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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.
East County News Service
May 13, 2016 (San Diego’s East County) - This week’s Destination East County includes a madrigal concert, a butterfly festival, a blues fest, Wild in the Country, a Laurel and Hardy Wacky West film night and more.
Plus we’ll have previews of coming attractions including the Ramona Rodeo, Santee Street Fair, theater performances, a Flag Day Parade and American on Main Street.
So stay tuned for all of these events and much, much more!
THIS WEEK'S MAJOR EVENTS
SAN DIEGO MADRIGAL SINGERS MAY 13 AT KROC CENTER
The San Diego Madrigal Singers will perform “Love in Springtime,” a concert at the Kroc Center Theatre Rotunda (6611 University Avenue) on Friday, May 13th starting at 7 p.m. Is love something worth dying for or just an afternoon delight? Find out what Renaissance composers thought above love and lovers, and how centuries haven't changed man's attitude towards the most basic human expression! For more information or tickets ($5 in advance or at the door, visit www.SDMadrigalSingers.org.
LAMPLIGHTERS PRESENT “CHAPTER TWO” IN LA MESA MAY 13-JUNE 12
Lamplighters Community Theatre in La Mesa presents Neil Simon's popular comedy-drama “Chapter Two” about a recent widower encouraged by his younger brother to start dating again. "It's a bumpy road to Dreamland." The production takes stage opening Friday, May 13th and running until Sunday, June 12th . For tickets ($17-$20), full show schedule and details, you can visit http://www.lamplighterslamesa.com/.
REVITALIZATION PARTY FOR ALPINE COMMUNITY CENTER MAY 13
You’re invited to a party to benefit the Alpine Community Center on Friday, May 13 from 6 to 10 p.m. This event includes a rib eye steak dinner, art show, live jazz, blues and swing music by Chet and the Committee, hosted by the Alpine Community Center and cosponsored by the Alpine Mountain Empire Chamber of Commerce. For tickets ($50 for dinner, includes 2 drink tickets) you can RSVP to 619-445-7330.
RIVER PARK FESTIVAL AND SAN DIEGO RIVER 5K RUN MAY 14
The River Park Festival and San Diego River Run 5K will take place this Saturday, May 14th from 3:30 to 8 p.m. at Town Center Community Park East, 550 Park Center Drive in Santee. The festival is free and includes live music, a beer garden by BNS Brewing and Distilling, tree planting (sign up) , interactive booths, kids’ corner, crafts, games and activities, BMX demos by East County BMX and a free bike repair event.
To register for the 5K, a sustainable “superhero themed” run, click here. Registration includes one free beer sample (must be 21 or older). For more information, contact Christina Deleon at events@lakesideriverpark.org or (619)443-4770.
BUTTERFLY FESTIVAL MAY 14
The Water Conservation Garden at Cuyamaca College (12122 Cuyamaca College Drive) in El Cajon invites the public to its third-annual Butterfly Festival on Saturday, May 14 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event marks the start of butterfly season, including the exhibit of up to a dozen native butterfly species that will be on display through July 31st.
The Festival on May 14th highlights the important role these insects play in the ecosystem as well as how visitors can attract and support butterflies in their home gardens using drought-tolerant plants. A large selection of native milkweed plants will be on sale. Festival activities will include tours of the butterfly pavilion and butterfly discovery lab, workshops, live music, food, crafts and jewelry by local artisans. Children are encouraged to dress as a caterpillar or their favorite winged pollinator for a pollinator party at 11:30 a.m.
For details, visit www.TheGarden.org. (Tickets cost $5 for adults and $1 for children.)
JACUMBA BLUES FESTIVAL MAY 14
The Jacumba Hot Springs Blues Festival on May 14th from 1-8 p.m. will feature blues, brews and barbeque. You can also enjoy live music by talented musicians from across our region, plus vendors, kids’ activities and an art council raffle.
This event in downtown Jacumba is hosted by the Jacumba arts Council and Jacumba Hot Springs Spa and Resort.
STEAM EXPO MAY 14
The Magnolia Science Academy and Grossmont College will be co-hosting the San Diego STEAM–that’s Science, Technology, Engineering and Math--Expo on Saturday, May 14, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Grossmont College. The event (free!) will feature bottle rocket building and launching with the Chemistry Department from Grossmont College, hands-on science and robotics demonstrations with students from the Magnolia Science Academy, theater and band performances by MSA students, an interactive experiment with Mad Science, art and history displays and much more.
ONCE UPON A MATTRESS CONTINUES THROUGH M AY14
Young Actors Theatre in Spring Valley continues its presentation of “Once Upon a Mattress” that runs now through May 14. This musical production is based on the Hans Christian Anderson tale, “The Princess and the Pea.” For tickets and details, visit www.yatsandiego.org.
WILD IN THE COUNTRY MAY 14
Lions, Tigers and Bears invites you to “Wild in the Country,” a benefit event to support the exotic animal rescue facility in Alpine. The event will take place on May 14th from 3 to 7 p.m. and will feature a catered dinner, cocktails, an optional “Feed a Wild One” experience, visits with big cats and bears, plus a silent auction with prizes including an African Safari. For more information or tickets, you can visit www.LionsTigersandBears.org.
LAUREL AND HARDY WACKY WESTERN NIGHT MAY 14 IN SPRING VALLEY
The San Diego Laurel and Hardy Group, Saps at Sea Tent, will present Laurel and Hardy – Wacky Western Night on Saturday, May 14th at Trinity Church in Spring Valley (Williams Hall, 3902 Kenwood Drive. There is a $6 donation per person.) Doors open at 6:30 with show time at 7 p.m. The program includes such cinematic gems as "A Car Punching Cartoon," "West of Hot Dog," "The Last Chance Saloon," "Horse Collars" and "Way Out West." You can also savor barbecue beans and cornbread during intermission.
For more information you can visit www.SapsAtSea.com
PREVIEW OF COMING ATTRACTIONS
RAMONA RODEO, PARADE AND WESTERN DANCING MAY 19-22
The Ramona Rodeo takes play May 19-22, along with other activities including a parade down Main Street on the 21st and dancing to the country band Patrick Howard Trampus on the 20th and 21st after the rodeo. There’s also a free slack rodeo performance on the 19th, as well as a kids day on the 22nd featuring the youngest cowboys and cowgirls riding sheep in the mutton bustin’ competition.
Adult rodeo events include bull riding, bareback riding, barrel racing, a tie-down competition, steer wrestling and more. Winners may advance to the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association national rodeo championship.
For tickets and details, you can visit www.RamonaRodeo.net.
AMERICA ON MAIN STREET MAY 21 IN EL CAJON
The city of El Cajon invites you to bring the family to its fun patriotic (and free) event, America on Main Street. This year’s event has the theme “The Beach Comes East” and will be held on Saturday, May 21st from 12 noon to 8 p.m. coinciding with the national Armed Forces Day.
The festivities include three stages with live entertainment, a Ferris wheel, food booths, a chili cook-off featuring police vs. firefighters, arts and crafts, and a petting zoo. For details you can visit www.AmericaOnMainStreet.org.
RHINESTONE GRANNIES MAY 22 AT EL CAJON LIBRARY
What better way to celebrate Older Americans Month than with singing, dancing, and comedy from fabulous ladies of a certain age? The Rhinestone Grannies will be giving a lively and hilarious performance (free!) on Sunday, May 22nd at 2 p.m. in the El Cajon Library (201 East Douglas Avenue) in downtown El Cajon.
CATFISH OPENER MAY 27 AT LAKE JENNINGS
Lake Jennings will hold its Catfish Opener on Friday, May 27th. The lake will open at 4 p.m. , instead of the usual 6 a.m., and will close at midnight. 2,000 lbs. of catfish will be stocked for this event.You're invited to come drop a line and try to catch a whopper!
A full sized lantern is required for each party after 8 p.m. Boats are first come, first serve and only Registered Campers will be allowed to fish the campground shoreline during the day on Friday, May 27th.before the Catfish Opener begins at 4 p.m.
For more information you can visit www.lakejennings.org.
PETER PAN JR. MAY 27-29 AT KROC THEATRE
Kroc Kids Junior Theatre presents Peter Pan Jr on May 27 and 28 at 7 p.m. plus a 2 p.m. matinee on May 29th. Based on the Disney film and J.M. Barrie's enchanting play, Peter Pan Jr. is a modern version of the timeless tale about a boy who wouldn't grow up with no flying required! The score includes new arrangements of classic Disney songs and a story featuring one rousing adventure after another.
Wendy Darling loves to tell stories to her brothers, Michael and John. But when her father announces she must move out of the nursery, Peter Pan comes to visit the children and whisks them away to Never Land. Their journey introduces them to the Lost Boys, Mermaids, Indians and even the infamous pirate, Captain Hook! It’s Peter to the rescue when Wendy is taken captive by the dreaded captain who has his own sinister plans in mind for our hero. For tickets and more information, check www.SDKROCCENTER.org and click the calendar section (http://www.sd.kroccenter.org/calendar.html).
SANTEE STREET FAIR AND CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL MAY 28
The Santee Street Fair and Craft Beer Festival draws over 30,000 visitors each year with patriotic fund for the whole family. The eight annual festival will be held this year on Saturday, May 28th from 10a.m to 6 p.m. at Riverview Parkway and Town Center Parkway in Santee. The festival will feature local breweries and honor the military on the Heroes Stage.
Festival highlights include: a craft beer festival, live music and entertainment, a crafter row and artist alley, over 300 food and vendor booths, carnival rides, and games for the family. For detail or tickets visit http://santeestreetfair.com/ .
GREGORY PAGE ONE MAN SHOW MAY 29 AT MISSION TRAILS
The Mission Trails Regional Park Foundation welcomes acclaimed musician Gregory Page performing his One Man Show on Sunday, May 29, 2016: 3 to 4 p.m. at Mission Trails Regional Park’s Visitor Center (1 Father Junipero Serra Trail, San Diego).
You’re invited to “rewind” to a bygone era with an afternoon of endearing, enduring, enchanting and entertaining music by the one and only Mr. Gregory Page. Gregory Page is a London-born "croonadour" –that’s crooner+troubadour--and recording artist. The Gregory Page Songbook has been featured in film, on television, the BBC and NPR’s Prairie Home Companion. He is an international touring artist, and has performed his One Man Show in Europe to both critical and popular acclaim. For more information visit www.MTRP.org.
JULIAN FIDDLE AND PICKIN’ CONTEST JUNE 4-5
The California Old Time Fiddlers Association invites you to the Julian Fiddle and Pickin’ Contest on Saturday and Sunday, June 4th and 5th plus a Saturday night performance by two two-time National Fiddle champions. There’s also a warm-up workshop on Friday June 3rd led by a national Grand Fiddle champions.
Whether you’re a fiddler, picker or just a spectator there’s plenty of fun Julian, with jamming throughout town during the contest weekend. If you play, you’re encouraged to bring yourself and your instrument, and be prepared to smile all day and all night long. For a full schedule and details, you can visit http://SanDiegoFiddler.org.
LA MESA FLAG DAY PARADE JUNE 4
The City of La Mesa shows its patriotic spirit with the La Mesa Flag Day Parade on Saturday, June 4, 2016. This annual community supported event is held along La Mesa Boulevard through the downtown village. This year’s theme is Salute to Old Glory and the Grand Marshal will be Cabrillo National Park in honor of the National Park Service’s 100th anniversary.
Pre-parade concerts start at 9 a.m. featuring local middle school bands. The parade rolls out at 10 a.m. Afterwards, a community ice cream social will be held at La Mesa Blvd. and 4th Street (north side). For more information you can visit the City of La Mesa’s website (http://www.cityoflamesa.com/DocumentCenter/View/8762).
TASTE OF LA MESA JUNE 6
The La Mesa Chamber of Commerce will host its 8th Annual “Taste of La Mesa” will be held on Monday, June 6, 2016 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the La Mesa Community Center. The public is invited to sample fare from many local restaurants and other food providers.
Earlybird rates are in effect through May 31st. For tickets and reservations, you can visit www.LaMesaChamber.com.
FIDO FEST - PAWS IN THE PARK JUNE 11
The city of Santee announces Fido Fest, a “paws in the park” event on June 11 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 550 Park Center Drive, Santee.
This event features activities for both pups and people, including a Mega Adoption event with pups from several rescue organizations plus an opportunity drawing to benefit dogs on deployment.
SAN DIEGO FOLLIES TIME WARP JUNE 16-19 AT HELIX
Christian Youth Theatre will present the 9th annual San Diego Follies on June 16 through June 19 at the Helix Mainstage Theater at Helix High School in La Mesa, San Diego’s largest musical revue spectacle with dazzling costumes, scenery and lighting. This year’s Time Warp show will feature hilarious skits, musical numbers, flashy dancing and a live band. For tickets visit www.CYTSanDiego.org.
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 24th 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.
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.
Audio:
Destination5-13-16
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