DESTINATION EAST COUNTY:  TOP FESTIVALS & EVENTS APRIL 8-25

This week’s Destination East County includes Sweet Pea Days, the Morning Glory Brunch and Frog Race, a Camel Dairy tour, and the world famous Romeros family guitarists live in concert. We’ll also have a preview of coming attractions including the Lakeside Rodeo a concert with a “twist,” and opening night of Cajon Classic Cruises, so stay tuned for all of these events and more!

East County News Service

April 7, 2015 (El Cajon) – Members of the San Diego Early Music Society (SDEMS) will be performing baroque concertos for harp, mandolin and flute at Cuyamaca College’s Performing Arts Center on Thursday, April 9 at 7:30 p.m. The program will hear is comprised of concerti of Vivaldi, Telemann, Durante, Corelli and Handel for various combinations of soloists.

“SDEMS members asked for a return visit by Concerto Koeln, and we’re only too happy to comply,” said president Mark Lester. “We’re delighted to be able to bring such an accomplished and widely recognized performing group to our newest venue in East County.”

April 5, 2015 (San Diego’s East County)--Friends of East County Arts, Inc. presents its 20^th Annual Garden Tour on Saturday, April 25, 2015 from 9 am to 3 pm.

April 5, 2015 (Lakeside) – The Lakeside Rodeo has been an annual tradition in Lakeside for the past 51 years. 

This year’s event features Western-style entertainment and events that include bronc riding, barrel racing, steer wrestling, roping competitions, bull riding, and for youngsters, stick horse riding.

World champion trick roper Rider Keisner will be performing, In addition, the  Budweiser Clydesdale horses will also make an appearance at some (though not all) rodeo performances, with public viewings also scheduled.

April 1, 2015, 2015 (San Diego’s East County)--This week’s Destination East County includes egg-stravaganzas, an Easter bunny train and a harmonica festival.

We’ll also have a preview of coming attractions including a baroque music concert at Cuyamaca College, the Taste of Julian country culinary tour, the world famous Romeros brothers performing classical guitar music, and a Flash Jam featuring hundreds of musicians playing old-time fiddle music across the town of Julian.

April 9, 2015 (Julian) - Julian, San Diego’s historic gold community, hosts A Taste of Julian on April 11^th from 1 to 5 p.m.   This rural dining adventure features a self-guided culinary tour of restaurants, wineries and breweries.

March 29, 2015 (San Diego)--Connecting with Nature is the theme of the 2015 Explore Mission Trails Day at Mission Trails Regional Park on  Saturday, May 16^th from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. This popular event features free guided nature walks, talks and programs throughout the park, including live animals and special programs for children from pony rides to a climbing wall.

March 25, 2015 (La Mesa)—Supervisor Dianne Jacob will be the featured speaker at the La Mesa Chamber of Commerce breakfast meeting on Tuesday, April 14, 2015 from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. at Marie Callender's, 6950 Alvarado Road San Diego, CA 92120.

March 24, 2015 (El Cajon) – Get ready to rev up – Cajon Classic Cruises is rolling out its 2015 season starting Wednesday, April 22^nd with a full street closure for opening night.  The cruises will continue all summer long on Wednesday nights from 5 to 8 p.m.

The second week, April 29^th will celebrate Cinco de Mayo.  Other  highlights include Jimmie Johnson night on July 22^nd , a Military Tribute June 17^th, Thunder on Main on September 30^th, and Trunk or Treat on October 28^th at season’s end.

March 19, 2015 (La Mesa) – The City of La Mesa will host April Pools Day  to promote water safety.

March 15, 2015 (La Mesa)--World-renowned Kim Wilson will headline this year’s Spring Harp Fest XVI on Saturday, April 4^th with 12 of California’s top bands at Harry Griffen Park in La Mesa from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

March 11, 2015 (Santee) - The Santee Chamber of Commerce invites you to join over 30,000 visitors at the Santee Street Fair and Craft Beer Festival on Saturday, May 23 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. 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. In celebration of Memorial Day weekend, there will also be a tribute to our veterans. This free event will be held at Riverview Parkway and Town Center Parkway in Santee.

Church also hosts Requiem concert April 2

Photo by Steve Odland

March 7, 2015 (Mt. Helix) – An annual tradition held for nearly a century, Sunrise Easter services are held atop Mt. Helix in an east-facing amphitheater crowned by a large cross. This year, Foothills United Methodist Church in La Mesa will host the free service.