DESTINATION EAST COUNTY: TOP FESTIVALS AND EVENTS MARCH 2-APRIL 29

East County News Service

March 1, 2018 (San Diego's East County) - This week’s Destination East County includes gallery art shows in La Mesa and Ramona, the Boots Ball in Borrego Springs, live music with the Sporadicals in La Mesa, a Gregory Page concert at Mission Trails, a plein air paint-out in Borrego Springs and a St. Patrick’s Day half marathon race in El Cajon.

Plus, we’ll have coming attractions including the Laguna Mountain Rendezvous, Tomatomania at The Garden, the Circle of Art show in Borrego Springs, the Alaska String Band in concert, a Bunny Train in Campo, Spring Extravaganza at Santee Lakes, the Harp Fest in La Mesa, a comedy film night in Spring Valley, Sweet Pea Days in Flinn Springs, Cajon Class Cruise season’s opener, an anniversary party at Heritage of the Americas museum, an antiques fair at Summers Past Farms and the San Diego Festival Chorus and Orchestra’s spring concert.

So scroll down for all of these events and many more!

2CREATE GALLERY’S FIRST FRIDAY SHOW MARCH 2

You’re invited to meet artists, art teachers, furniture artisans and celebrate the life of the late, great artist Helen Petre on Friday, March 2 from 6-8 p.m. at the 2Create Gallery, 438 Main Street in Ramona. 

The event is the first of a series of “First Friday” art events that the gallery plans to host, each featuring art, music and refreshments.

Helen Petre was a colorful and acclaimed artist who lived in Julian and continued creating works of art well into her nineties. Known for her stylish hats and fashionable clothing that she designed herself, during her long and productive life she became a prolific artist excelling in collage, monoprinting, mixed media and bookarts. 

For more information visit www.2CreateGallery.org.

"GLOW" ARTISTS RECEPTION MARCH 2 AT NAINSOOK IN LA MESA

Nainsook Framing + Art invites you to “Glow,” a spring artists’ reception  on Saturday, March 3 from 6-8 p.m.  The event features works by local artists Beverly Berwick, Mary Sue Compton, Gary Dyak, Tina Fries-Miller, Sue Z. Gold, Susan Hewitt, Roberta Labastida, Harriet Lisak, Carol Mansfield, Ann Slater, Paul White and Jami Wright.

Wine and cheese will be served at the reception, which is open to the public.  The art show will run from March 3 through April 30.  Learn more at www.NainsookFraming.com.

BOOTS BALL MARCH 3

You’re invited to don your “desert dressy” attire and finest hiking boots for the second annual “Boots Ball” hosted by the Anza Borrego Foundation on Saturday, March 3 from 2-5 p.m.

Guests will enjoy musical entertainment, food, live and silent auctions and learn about the Foundation’s vision for the next 50 years. The guest speaker, Obi Kaufmann, is a poet, artist, and advocate for wilderness conservation.

The Boots Ball will be held at the Anza-Borrego Desert Research Center in Borrego Springs. For tickets and registration for the Boots Ball fundraiser, visit the Anza Borrego Foundation’s website at TheABF.org.

SPORADICALS MARCH 3 AT WINE WERKS

The Sporadicals, a San Diego-based acoustic trio will play Irish folk, folk rock,

classic rock, and original music at Wine W0rks in La Mesa on Saturday, March 3^rd from

Learn more about these and other upcoming entertainers at LaMesaWineWorks.com.  

GREGORY PAGE AT MISSION TRAILS MARCH 4

Gregory Page, an international touring and recording artist, returns to Mission Trails Regional Park auditorium for a concert (free!) on Sunday, March 4th at 3 p.m.

This London born Irish-Armenian citizen of the world has imagination and conscience as well as vocal talent.  He will share his stunning guitar work, songs of peace, ballads of “Optimistic Melancholy” and in his words, “true stories he makes up” with the Mission Trails listening audience in performance for the whole family.

For details, visit Mission Trails Regional Park website at MTRP.org.

ST PATRICK’S DAY HALF MARATHON MARCH 4

Run East County invites you to take part in the annual St. Patrick’s Day half marathon, 5K race, and Green Mile through downtown El Cajon on Sunday March 4^th.  There’s also a Tribes and Clans CrossFit competition, a Tribes and Clans for Kids event, and a beer garden.

Participants are encouraged to wear green and participate in a costume contest as you join avid runners and walkers for a morning of fun – all to benefit local East County charities.  

To register for the St. Patrick’s Day Half Marathon race or other events, you can visit StPatricksDayHalf.com. 

PLEIN AIR PAINT-OUT IN BORREGO SPRINGS MARCH 5-APRIL 1

“I am proud to be the 2018 Curator for the Borrego Art Institute 12th Annual Plein Air Invitational paint-out and exhibit,” says Shannon O’Dunn.  “Fifteen artists in oils, pastel, and watercolors will be in painting the field all week, March 5-9.” 

Visitors can stop by the Borrego Art Institute on Christmas Circle to see the show, which will begin hanging works March 5^th that will remain on display through April 1^st.

The Borrego Art Institute is located at 665 Palm Canyon Drive in Borrego Springs.

Exhibit curator Shannon O’Dunn is the former Dean of Fine Arts and instructor Cuyamaca College and the owner of the former O’Dunn Fine Arts gallery in La Mesa.

For more details on the artists, exhibits and gala event, visit www.borregoartinstitute.org.

NOW FOR A PREVIEW OF COMING ATTRACTIONS…

LAGUNA MOUNTAIN RENDEZVOUS MARCH 9-18

You’re invited to step back in time and enjoy Rocky Mountain fur trader’s encampment March 9-18 at the Laguna Mountain Rendezvous, held at the Mataguay Scout Reservation in Santa Ysabel.  Demonstrations of primitive survival skills such as cooking, tool making, tomahawk throwing, archery and black powder target shooting will be provided.

The group is based on the Mountain Man era of America by reenacting pre-1840 living history and draws participants from throughout the Western U.S. Day visitors and period campers are welcome. Primitive and modern camping are available.

(Cost:  $20 for adults, $5 for children age 12 and over; free for children under 12.)

To register and get more information, click here for the flyer/application.

ROMAS, BEEFSTEAKS, STRIPES AND MORE AT TOMATOMANIA MARCH 10^TH

Tomatomania returns on March 10^th and 11^th from 9.a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Water Conservation Garden at Cuyamaca College.  This famous weekend-long sale features heirloom and hybrid tomato seedlings of every size, shape, color, and taste profile.

Planting tomatoes marks the beginning of spring for gardeners and who can’t resist the fresh taste of a garden tomato?  You can get expert advice, pick up tools, attend classes and take a tour of the garden. Plus, visitors can savor some time-honored tomato refreshments. 

Find more delicious details at TheGarden.org.

CIRCLE OF ART MARCH 10-11

Art lovers can view works of over 70 fine artists at the 29^th annual Circle of Art Show and Sale on Christmas Circle in Borrego Springs. This popular event will be held Saturday, March 10^th from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, March 11^th from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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

LAVENDER FARM BRUNCH MARCH 11

For reservations or more information, visit Keys Creek Lavender Farm at www.KCLFarm.com.

ALASKAN STRING BAND IN CONCERT MARCH 16 AT KROC THEATER

The Alaska String Band will perform at the Joan B. Kroc Theatre on Friday, March 16^th at 7 p.m. to benefit Alpine’s Christ the King Episcopal Church.  

This family band will take you on a musical journey filled with the rich sounds of bluegrass and timeless American classics while wide-screen images portray the beauty of Alaska to create a visually captivating setting.

The Alaska String Band has won critical acclaim, with a musical docu-drama, “Southeast Alaska Odyssey, that has appeared nationwide on PBS television.

Tickets are available at ChristTheKingAlpine.org.

BUNNY TRAIN DEPARTS MARCH 24 AND 25 AND 31

The Easter Bunny will board the train at the Pacific Southwest Railway Museum’s depot in Campo on March 24^th, 25^th and 31^st to visit with passengers as the train travels through San Diego’s beautiful east-county mountains. 

After enjoying the one-hour journey along 12 miles of track, the train stops at the Museum’s Display Building where more fun awaits. That includes two Easter egg hunting areas for children—one with eggs in plain sight for young children, the other with eggs carefully hidden in the Museum’s display building.

Children may turn in plastic eggs they find for sweets and other prizes.  Entrance into the Display Building and both Easter egg hunts is included with train tickets.

For ticket prices and reservations, visit the Pacific Southwest Railway Museum website at psrm.org/ and click on the “Bunny Train” option listed under “train rides.”

SPRING EXTRAVAGANZA AT SANTEE LAKES MARCH 25

Santee Lakes and the City of Santee invite you to a Spring Extravaganza on Sunday, March 25^th from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

This event includes continuous egg hunts for children age 8 and under, as well as carnival rides, crafts, face painting, pony rides, photos with the Easter bunny and more.

Tickets are required for some activities.  For details, visit SanteeLakes.com.

SPRING HARP FEST MARCH 31 IN LA MESA

Harmonica players from far and wide will participate in the 19^th annual Spring Harp Fest on Saturday, March 31^st from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Harry Griffen Park in La Mesa.

The lineup of top players and a harmonica jam fest at the event all help benefit music programs in local schools. You can also shop for harmonicas and other musical items.

For details, visit SpringHarpFest.org.

 THE SAPS AT SEA PROUDLY PRESENT COMIC CALAMITIES NIGHT MARCH 31

Saps at Sea, San Diego’s Laurel & Hardy fan organization, continue their slam-bang festival of funtastic films on Saturday, March 31st at 7:00 p.m. at Trinity Church in Spring Valley.

The Saps will screen a Tex Avery cartoon and the hilarious short "Going Bye-Bye!" followed by a mistaken identity laugh fest in “The Pip from Pittsburgh” and more.  For details, visit the Saps at Sea San Diego Facebook Page.

SWEET PEA DAY AT SUMMERS PAST FARMS APRIL 14 IN FLINN SPRINGS

Summers Past Farms in Flinn Springs, just east of El Cajon, invites you to Sweet Pea Day on Saturday, April 14^th from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Visit a towering sweet pea maze at this event celebrating the fragrant, old-fashioned flowers in their full glory.

You can preview the maze from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and cut your own bouquet starting at 11 a.m. until they are gone—which doesn’t take long!

Guests can also enjoy live music with Jim Earp on a shady pavilion, savor snacks at an outdoor coffee bar, or picnic on the grass to round out an idyllic spring day.

For more information you can visit SummersPastFarms.com.

CAJON CLASSIC CRUISE SEASON OPENER APRIL 14

The Cajon Classic Cruise will rev up its season opener on Wedneday, April 14^th from 5 to 8 p.m. in downtown El Cajon. 

Thousands of people from across the region come to Cajon Classic Cruise nights each Wednesday, all summer long.

In addition to viewing classic vehicles with a different theme each week, visitors can enjoy musical entertainment at Prescott Promenade on Main Street just east of Magnolia, or arrive early to dine at an outdoor café for a roadside view of the Cajon Classic Cruise.

For more information you can visit DowntownElCajon.com.

HERITAGE OF THE AMERICAS ANNIVERSARY APRIL 14

Heritage of the Americas Museum is celebrating its 25^th anniversary with a special event on Saturday, April 14^th from 5 to 7 p.m. featuring guest artist Alfredo Rodriguez.

The celebration also features a catered buffet, music, auction, drinks and good times.

For more information, visit heritageoftheamericasmuseum.com/.

ANTIQUES AND CRAFT FAIR APRIL 21-22 AT SUMMERS PAST FARMS

An Antiques and Crafts Fair will be held at Summers Past Farms in Flinn Springs on Saturday, April 21^st and Sunday, April 22^nd from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

You can view works by over 70 craftsman and artisans while shopping for crafts, collectibles, antiques, and garden items. Find details at SummersPastFarms.com.

SAN DIEGO FESTIVAL AND CHORUS SPRING CONCERT APRIL 29

The San Diego Festival Chorus and Orchestra will present its spring concert titled “Musical Journeys” on April 29^th at 3 p.m. at the College Avenue Baptist Church.

The concert will include John Rutter’s Requiem as well as music from West Side Story and the Wizard of Oz.  For tickets and details, visit www.SanDiegoFestivalChorus.org.

That’s all for this week!

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!