WHAT’S HAPPENING IN EL CAJON? ANTIQUE SHOW, ARBOR DAY AND MORE

Source: Monica Zech, City of El Cajon

March 5, 2018 (El Cajon) -- There are lots of activities and opportunities coming up in El Cajon, from this month’s Antique and Collectible Show and Arbor Day celebration, to youth of the year nominations and applications for the Miss El Cajon Pageant. Plus find a preview of events in April and May, including America on Main Street, a Weighorst gallery reunion, El Cajon Lions’ Gunsmoke event,  spring break camps, Kids Night Out and more.

Special Activities & Events:

Antique & Collectible Show in El Cajon

On Wednesday, March 14, stop by the Antique & Collectible Show, located at the Unity Church Hall, 311 Highland Avenue in El Cajon, from 12:00 noon to 4:00 p.m. See great collectibles, from artwork to jewelry, and appraisals are available for $5 per item. Onsite scrap gold, jewelry, military, antique tool, and vintage kitchen buyers. Free parking and admission. For more information, please call (619) 368-2055.  Antique Shows are held the second Wednesday of the month.

Annual Arbor Day Ceremony – Join Us!

Join us as we celebrate the 29^th Annual Arbor Day ceremony and the City's 21^st year of receiving the Tree City USA award, Saturday, March 24!   Festivities begin at 8:00 a.m. at Kennedy Park, 1675 East Madison Avenue. Arbor Day is a nationally celebrated observance that encourages tree planting and care.  Trees can reduce the erosion of topsoil by wind and water, cut heating and cooling costs, moderate the temperature, clean the air, produce life-giving oxygen, and provide habitat for wildlife.  In addition, trees in our city increase property values, enhance the economic vitality of business areas and beautify our community. For more information, please call (619) 441-1658.

Youth of the Year Nomination Forms Now Available

The City of El Cajon Teen Coalition presents a “Youth of the Year” Award to recognize those youth who go above and beyond in serving their community either through their leadership abilities and/or their quality or level of community service in El Cajon. Final awards will be based on dedication, commitment beyond what may be required by school, and demonstrated impact on the community.

Two students will be awarded each year: one currently at the middle school level (grades 6–8), and one currently at the high school level (grades 9–12).  All nominations are reserved for youth who are residents of the City of El Cajon or who attend a school located within the city limits of El Cajon.  Youth will be recognized and awarded for service accomplished between January 1, 2017 and December 31, 2017.

Applications will be available are available on the City’s website at www.cityofelcajon.us, or can be requested by contracting Susie Lowe at (619) 441-1678 or slowe@cityofelcajon.us. Application deadline is March 22, 2018.

Applications Now Being Accepted for the Miss El Cajon Pageant

You could be the next Miss El Cajon!  Pageant officials are now accepting applications for the 2018 Miss El Cajon pageant to be held on Saturday, April 29 at Greenfield Middle School, 1495 Greenfield Drive in El Cajon.  Join the rich tradition of the Miss El Cajon Pageant, open to young women, ages 9 to 22, participants must reside in the City of El Cajon. Meet new people, learn new skills, make lasting friendships, represent your City and promote volunteerism! No talent or swimsuit competition.  Over $1,500 in scholarships and awards. 

The 1^st Orientation Workshop is Monday, April 9, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Rancho San Diego Library - Community Room, 11555 Via Rancho San Diego, El Cajon, CA 92019.  Email misselcajon@cox.net for an application packet.  The packet must be completed in time for the April 9 orientation.

Wieghorst Museum Round-Up Reunion Event

Be a part of the reunion!  The Olaf Wieghorst Museum Foundation is holding their annual benefit dinner & auction called “Bringing ‘em Home!” Save the date of Saturday, May 5, 5 p.m. for the Wieghorst Museum, 131 Rea Avenue in El Cajon.  Music, live and silent auctions items and more! Tickets are $90 per person. For more information, call (619) 590-3431 or visit www.wieghorstmuseum.org.

The 5^th Annual America on Main Street is May 19

Join the City of El Cajon for its free, family-friendly community festival, “America on Main Street!” This special event is Saturday, May 19, 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in Downtown El Cajon. This patriotic tribute is planned to coincide with the nationally recognized Armed Forces Day and celebrates the American spirit through appreciation and respect of the many diverse, ethnic, and historical groups in the community.  The theme is “A Salute to Heroes!”

Special highlights include:

• 1:30 p.m. Naturalization Ceremony (75 to 100 becoming U.S. Citizens)

• Armed Forces Day Tribute – Military Coast Guard Flyover at 2 p.m.

• Over 150 booths!

• Military displays, the Statue of Liberty and other patriotic displays

• Three stages of live entertainment – featuring over 30 bands & community groups

• Street Performers

• American and ethnic food booths throughout the event

• Carnival Rides

• Arts & Crafts

• Petting Zoo – Unique animals, including a llama!

• Closing the night with a laser light show!

This popular event promises to be a day of fun and appreciation, celebrating this community! Festivities and street closures are located on East Main Street and Rea Avenue, between Magnolia Avenue and Ballantyne Street/Avocado Avenue. To learn more, please call (619) 441-1754 or visit www.americaonmainstreet.org. Don’t miss this fun family event!

El Cajon Valley Host Lions Present Gunsmoke VIII

The El Cajon Valley Host Lion’s Club will host their Annual Gunsmoke event on Saturday, May 19, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. at the El Cajon Elks Lodge, 1400 E. Washington Avenue.  This Western Casino night event is $50 per person, and includes $200 in gambling chips. Gambling includes Black Jack, Roulette, Texas Hold Em, Poker and more. In addition, enjoy live Western/Bluegrass music, heavy hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction and an opportunity drawing.  Funds raised support the El Cajon Valley Host Lions in their efforts to provide eyeglasses to students and other community services for the underprivileged.  For more information and tickets, call (619) 518-7910, or (619) 312-9328.

General Information:

March 9 - Alternate Friday closures for El Cajon City offices.  Please go to www.cityofelcajon.us for a full calendar of office hours for City offices during 2018.

March 11 - Daylight Saving Time Begins - It’s time to “spring forward” and turn clocks ahead one hour at 2:00 a.m. Sunday morning.  It’s also a great opportunity to check and replace the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms in your home and/or business. Visit www.heartlandfire.org for more safety tips!

March 13 - El Cajon City Council Meetings are at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., as needed. Meetings are held in the Council Chamber at 200 Civic Center Way. For more information, and to view the full agenda online, please visit www.cityofelcajon.us. 

Recreation:

The Spring 2018 El Cajon Gateway City News & Guide to Recreation is coming soon!

Great Volunteer Opportunity

The City of El Cajon Recreation Department is looking for young inspiring youth who would like to volunteer in the spring and summer camp program. Volunteers will be asked to work Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Additional hours may be available from 3-6 p.m. The ideal candidate must be between the ages of 14-17 years of age, is energetic, has an outgoing personality, and is eager to learn. Volunteers will help staff with a variety of camp activities. This is an opportunity to fulfill your school’s required community service hours and gain job experience. It also looks fantastic on college applications and job resumes. Applications are being accepted until March 16^th for spring camps and June 8^th for summer camps. Please apply in person at Hillside Recreation Center Monday-Friday from 3-9 p.m. Hillside is located at 840 Buena Terrace, El Cajon. For additional information please call at (619) 441-1674.

Kid’s Night Out

Enjoy the adventure of this “Alice in Wonderland” themed Kid’s Night Out! All participants will enjoy a night of games, crafts, and fun activities. Of course, no adventure is complete without a Mad Hatter, tea party-style dinner! All supplies and dinner are included in the fee. KNO is for children ages 5-12, will begin at 6 p.m. and will end at 9 p.m. KNO will be held on March 16, but registration prior to March 15^th is required to assure your child a spot. This event is only $10 per child. For more information please call (619) 441-1674. Register for this event at www.elcajonrec.org or stop by Hillside to sign up. Hillside Recreation Center hours are Monday-Friday from 3 to 9 p.m. and located at 840 Buena Terrace, just off Fletcher Parkway.

Spring Camps

Cooking Camp – “Bon Appetit Cooking Camp” is March 26-30, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Boys and girls, ages 6-13, will have fun, make friends and be creative! Your little Chef will learn about health, nutrition, food groups, the importance of exercise and how to follow recipes and safely prepare delicious meals and snacks!  Each camper will make their very own "Bon Appetit Cookbook" filled with recipes, including their favorite family recipe from home. Campers will also enjoy games, sports, arts and crafts and other fun activities. All food supplies are included in the fee. Each day campers will eat their creations but will also need to bring a small sack lunch, an apron, drink and must wear comfortable gym shoes. Cost is $95 for residents and $110 for non-residents.  The Camp is located at Hillside Community Center, 840 Buena Terrace.  Call (619) 441-1674 for more information.

Soccer Camp - "Spring into Fun Indoor Soccer Camp," is April 2-6 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Boys and girls, ages 6-13, will enjoy our very popular indoor soccer camp. Your child will receive the highest level of attention in a fun and safe environment, and improve their soccer skills. Throughout the week, campers will learn teamwork, sportsmanship, rules of the game, and fundamental skills. They’ll also spend time doing arts and crafts and playing fun camp games. All skill levels welcome! Campers will need to bring a snack, sack lunch, a beverage, and wear comfortable gym shoes. The camp is in a gymnasium, so cleats are not necessary. Cost is $95 for residents and $110 for non-residents. The camp is located at Hillside Community Center, 840 Buena Terrace. Call (619) 441-1674 for more information.

Stay Informed on all City Events, City Services & Meetings

Visit the City of El Cajon’s website at www.cityofelcajon.us.  Register for the “E-NOTIFICATION” system and select the information you would like to receive email notifications about, such as news releases and upcoming events.  In addition, find links and information for various City departments and services.  Sign up today!