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Listen to Destination East County, also airing on KNSJ radio, byclicking the audio link.
By Leon Thompson and Miriam Raftery
October 14, 2015 (San Diego's East County) -- This week’s Destination East County include the Enchanted Garden Gala, Tournament of the Phoenix and Festival of History, Fall Fest in La Mesa, and a Trick or Treat dog show. Plus we’ll have a preview of coming attractions including A Desert Festival in Borrego springs, Marshall Scotty’s Haunted Amusement Park, Haunt Fest on Main Street, and the opening of the sixth season of the Visionary Dance Theater.
THIS WEEKS MAJOR ATTRACTIONS
Tournament of the Phoenix and Festival of History Oct. 17
An international jousting competition, lifestyle camps from Rome to the Renaissance and squires’ equestrian skills are all part of the colorful line-up at the Tournament of the Phoenix and Festival of History. The event takes place Saturday, October 17 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Poway Rodeo Grounds (14336 Tierra Bonita Road in Poway).
The event also features live music, foods, demonstrations and display, exhibitors, shopping, games and activities. For more information or tickets, visit www.tournamentofthephoenix.com.
Fallfest in La Mesa Oct. 16-17
La Mesa’s Chamber of Commerce will present FallFest, a new festival to be held October 16 and 17 at Grossmont Center in La Mesa. This event features country and rock ‘n’ roll musical artists including Brent Payne, winner of the best country song of the year award at the Hollywood Music Awards in 2012 for his hit single, Now and Forever. He’s nominated again this year for his song, Midnight Prayer. A beer garden, food and more are also part of the fall festivities at this event.
For more information on FallFest visit www.LaMesaChamber.net
Visionary Dance Theatre Opens its Sixth Season Oct. 16-17
Visionary Dance Theatre opens its sixth season with a fall dance concert, “Shades” at the Kwaisun Studio (8380 Center Drive, La Mesa, CA 91942) on October 16th-17th, 2015 at 8 p.m. You’re invited to join Visionary’s talented cast for an evening of dance and celebration. For tickets and details about the full season, visit www.VisionaryDanceTheatre.org.
Julian Melodrama Oct. 16-18 and 23-25
he Julian Triangle Club’s 59th annual October melodrama, “Keeping the Doctor Away” or “Take Two Apples and See Me in the Morning” continues this weekend and next at the historic Julian Town Hall.
This year’s director, Sandi Bennett, is cracking the whip over the all-volunteer local cast, who come from all walks of life to put on the traditional Melodrama and raise money for local charities and student scholarships.
There's always trouble when the villain comes in on the stage coach, and this year is no exception. Will the miners catch on to his dastardly, conniving plan to steal their gold? Will the sweet heroine be duped by him and will the handsome sheriff get there in time to save the day?
To find out the answers to these and other questions, you can join in the booing and cheering audience participation, and see the variety of olio performances and sing-alongs between acts.
The remaining shows will be held Friday and Saturday nights at 7 p.m. with matinees at 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday October 16-18 and October 23-25.
For tickets ($10 for everyone over 12, children 4-12 are $5 (under 4 is free) and a family of 4 with children is $25) visit http://www.julianmelodrama.com/
Los 3 Ortiz Perform in Ramona Oct. 17
Alfredo Rolando Ortiz, internationally acclaimed harpist, composer, author, educator and recording artist, returns to Ramona but this time accompanied by his daughters, Luzma and Michelle, as "Los 3 Ortiz” on Saturday, October 17 at 7:30 p.m.
Ramona Concert Association presents an evening of spectacular solo harp music plus world favorites and original compositions with the marvelous voices of professional singers Luzma and Michelle.
The concert will be held at the Ramona Performing Arts Center on the campus of Olive Peirce Middle School. (1521 Hanson Lane, Ramona). For tickets and details on this and other upcoming concerts, visit http://www.ramonaconcerts.com/index.html
"Enchanted Garden” Gala Oct. 17
The Water Conservation Garden at Cuyamaca College will once again be transformed into "The Enchanted Garden" during a gala event on October 17th. Wander a magical path through illuminated gardens as you enjoy ethereal music, delicious, garden-inspired fare and captivating entertainment. This year’s theme is “Water—More Precious than Gold.”
The event includes a silent auction, seated outdoor dinner and live program Proceeds will support The Garden's award-winning youth education program, as well as programs and services educating residents of all ages about conserving our most precious natural resource – water
The Water Conservation Garden is on the campus of Cuyamaca College (12122 Cuyamaca College Drive) in Rancho San Diego. For more Information go to www.thegarden.org/gala
Concert at Mission Trails Regional Park Oct. 18
A free concert at Mission Trails Regional Park on Sunday, Oct. 18 at 3 p.m. will feature Yale Strom, an artist-in-residence at San Diego State University in the Jewish Studies Program. A skilled violinist who also has a band called Hot Pstromi in which he is accompanied by an accordion player, his primary focus is Klezmer – Jewish music – and Roma gypsy music. In addition to performing, Strom enjoys teaching his audience about the history and development of Klezmer and Roma music.
Mission Trails Regional Park Visitor Center is located at: One Friar Junipero Serra Trail in San Diego. For more information, visit www.MTRP.org
NOW FOR A PREVIEW OF COMING ATTRACTIONS…
Borrego Days Desert Festival Oct. 23-25
The 50th annual Borrego Days Desert Festival will be held October 23rd through 25th. This year’s theme is “Those Were the Days.” Borrego Days Desert Festival has a long history of welcoming in the desert’s peak season, enticing locals to come together after a long hot summer and to welcome snowbirds back for a warm desert winter. On Saturday, festival goers will line the main street for the popular parade that includes a flyover, equestrians, marching bands, floats, clowns, dancers, and more.
There will also be live entertainment, arts and crafts, food vendors, children's activities, a beer and beverage garden, carnival fun zone with inflatable water slides, obstacle course, bull ride and more. For details you can visit www.BorregoDays.com.
Haunt Fest on Main Street Oct. 23
Get your costume ready for the fourth annual “HauntFest on Main” in downtown El Cajon on October 23rd from 5 to 10 p.m. Admission is free, but some rides will charge a nominal fee. This fun, family-friendly Halloween themed event features live bands, a haunted car show, a variety of local vendors, and food available for purchase. Visit the special children’s craft and game booths, face painting, outdoor movies, and enjoy carnival rides. You can also dress in your favorite costume and enter the costume contests for a chance to win prizes! For more information, check out http://hauntfest.org/
Trick or Treat Dog Show Oct. 24
The Alpine Stagecoach Lions Club is holding a “Trick or Treat” Dog Show on Saturday, October 24, at Summers Past Farms in Flinn Springs (15602 Olde Highway 80). The dog show runs from 1 to 4 p.m. with a costume contest, prizes, and trophies, food and fun—plus you can visit the pumpkin patch to pick your jack-o-lantern. All proceeds from this event go directly to purchase a seeing-eye service dog for someone in need. For details, see www.AlpineLions.org.
Trunk or Treat in El Cajon Oct. 28
Trunk or Treat in downtown El Cajon takes place on October 28th from 5-8 p.m. on Main Street at Magnolia Avenue and Prescott Promenade Park. Classic cars, hot rods and motorcycles will be decorated with haunting themes as they compete to win trophies for the best decorations. Guests are invited to dress up for the occasion – and candy for trick-or-treaters will also be on hand. Learn more at www.DowntownEC.com.
Marshal Scary Scotty’s Scare Trail Oct. 28-31
East County’s only haunted trail debuts this Halloween season at the abandoned Marshal Scotty’s amusement park in El Cajon (14039 Ridge Hill Road, at the Lake Jennings exit). Rumored to be haunted by past park employees, Marshal Scary Scotty’s “Scare Trail” will be open October 28-31 from 6 to 11 p.m.
This year, see the bumper car carnage, try to stay in one piece through the slaughter trailer and the haunted park offices, visit the frightening Ferris wheel….and don’t forget to brace yourself as you walk through the remains of the death coaster.
Marshal Scary Scotty’s Scare Trail is packed full of spine tingling, heart pounding effects that organizers claim are so real they will keep you screaming for your life as you try to find your way out.
Sponsored by Saving Horses Inc., the event costs $10 for adults. Children under 12 are free, but the trail is not recommended for children under 10.
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 10-16-15
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