DESTINATION EAST COUNTY: TOP FESTIVALS AND EVENTS JUNE 18-JULY 4

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.

By Miriam Raftery

June 15, 2016 (San Diego's East County)--This week’s Destination East County includes a Bohemian Bash, Boars and Brews, an art exhibit at the Wieghorst Museum, and Gunsmoke night with the Lions in El Cajon.

Plus we’ll have previews of coming attractions including outdoor movies, community concerts, and 4^th of July festivities from small town parades to fireworks extravaganzas.

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

THIS WEEK'S MAJOR EVENTS

BOHEMIAN BASH BENEFIT FOR KNSJ AND EAST COUNTY MAGAZINE

A “Bohemian Bash” will be held on Saturday, June 18 from 4 to 7 p.m. in La Mesa to benefit KNSJ public people-powered radio and the nonprofit East County Magazine.  KNSJ needs help to cover repair costs after vandals damaged the transmitter site on Mt. Laguna.

Festivities at this free-spirited summer solstice weekend gathering with artists, authors, musicians, and thinkers will support nonprofit media in the public interest, local news reporting, and coverage of arts, music and culture. You can hear live musical entertainment, savor delicious foods and libations, enjoy comedy with Second Chances for Grace, hear poetry readings, watch San Diego Asian Artists Ensemble performers, and win fabulous prizes!   Share your ideas, meet the media, and savor the hottest summer celebration. 

This very special event is open to members of KNSJ and subscribers of East County Magazine. For details on membership, location and tickets ($19 in advance, or 2 for $34)  visit www.EastCountyMagazine.org.

“MOMENTS IN TIME” ART EXHIBIT AT WIEGHORST MUSEUM

The Olaf Wieghorst Museum (131 Rea Ave) in El Cajon, has a new exhibit opening this week. Moments in Time” features  24 pieces created by six artists  and will be on display from from June 15 to Aug. 22.

Four of the six artists live in El Cajon, including Gloria Chadwick, Grace Schlesier, Dennis “Ski” Torzeski and Denise Rich. The paintings by Chadwick, Schlesier and Torzeski feature wildlife and landscape settings, while Rich specializes in bovine art.

The two other artists specialize in wildlife and scratchboard artwork.

Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. (Admission is free.) For more information visit www.wieghorstmuse

GUNSMOKE CASINO NIGHT WITH THE LIONS IN EL CAJON JULY JUNE 18

The El Cajon Valley Host Lions Club joins forces with the Winchester Widows ti  present their 6^th annual Gunsmoke Casino Night on June 18th at 6 p.m. in the Pacific Southwest Service Center (1150 Broadway) in  El Cajon. 

You’re invited to a night of mock gambling and carousing in an Old West saloon complete with “Western Music," complimentary food and drink, plus The Winchester Widows to help keep you cowpokes under control.

There will also be a silent auction and50/50 drawing.  Proceeds will be used by the Lions Club to fund their Student eye glass program that provides free eye tests and glasses to needy students in the East County. The Widows support Challenge Ranch, which is a 10 acre ranch in Dehesa Valley that provides opportunities for under-privileged children through horseback riding.

For more information, contact President Van Willey at 619-843-3214 or visit East County Magazine’s event section at  EastCountyMagazine.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.

PREVIEW OF COMING ATTRACTIONS

 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 24^th 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.

LA MESA LOOKOUT LEGACY OPENING JUNE 29

You're invited to celebrate the grand opening of The Lookout at Legacy Park in La Mesa on June 29th at 6:00 p.m. in honor of La Mesa's centennial. You can also meet the artist’s for La Mesa’s centennial project, located on La Mesa Boulevard in the heart of La Mesa’s downtown village.  For more information, call 619-667-1105.

SANTEE SALUTES: JULY 4^TH EXTRAVAGANZA

The city of Santee invites you to Santee Salutes, an annual extravaganza set for Monday, July 4^th from 2:30 to 10 p.m. at Town Center Community Park East (550 Park Center Drive) in Santee.

The festivities include live music, a patriotic ceremony at 6 p.m., inflatable jumps and activities for kids, food available for purchase, and a spectacular fireworks display at 9 p.m.

(Admission is free, food and activities have minimal costs, canopies are available for purchase, and there is a $5-15 cost for parking, which supports local youth sports leagues and the YMCA.  Free shuttles are available from Costco on Cuyamaca to the event site from 3:30 to 11 p.m.)

DEERHORN VALLEY INDEPENDENCE DAY PARADE JULY 4

Residents of Deerhorn Valley will hold a true Americana-style parade on July 4^th starting at 10 a.m.  Residents of this rural community south of Jamul are invited to take a tractor, lasso a llama, hop on a horse, drive a donkey, walk with a wagon, jump aboard a Jeep or just walk on two feet, festooned in patriotic red, white and blue.  The parade will include Clydesdale horses, an antique fire engine and live drumming.  Spectators are encouraged to bring flags, drums, rattles and shakers.

A picnic will follow until 2 p.m.,with local crafter and vendor booths, purchase treasures from residents’ barn clearing, face-painting, as well as hot dogs, popcorn and cotton candy available for purchase.

JULY 4^TH FIREWORKS AND PICNIC IN EL CAJON

The city of El Cajon will hold its annual Fourth of July picnic and fireworks at Kennedy Park (1675 East Madison Ave., El Cajon).  The fun starts at 1 p.m. with food vendors, kids’ activities and live music from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.   The fireworks display will be held at 9 p.m. Arrive early for parking to find the best spot for your picnic and to view the fireworks!

OLD WEST COMES ALIVE AT POWAY PARK JULY 4

You’re ivinted to bring your family and friends to Old Poway Park (14134 Midland Road in Poway) to celebrate our country’s independence  in“turn-of-the-20th-century-style” on July 4 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This event will feature patriotic entertainment, gun fighting re-enactments, crafts, and old-fashioned games (all free) amid restored historic buildings and museums from the early 1900s.  You can also take a ride aboard an old-fashioned train and savor tasty treats (for a nominal fee).  

An evening fireworks show with DJ will be held at Poway High School (15500 Espola Road, Poway). Gates open at 6 p.m. with fireworks starting at 9 p.m. ($5 admission; children 11 and under free)

JULIAN PATRIOTIC PARADE JULY 4

The stars and stripes will move down Main Street in Julian during this year’s Fourth of July parade honoring Independence Day. For over 20 years, Julian residents, their friends and parade lovers turn out to watch what some call the “the best little town parade in America.” Pre-parade events start at 10:00 a.m. The parade begins at 12 noon and ends around 2:00 p.m.

The Julian 4th of July Parade honors stars, stripes and pioneers in a homegrown event that celebrates the town’s gold rush era history, the dedication of veterans and active duty military who serve our country, and local residents who cherish the special qualities of the little town tucked into the Cuyamaca Mountains east of San Diego.

There is always a gang of local bad guys who try to rob the bank, but the sheriff rounds them up before the gunmen can get away. This year you can swing to the tunes of four bands, see the Mountain Tribal Gypsies dance down Main Street, honor World War II submarine veterans, salute  Miss Julian and her entourage, and follow vintage aircraft flyovers. There will also be bunting, banners, flags, patriotic songs, equestrians, vintage vehicles, kids with animals, and the town fire fighters greeted with cheers.

After the parade, you can visit the Julian Woman’s Club Historic Quilt Show at the Julian Town Hall and stick around for a barbecue, music, and dancing at the American Legion, just up the hill from the town hall on Washington Street.  For more information, visit www.JulianCA.com and click on Events.

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.