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East County News Service
May 8, 2019 (San Diego’s East County) -- The merry month of May continues with activities including San DIego River Days, the Manzanita High Mountain Rendezvous, Salsa y Salsa Festival in Lemon Grove, Lilac Festival in Santa Ysabel, Sky tours in Julian, Musica En La Plaza in Escondido, a jazz concert at Mission Trails Church, Open Farm Day at Oasis Camel Dairy, A Taste of Julian, America on Main Street Festival in El Cajon, America on Main Street, Wild in the Country at Lions Tigers and Bears, a Gunsmoke fundraiser for a local Lions Club in El Cajon, El Cajon’s dinner and a concert, Classic Cruise Night’s centennial season in downtown El Cajon, the San Diego Vintner’s Association Wine Festival, a hike across the Santa Ysabel Preserve, a Mount Laguna Living History event, the Julian Fiddle and Pickin’ Contest, a Memorial Day Warrior HIke Challenge in El Capitan Preserve, Visions of Broadway: a presentation by Kidz Danz Kompany and the Lavender Festival at Summers Past Farms.
So scroll down for all of these events and many more!
SAN DIEGO RIVER DAYS MAY 10-11 AND 18-19
San Diego River Days is back for its 16th year with a full calendar of interactive activities; including hikes, bike rides, volunteer projects, bird walks, animal tracking adventures, open houses, tours, artists painting, a star party, fishing, a full moon hike and much more.
The events include fun and family friendly activities in East County for individuals and groups.
From Julian to Ocean Beach and everywhere in between, this is your opportunity to get outside and celebrate the San Diego River.
View all activities: https://sdriverdays.org/activities/
Learn more at www.SDRiverDays.org.
MEET MOUNTAIN MEN AND MORE AT MANZANITA HIGH RENDEZVOUS MAY 10-18
You’re invited to step back in time and visit an authentic mountain man rendezvous on May 10-18 at the Manzanita High Mountain Rendezvous. The event will be held at the Northcote Ranch near Lake Morena.
In the Old West back in the early 1800s, mountain men convened each year at a rendezvous to trade wares. At the Manzanita High Mountain Rendezvous, visitors will see history come alive with demonstrations of primitive skills, period camps and colorful characters.
You can watch of participate in tomahawk and knife throwing, archery, black powder shooting and more. Traders will be selling their goods, storytellers will spin yarns and you’ll find fun for the whole family.
Period campers are welcome but must pre-register on the website at www.ManzanitaRendezvous.com. Day visitors are also welcome. The site is open to the public May 10-12 and May 17-18 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Find directions at www.ManzanitaRendezvous.com.
SALSA Y SALSA FESTIVAL MAY 11 TO BENEFIT LEMON GROVE LITTLE LEAGUE AND LIONS CLUB SERVICE PROJECTS
Lemon Grove Lions Club, a nonprofit organization devoted to service and volunteering, is hosting its annual Salsa y Salsa Fiesta on May 11 from 6-9 p.m.at the Monte Vista Village Auditorium (2211 Massachusetts Ave, Lemon Grove.) The event will feature salsa tasting, a salsa contest, Salsa Dancing, plus Mexican food, music & prizes.
All proceeds will go toward Lions Club Service Projects and support our Lemon Grove Little League.
Tickets ($20 in advance, $25 at the door) can be reserved or by calling or emailing Ken Burke at 619-469-7350, KEB91945@gmail.com.
LILAC FESTIVAL: WEEKENDS THROUGH MAY 12
The lilac festival continues at Fort Cross Old Timey Adventures in Santa Ysabel, just outside of Julian, each weekend through May 12th. Lilac cuttings and plants are available for purchase. You can also sign up for activities including candle making, hayrides, a petting zoo, reptile show, jug band performance, archery, tomahawk throwing and more.
For full details, you can check www.FortCross.com.
SKY TOURS MAY 11 AT OBSERVER INN IN JULIAN
The Observers Inn in Julian is offering guided tours of the night sky at its astronomical observatory houses and research-grade telescopes on Saturday, May 11th from 8:30 to 9.30 p.m. Each sky tour is unique and may include planets, star clusters, nebula, galaxies, comets and the moon.
Advance reservations are required and there is a fee for those who are not staying overnight at the inn. For reservations, you can call 760-765-0088 or visit http://www.observersinn.com/skytours.htm.
JAZZ CONCERT MAY 12
Paul Combs and Melonie Grinnell will perform a jazz saxophone and piano concert on May 12th from 3 to 4 p.m. at the Mission Trails Church (4880 Zion Ave., San Diego).
The concert series was formerly held at Mission Trails Regional Park but has relocated to the Mission Trails Church, with monthly Sunday concerts scheduled.
You can find a full list of upcoming concerts at the Second Sunday Community Concerts page on Facebook.
OASIS CAMEL DAIRY OPEN FARM DAY MAY 12
Oasis Camel Dairy in Ramona will host an open farm day on May 12th from 1 to 4 p.m. Guests can visit the friendly camels, enjoy a bird show, ride a camel, see “sheep town,” shop in a camel products gift shop, and take cool selfies with camels.
For more information, you can visit www.CamelDairy.com.
TASTE OF JULIAN: A RURAL DINING ADVENTURE SATURDAY, MAY 18
A Taste of Julian is a self-guided culinary tour of unique restaurants, wineries and breweries. This year’s Taste of Julian will be held on Saturday, May 18 from 1-5 p.m. From delicious main dishes to candied apples, apple pies, chocolates, wine, beer and hard cider, you’ll find plenty to tempt your tastebuds.
Tickets are $25; for an extra $10 a shuttle is available to drive you to all participating venues. Tickets and details are available at
Tickets ($25 in advance) are available at http://www.atasteofjulian.com.
AMERICA ON MAIN STREET: MAY 18 IN EL CAJON
El Cajon invites you to the city’s 6th annual America on Main Street on May 18th from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. in downtown El Cajon.
The event fosters respect of diverse ethnic and historical groups in the community.
This year’s theme is “Out of the World,” recognizing the 50th anniversary of the 1969 moon landing.
Other highlights include a tribute to Armed Forces Day, a naturalization ceremony for new American citizens, a scavenger hunt, over 150 booths including foods from around the world, face painting, balloon artists, a space and science area, first responder safety zone, carnival rights, and live entertainment including over 30 bands, community groups and street performers.
To learn more, visit www.AmericaOnMainStreet.org.
SAN DIEGO COUNTY VINTNERS HOSTS WINE FESTIVAL MAY 18 AT HISTORIC ADOBE FARMSTEAD IN ESCONDIDO
Over 25 San Diego County wineries including national and international award-winners will participate in the 2019 Wine Festival. Hosted by the San Diego County Vintner’s Association, this year’s event will be at Sikes Adobe, a historic farmstead in Escondido (12655 Sunset Dr.) on Saturday, May 18 from 1 to 4 p.m.
The festival also includes live music, a silent auction and more.
Proceeds will benefit educational programs and marketing for the San Diego County Vintners Association.
Cost is $55 a person. For tickets, click here.
WILD IN THE COUNTRY MAY 18
Lions, Tigers and Bears, an exotic animal rescue facility in Alpine, invites you to “get wild” and support their nonprofit at Wild in the Country on May 18th from 2 to 6 p.m.
Enjoy al fresco dining and live music in the company of the sanctuary’s animals. You can also bid in live and silent auctions.
You can find tickets and details at www.LionsTigersAndBears.org.
GUNSMOKE MAY 18 IN EL CAJON
The El Cajon Valley Host Lions and the Winchester Widows will present their annual fundraiser, Gunsmoke, on Saturday, May 18 at El Cajon Elks Lodge 1812 in El Cajon from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
The event includes live Western and bluegrass music, a silent auction, gambling chips, and food – all to support the Lions community services for the underprivileged and a program that provides eyeglasses to people in need.
DINNER AND A CONCERT SERIES IN EL CAJON
El Cajon’s popular Dinner and a Concert series is held each Friday evening at Prescott Promenade in downtown El Cajon from 6 to 8 p.m. May performers coming up include Wild Heart, Stars on the Water, Santanaways and Polyester Express. Shows will continue all summer long.
You can bring a picnic dinner, or dine early at one of the many restaurants nearby before attending the (free) concert.
For full details, visit www.DowntownElCajon.com.
EL CAJON CLASSIC CRUISES EACH WED.
El Cajon’s Classic Cruise Nights is celebrating its centennial season. You can view classic cars each Wednesday from 5 to 8 p.m. along Main Street in the heart of downtown El Cajon. May 8th is Corvette Cruise Night and on May 15th, its Kids’ Day to Play. May 22nd is Military Appreciation day and May 29th is convertible night.
For a full schedule of events, you can visit https://downtownelcajon.com.
JULIAN FIDDLE AND PICKIN’ CONTEST MAY 25
Julian’s annual fiddle and pickin’ competition will be held on May 25th from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Julian’s historic town hall. Hosted by the California Old Time Fiddlers Association, the competition draws nationally known talent and is open to all ages in fiddle, mandolin, banjo and guitar.
Details for this family-friendly event are available at http://www.sandiegofiddler.org/.
HIKE ACROSS THE SANTA YSABEL PARK PRESERVE MAY 25
You’re invited to hike all the way across the Santa Ysabel County Preserve on Saturday, May 25th from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (500 Farmer Rd., Julian).
This is a moderate 8-mile hike with park staff. Be prepared for some hills. The preserve will be green with wildflowers galore!
Park at the 79 gate to catch a shuttle to the Farmer Staging area. For more information, call the park at 760-765-4098.
HISTORY COMES ALIVE ON MOUNT LAGUNA MAY 25-26
The Laguna Mountain Volunteer Association invites you to the 32nd annual Living History program this Memorial Day weekend, Saturday and Sunday, May 25 and 26. Learn about the history of Mount Laguna residents and take free tours offered at 9:30, 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. both days.
Meet at the Red-Tailed Roost, 10385 Sunrise Highway near mile marker 22.5, across from the Laguna Fire Station atop Mount Laguna, the highest peak in San Diego’s East County.
GLOBALLY ACCLAIMED CHAMBER BRAVURA BRINGS A CAPELLA CHORAL MAGIC TO LA MESA MAY 26
Chamber Bravura has performed in Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, the Sydney Opera house, venues in Austria, Australia, England Ireland and Iceland. They sang the mass in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican in Rome. Now the globally acclaimed young singers—middle and high school seniors from the San Diego region—are bringing their a capella choral magic to The Table: United Church of Christ of La Mesa. Under direction of Katherine Girvin, Chamber Bravura will perform at 2 p.m. in the church sanctuary at 5940 Kelton Avenue, La Mesa. (www.tableucc.com)
From Borrego’s Clark Dry Lake, where they filmed the haunting “You Ruined Me” video, the group has performed stirring renditions of songs such as “Waternight,” “Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho,” “’N Sync Medley” and more.
The performance is part of the popular Valerie Victor concert series. The concert is free, though a free will offering will be accepted.
Learn more about Chamber Bravura at http://www.chamberbravura.org/.
MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND WARRIOR HIKE CHALLENGE
A Memorial Day Weekend Warrior hike challenge will be held in El Capitan County Preserve with a hike to the top of El Cajon Mountain, also known as El Cap. The trail is arguably the toughest in San Diego County, so three levels are offered.
The warrior level is an extreme hike of 12 miles. Recon level is about 6 miles, and a Boot Camp level features a 2-mile roundtrip hike. The San Diego River Park Foundation will lead hikers on an expanded tour to the summit and county staff will be on hand to answer questions. Refreshments will be served.
Visit the San Diego County Parks and Recreation website or Facebook page to learn more (Click here: website; event on Facebook.)
MUSICA EN LA PLAZA OPENS UP IN ESCONDIDO
Música En La Plaza is a free community series that will take place from 7- 10 p.m. the last Friday of each month. The series will bring live music, dancing, tacos and tequila to the California Center for the Arts.
With a mission of bringing people together to discover, create and celebrate the arts, California Center for the Arts, Escondido is the cultural center of North San Diego County. The Center is located at 340 N. Escondido Blvd. in Escondido. Música En La Plaza is presented by the California Center for the Arts, Escondido and sponsored by Mission Federal Credit Union (MFCU), San Diego’s largest locally based financial institution exclusively serving San Diego County.
While admission to the events are free, seats can also be purchased ($12 each, or $40 for a table of four).
Upcoming performances include:
May 31 Internacional Grupo Kawsay
June 28 Banda Reyna Del Rio
July 26 Bulevar Descaega
August 30 Jarabe Mexicano
September 27 Southern Scratch
October 25 Clave Dura
For more information, please visit www.artscenter.org.
VISIONS OF BROADWAY: KIDZ DANZ KOMPANY TAKES TALENTS TO HORTON GRAND THEATRE MAY 31 - JUNE 1
East County News Service
May 18, 2019 (San Diego) -- The critically-acclaimed and award-winning Kidz Danz Kompany, based in La Mesa with Visionary Dance Theatre, will present “Visions of Broadway” at the Horton Grand Theater (444 Fourth Ave, San Diego) May 31 - June 1 at 7 p.m.
The show features dance works to some of Broadway’s most cherished show tunes including many favorite hits.
“‘Visions of Broadway’ is a collection of joyful work works each telling stories that give a glimpse of what Broadway is all about,” says Amelia, one of the KDK dancers. “Full of memorable performances by dancers of varying ages and backgrounds, this is YOUR chance to see your favorite Broadway songs – but with a twist!”
Alaska, another of the young artists, says, “It’s about the memories of our favorite Broadway pieces and making a movement. We want to impact people and touch on the important events that are occurring today. In some pieces we reminisce in old Broadway musicals and in others we do all we can to take a stand with present day events.”
Tickets are available at the door. For more information, visit http://www.visionarydancetheatre.org/Visionary/performances/.
LAVENDER DAY AND ANTIQUE FAIR AT SUMMERS PAST FARMS JUNE 8
Summers Past Farms in Flinn Springs invites you to come celebrate the fragrance and beauty of lavender at a Lavender Festival and Antique Fair on Saturday, June 8 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
You can fill your garden and containers with many types of lavender during a plant sale, shop for lavender gifts such as soaps, candles, salves and sprays, and enjoy the fragrance scent of the south of France.
Over 40 fine craftsman and expert artisans will also be at this event offering crafts, collectibles and antiques as well as a garden sale. You can picnic in a pavilion or on the grass while listening to live music by Jim Earp – and remember to wear lavender!
For information and directions, you can visit https://www.summerspastfarms.com.
That’s all for this week! You can find details on all of these events and more in the calendar and events section at our website, www.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 soon with more festivals, events and attractions in San Diego’s East County!
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