesta on Sept. 21 from 1 – 4 p.m, at the Spring Valley Library, 836 Kempton Street.  The Fiesta will offer free entertainment and activities for all ages.

September 6, 2013 (La Mesa) – The City of La Mesa is holding its sixth annual “Sustain La Mesa” Environmental Festival September 7 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Harry Griffen Park, 9550 Milden Street, La Mesa.  The free event is presented by the La Mesa Environmental Sustainability Commission and will feature hydroponics, solar cooking, composting, electric vehicles, kid’s crafts and more.

August  26, 2013 (La Mesa) – The Grossmont Healthcare District and City of La Mesa will host the 2013 Kids Care Fest at Briercrest Park, 9001 Wakarusa St., La Mesa from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.  The free, family-oriented event is open to the public and features free health care screenings.

August 17, 2013 (Julian) -- Julian Cuyamaca Fire Protection District invites the public to an open house at the Julian Fire Station on Saturday, September 28 from 10-4 p.m.  The station is located on Farmers Road (which becomes Main Street) just east of Julian's historic downtown district.

Guests can enjoy games, firefighters' competitions, food, music in the park, demonstrations, as well as tours of the station, trucks, ambulance and helicopter.  The event also offers home fire prevention supplies, injury simulation ocmplete with makeup and "treatment" by paramedics, and chance to win four raffle packages. 

By Miriam Raftery; photos by Miriam Raftery, Tom and Nadin Abbott

August 29, 2013 (Descanso) – More than 150 people turned out for East County Magazine’s BBQ and Wild West Fest at the Descanso Town Hall earlier this month.   

In addition to delicious barbecue-grilled tri-tip and chicken served up by Descanso Junction, guests enjoyed lively entertainment by the Pine Creek Posse Band, Western reenactors Gaskill Brothers Gunfighters and the Hole in the Wall Gang, as well as music by Wind Wind Spirit Drum, winners of the national Native American Music Awards.

“We’re delighted at the success and hope to hold a similar event at this historic setting in the future,” said ECM editor and founder Miriam Raftery.  The benefit raised funds to support wildfire reporting to supplement the Viejas Wildfire & Emergency Alerts provided by East County Magazine via e-mail, Twitter, and on KNSJ 89.1 FM radio.

August 21, 2013 (Pala) -- The Pala Band of Mission Indians will hold its sixth annual “Honoring Traditions” Powwow August 23-25 at the Pala Rey Youth Camp, 10779 Highway 76, Pala. The Grand Entry will take place 8 p.m. Friday, 1 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. on Sunday. This event is free and open to the public.

Activities include powwow dance contests, bird singing, an exhibition of “shinny” - a traditional Native American ball game, a homemade bow and arrow contest and a peon tournament. All ages are welcome to participate and the prizes range from $50 to $1,000. Eight invited performers will also compete in a drum contest for a grand prize of $12,000.

August 17, 2013 (Ramona) -- Rancho Ranch Vineyard and Winery invites you to visit San Diego's backcountry this weekend and experience why Ramona Valley wines are fast becoming the talk of the wine industry.  The winery, located at 23578 Highway 78, will host wine tastings and catered appetizers on its tasting terrace this Saturday and Sunday from noon to sunset.

In addition, guests can enjoy wine barrel art, shop for silver jewelry, enjoy massages, and treats for your dogs.  Service includes three white and four red wines to choose from. 

August 15, 2013 (Alpine) – The Alpine Historical Society is holding a special presentation, “Witness to Gettysburg” on August 18, from 2:00 – 3:45 p.m. at the Alpine Woman’s Club, 2156 Alpine Blvd.  Miss Hattie Elizabeth Turner, played by Annette Hubbell, tells how a town of 2,400 citizens coped with 30,000 casualties following the epic battle of Gettysburg.

By Go Aztecs, SDSU

August 8, 2013 (San Diego’s East County) – San Diego State University is set for Aztec Fan Fest, formerly known as Aztec Family Day, which is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 17 at Qualcomm Stadium.

The event features Tailgate Town, a Fan Fest scrimmage and a Meet the Team autograph session.

Gates open at 3:30 p.m. and admission is free. The event begins with Tailgate Town, which includes appearances by SDSU players, coaches and sponsors, as well as the SDSU Marching Aztecs and Cheer team.