DESTINATION EAST COUNTY: TOP FESTIVALS AND EVENTS MAY 19 - JUNE 24

Printer-friendly versionPrinter-friendly version Share this

 

 

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 16, 2016 (San Diego’s East County) - This week’s Destination East County includes a rodeo and parade, America on Main Street, those lively Rhinestone Grannies, a catfish opener, Peter Pan and more.

Plus we’ll have previews of coming attractions including the Santee Street Fair and Craft Beer Festival, a Cactus Garden Festival, Julian Fiddle and  Pickin’ Contest, La Mesa Flag Day Parade, Taste of La Mesa, Boars and Brew along the San Diego River, plus concerts, live theater shows and outdoor movies – all part of the summer fun herein East County.

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

THIS WEEK'S MAJOR EVENTS

RAMONA RODEO, PARADE AND WESTERN DANCING MAY 19-22

The Ramona Rodeo takes play May 19-22, along with other activities including a parade down Main Street on the 21st and dancing to the country band Patrick Howard Trampus on the 20th and 21st after the rodeo.  There’s also a free slack rodeo performance on the 19th, as well as a kids day on the 22nd 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.

For tickets and details, you can visit www.RamonaRodeo.net.

AMERICA ON MAIN STREET MAY 21 IN EL CAJON

The city of El Cajon invites you to bring the family to its fun patriotic (and free) event, America on Main Street. This year’s event has the theme “The Beach Comes East” and will be held on Saturday, May 21st from 12 noon to 8 p.m. coinciding with the national Armed Forces Day.

The festivities include three stages with live entertainment, a Ferris wheel, food booths, a chili cook-off featuring police vs. firefighters, arts and crafts, and a petting zoo.  For details you can visit www.AmericaOnMainStreet.org.

RHINESTONE GRANNIES MAY 22 AT EL CAJON LIBRARY

What better way to celebrate Older Americans Month than with singing, dancing, and comedy from fabulous ladies of a certain age?  The Rhinestone Grannies will be giving a lively and hilarious performance (free!) on Sunday, May 22nd at 2 p.m. in the El Cajon Library (201 East Douglas Avenue) in downtown El Cajon.

CATFISH OPENER MAY 27 AT LAKE JENNINGS

Lake Jennings will hold its Catfish Opener on Friday, May 27th. The lake will open at 4 p.m. instead of the usual 6 a.m., and will close at midnight. 2,000 lbs. of catfish will be stocked for this event. You’re invited to come drop a line and try to catch a whopper!

A full sized lantern is required for each party after 8 p.m. Boats are first come, first serve and only Registered Campers will be allowed to fish the campground shoreline during the day on Friday, May 27th.before the Catfish Opener begins at 4 p.m.

For more information you can visit www.lakejennings.org.

PETER PAN JR. MAY 27-29 AT KROC THEATRE

Kroc Kids Junior Theatre presents Peter Pan Jr on May 27 and 28 at 7 p.m. plus a 2 p.m. matinee on May 29th.  Based on the Disney film and J.M. Barrie's enchanting play, Peter Pan Jr. is a modern version of the timeless tale about a boy who wouldn't grow up with no flying required! The score includes new arrangements of classic Disney songs and a story featuring one rousing adventure after another.

Wendy Darling loves to tell stories to her brothers, Michael and John. But when her father announces she must move out of the nursery, Peter Pan comes to visit the children and whisks them away to Never Land. Their journey introduces them to the Lost Boys, Mermaids, Indians and even the infamous pirate, Captain Hook! It’s Peter to the rescue when Wendy is taken captive by the dreaded captain who has his own sinister plans in mind for our hero.  For tickets and more information, check www.SDKROCCENTER.org and click the calendar section (http://www.sd.kroccenter.org/calendar.html).  

PREVIEW OF COMING ATTRACTIONS

SANTEE STREET FAIR AND CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL MAY 28

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 28th 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.  For detail or tickets visit http://santeestreetfair.com/ .

GREGORY PAGE ONE MAN SHOW MAY 29 AT MISSION TRAILS

The Mission Trails Regional Park Foundation welcomes acclaimed musician Gregory Page performing his One Man Show  on Sunday, May 29, 2016: 3 to 4 p.m. at Mission Trails Regional Park’s Visitor Center (1 Father Junipero Serra Trail, San Diego).

You’re invited to “rewind” to a bygone era with an afternoon of endearing, enduring, enchanting and entertaining music by the one and only Mr. Gregory Page.  Gregory Page is a London-born "croonadour" –that’s crooner + troubadour--and recording artist. The Gregory Page Songbook has been featured in film, on television, the BBC and NPR’s Prairie Home Companion. He is an international touring artist, and has performed his One Man Show in Europe to both critical and popular acclaim.  For more information visit www.MTRP.org.

CACTUS GARDEN BBQ AT WIEGHORST MUSEUM JUNE 4-5

You’re invited to have a ropin’ good time at the Cactus Garden BBQ at the Olaf Wieghorst Museum, a hidden gem in downtown El Cajon (131 Rea St.)  On June 4th and 5th from 5-9 p.m.  Sons of Charity Inc. will celebrate famed artist Olaf Wieghorst’s iconic art and our region’s western heritage with a cowboy BBQ and concert by Smith and Western.

This event benefits families who are battling childhood cancer and school programs offered by the museum to promote literacy. Also savor tasty libations, enjoy a live and silent auction and outdoor concert to boot. For more information you can visit http://wieghorstmuseum.org.

JULIAN FIDDLE AND PICKIN’ CONTEST JUNE 4-5

The California Old Time Fiddlers Association invites you to the Julian Fiddle and Pickin’ Contest on Saturday and Sunday, June 4th and 5th plus a Saturday night performance by two two-time National Fiddle champions. There’s also a warm-up workshop on Friday June 3rd led by a national Grand Fiddle champions.

Whether you’re a fiddler, picker or just a spectator there’s plenty of fun Julian, with jamming throughout town during the contest weekend.  If you play, you’re encouraged to bring yourself and your instrument, and be prepared to smile all day and all night long. For a full schedule and details, you can visit http://SanDiegoFiddler.org.

LA MESA FLAG DAY PARADE JUNE 4

The City of La Mesa shows its patriotic spirit with the La Mesa Flag Day Parade  on Saturday, June 4, 2016. This annual community supported event is held along La Mesa Boulevard through the downtown village. This year’s theme is Salute to Old Glory and the Grand Marshal will be Cabrillo National Park in honor of the National Park Service’s 100th anniversary.

Pre-parade concerts start at 9 a.m. featuring local middle school bands. The parade rolls out at 10 a.m.  Afterwards, a community ice cream social will be held at La Mesa Blvd. and 4th Street (north side).  For more information you can visit the City of La Mesa’s website (http://www.cityoflamesa.com/DocumentCenter/View/8762).

TASTE OF LA MESA JUNE 6

The La Mesa Chamber of Commerce will host its 8th Annual “Taste of La Mesa” will be held on Monday, June 6, 2016 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the La Mesa Community Center. The public is invited to sample fare from many local restaurants and other food providers.

Early bird rates are in effect through May 31st. For tickets and reservations, you can visit www.LaMesaChamber.com.

HEMP HISTORY ROAD TRIP JUNE 6 IN ALPINE

In celebration of hemp history week, a Hemp Road Trip bus will roll out in East County on Monday June 6th from 12 noon to 2 p.m. from the parking lot at Mountain Hempire in Alpine (2535 Alpine Blvd).  Festivities include a showing of the movie”Bringing it Home”, tie-dyed T-shirt making and food provided by Good Seed Hemp including burgers, hot dogs and popcorn. For details you can visit http://MtHempire.com.

FIDO FEST - PAWS IN THE PARK JUNE 11

The city of Santee announces Fido Fest, a “paws in the park” event on June 11 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 550 Park Center Drive, Santee. 

This event features activities for both pups and people, including a Mega Adoption event with pups from several rescue organizations plus an opportunity drawing to benefit dogs on deployment.

ART AFTER FIVE: ARTISTS RECEPTION JUNE 16 IN EL CAJON

The Olaf Wieghorst Museum and Western Heritage Center (131 Rea Ave.) in El Cajon will host a show of nationally known local artists including Gloria Chadwick and Grace Schleisier starting in June. An “Art After Five” meet the artists reception will be held on Thursday, June 16 from 5-8 p.m.  For details you can visit http://WieghorstMuseum.org.

SAN DIEGO FOLLIES TIME WARP JUNE 16-19 AT HELIX

Christian Youth Theatre will present the 9th annual San Diego Follies on June 16 through June 19 at the Helix Mainstage Theater at Helix High School in La Mesa, San Diego’s largest musical revue spectacle with dazzling costumes, scenery and lighting. This year’s Time Warp show will feature hilarious skits, musical numbers, flashy dancing and a live band. For tickets visit www.CYTSanDiego.org.

BOARS AND BREW JUNE 18 IN LAKESIDE

Lakeside’s River Park Conservancy (12109 Industry Road) in Lakeside will host its second annual Boars and Brew on Saturday, June 18 from 4-7 p.m. You’re invited to sip and stroll along the banks of the San Diego River at this event, which drew over 600 guests last year and also includes tasty foods.

Guests will receive a complimentary mug for tasting. Discounted rates are available for designated drivers. For tickets and details, visit www.LakesideRiverPark.org.

WESTERN LUAU JUNE 19 IN DESCANSO

Howdy and Aloha! 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. This festive event features a pit BBQ pork dinner and live music by the Kukui Nuts, plus vendors, gift baskets and opportunity drawings including a $1200 grand prize travel voucher.

(You must be present to win; drawing will be held at 7 p.m. and dinner will be served from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Cost is $10 for adults and $8 for seniors (including entry for grand door prize), or $5 for children under 12.)

If you wish to attend, you can call 619-445-3617 to reserve seats, then you can don your Hawaiian shirts and cowboy boots, grab your partner and mosey on out to Descansco for this unique multicultural event .

 

LA MESA SUNDAYS AT SIX CONCERT SEASON OPENS JUNE 24

The City of La Mesa’s (free) family fun outdoor “Concerts at Six” series will be held once again in Harry Griffen Park (8550 Milden Street) each Sunday  evening from 6 to 7 p.m.  The series opens June 12 and runs through July 24. For the season opener, the San Diego Concert Band will perform. Other musical entertainment through the season will include Rhythm and the Method, Jazz West, Sonic Epidemic, Silvermine, and the Big Band Ambassadors. 

LIGHTS, CAMERA, BEAGLE! THE PEANUTS MOVIE AT SANTEE LAKES JUNE 24

Movies & More by the Lake Presents” Lights, Camera, Beagle! The Peanuts Movie on Friday, June 24th from 6 p.m. to approximately 9:30 p.m. at Santee Lakes.

The cast of Young Actors Theatre will perform songs from the movie, plus check out Lucy’s Psychiatric Booth and batting practice on an inflatable batting cage. There will also be food, games, and plenty of fun.

For more information, visit www.SanteeLakes.com.

CYT PRESENTS THE LION KING JULY 21-24 IN LA MESA

Disney's The Lion King has captivated the imagination of audiences around the world and now, for the first time ever, CYT San Diego has the opportunity to produce this one-of-a-kind musical on July 21 through 24 at the Helix Mainstage Theater in La Mesa. The African savannah comes to life on stage with Simba, Rafiki and an unforgettable cast of characters as they journey from Pride Rock to the jungle... and back again, in this inspiring, coming-of-age tale. For tickets you can visit www.CYTSanDiego.org.

 

That’s all for this week! You can find details on all of these events and more on our Calendar and in our Festivals and Events section online at eastcountymagazine.org.  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.

 

Audio: 

Destination East County 5-20-16

Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.