DESTINATATION EAST COUNTY: JUNE 27-JULY 11

June 26, 2015 (San Diego’s East County)--This week’s Destination East County includes gold rush days in Julian, outdoor movies and a preview of coming attractions including 4^th of July Festivities, Mary Poppins on Mt. Helix, and the annual Descanso Days Fair and Parade. So stay tuned for all of these events and much, much more!

JULIAN GOLD RUSH DAYS JUNE 27-28

Experience the history of the Old West with costumed hosts who interpret what life was like in a California mining camp in the 1880s at the Julian Gold Rush Days on June 27^th and 28^th.  There are activities throughout the historic gold-mining town all weekend long.

Julian Mining Company will have gold panning and square dancing, plus opportunities to learn woodcrafting, pottery making or make your own craft for a fee.

The Eagle-High Peak Mine and Museum offers mine tours, a museum and gold panning. There will also be historical encampments featuring miners, mountain men and cowboys, plus gunfighting, reenactments, mock claim jumping and tomahawk throwing. Plus enjoy an arts and crafts market, gem mining and children’s pioneer games.

Be on the lookout for the "golden nugget" at participating stores in Julian to join in a scavenger hunt. Plus Julian Train & Gold Mine Tour at Smith Ranch will be offering a very special train ride. In addition, Julian Doves & Desperados will present historic comedy skits in downtown Julian.

 For details visit www.JulianCa.com (or http://www.julianca.com/gold-rush-days.html).

MOVIES IN THE PARK AT VIEJAS JUNE 26-27

Summer movies in the park are back at Viejas Outlets Center in Alpine – complete with comfy outdoor seating, popcorn and soda for a nominal admission fee ($7); kids under 12 have free admission. Next up, Dolphin Tale II is screening on Friday, June 26^th followed by Finding Nemo on Saturday, June 27^th. Gates open at 7, with show time at sunset round 8 p.m.

JULIAN HERITAGE QUILT SHOW JUNE 27

The annual “Heritage Quilt Show” presented by the Julian Woman’s Club, will be located upstairs in the Julian Town Hall on June 27^th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  On display will be quilts from as far back as the 1800s,  many treasured from  local families’ ancestors.  A beautiful king size quilt made collectively by local quilters, will be raffled off, with the winner announced on July 4th.  There will also be hand-made items for sale at the event.

Now for a preview of coming attractions…

CAMPFIRE PROGRAM JULY 3 AT MISSION TRAILS

You’re invited to join park rangers in a campfire program at the Kumeyaay Lake Campground's Amphitheater at Mission Trails Regional Park on July 3^rd at 7 p.m.  In addition to sing-alongs, you will trail safety tips and learn about four nocturnal critters you are likely to see, hear or smell while camping at Mission Trails. Afterwards, enjoy roasting marshmallows for S'mores and sipping hot chocolate around the fire at this evening of good old-fashioned family fun.  Note, a jacket and flashlight are recommended for after the sun goes down. For more information, visit www.MTRP.org   (or call Park Ranger Dominguez at (619) 668-2744 or send email to adominguez@mtrp.org).

JULIAN 4^TH OF JULY PARADE

Julian hosts an all day 4^th of July celebration from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. including a flyover at 11 a.m. and a parade rolling out at noon down Main Street, plus musical talent and entertainment. After the Parade, there will be a BBQ and music at the American Legion for a fee.

4^TH OF JULY CELEBRATION IN EL CAJON

El Cajon invites you to celebrate Independence Day with games, musical entertainment and fireworks at the City of El Cajon’s Fourth of July Celebration.

On Saturday, July 4^th, the El Cajon Recreation Department will once again have a celebration event at Kennedy Park, located at 1675 East Madison Avenue in El Cajon.  The fun starts with carnival games, an inflatable jump, kiddie train and skate park from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. There will also be free crafts and family games from 2 to 6 p.m., two live bands from 3 to 9 p.m., followed by the finale – a 9 p.m. fireworks show with synchronized music.

SANTEE SALUTES JULY 4^th

The city of Santee hosts its annual Santee Salutes 4^th of July celebration at Town Center Community Park from 3:30 to 10 p.m. on Independence Day.  The festivities include live music features 80zAll Stars, a patriotic ceremony at 6 p.m., a kids fun zone from 3:30 to 10 p.m. and a spectacular fireworks display at 9 p.m.  There will be also food vendors available. The event is free, but there are fees for parking ranging from $5 to $15 at locations near the park, or you can take a free shuttle service from the Costco parking lot. 

MARY POPPINS ON MT. HELIX JULY 9-AUGUST 2

Can you say “supercalifragilisticexpialidocious?”  Christian Community Theatre San Diego celebrates its 35th anniversary at the beautiful Mt. Helix Park amphitheater with this summer's production of Mary Poppins.

Enjoy an evening with everyone's favorite nanny from July 9 through August 2.  For more information or to purchase tickets visit cctsandiego.org.

DESCANSO DAYS PARADE AND FAIR JULY 11

The 46h annual Descanso Days Annual Parade & Fair will roll out on July 11^th, starting at 10 a.m. on Vieas Grade in Descanso. Sponsored by the Descanso Town Hall Association, the parade features a fly over by the vintage World War II aircraft fighter planes from Gillespie Field, followed by a parade with vintage cars and tractors, horses and riders, and more.  After the parade, the Just Friends Blue Grass band will perform, followed by the Nitro Express Western Band.  The day’s festivities will also include dancing, contests, children’s games, and western reenactments by the Grand Ladies of the Old West, ending at 6 p.m.

 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!