DESTINATION EAST COUNTY: TOP FESTIVALS AND EVENTS MAY 25-JUNE 30

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East County News  Service

May 22, 2023 (San Diego’s East County) – Concerts, comedy, a Flag Day parade, a musical play, food festivals, a pride walk, and a library fundraiser are all coming up in San Diego’s inland region during late May and June. 

Scroll down for full details on these and more festive events coming up.

CONCERT TO BENEFT GROSSMONT AND CUYAMACA COLLEGES MAY 25

Grossmont Cuyamaca Community College district invites you to an evening of musical celebration to bridge the gap between student success and equity, raising funds for students studying musical arts. 

Nationally renowned musical artists will join students from Grossmont and Cuyamaca Community colleges and other local musicians at this inaugural event on Thursday, May 25 from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Samuel M. Ciccati Performing Arts Center at Cuyamaca College.

The concert is organized by the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Music Alliance.

100% of all ticket sales will directly benefit students, providing essential funding for the music programs at Grossmont and Cuyamaca Community Colleges.  For tickets ($40) you can visit To buy tickets, click here  or visit EventBrite.com and search for the Grossmont Cuyamaca Music Alliance.

JULIAN TOWN SQUARE CONCERT JUNE 3

The Julian Community Heritage Foundation will host its second annual Town Square Music Festival on June 3rd. This music festival will feature seven live bands, as well as food, local artisans, raffles, silent auctions and more.

All donations will benefit the continued development of the Julian Town Square, in the heart of historic Julian.

Find more information at www.juliantownsquare.org.

LA MESA FLAG DAY PARADE UNFURLS JUNE 3

You’re invited to join the City of La Mesa in saluting “Old Glory” during the city’s annual Flag Day Parade.  The parade begins at 10 a.m. at the intersection of Memorial Drive, University Ave. and La Mesa Blvd., then heads west through the La Mesa village to Acacia Ave.  The Grossmont High School Royal Blue Regiment and the Navy Junior ROTC Color Guard will lead the parade.

This year’s Grand Marshal will be Carol Lockwood, chosen based on 50 years of service as an educator in the Grossmont Union High School District and her involvement in many city projects, committees and programs.

The La Mesa Community Relations and Veterans Commission will provide free ice cream bars at “The Lookout” at Legacy Park on the corner of La Mesa Blvd., 4th St., and Allison Ave., while supplies last.

For more information, visit https://www.cityoflamesa.us/1665/Flag-Day-Parade

DESCANSO DAY JUNE 3

Descanso’s first community fair was held in 1899 under a tent near the creek. The tradition has grown through the years to include a parade and community fair, which this year will be held on June 3. The festivities take place at the historic Descanso Town Hall, 24536 Viejas Grade Road in Descanso, a small rural town east of Alpine.

Arrive early, since roads close at 8 a.m. for the parade, which begins at 9 a.m.  The parade is followed by the fair which begins at 10 a.m. and runs until 4 p.m.

You’re invited to “get your boots on” to learn about the town’s history and enjoy the fun, which includes music by Whiskey Ridge, food by Descanso Junction, and beer served up by Burning Beard Brewing Company. There will also be vendors, children’s games, face painting, horseshoe tournaments, a cakewalk, raffle and more.

 SALSA Y SALSA FIESTA JUNE 3

The Lemon Grove Lions Club invites you to its Salsa y Salsa Fiesta on Saturday, June 3 from 6 to 9 p.m. at 3205 Olive Street in Lemon Grove. The event will celebrate the Lions Club's 8th anniversary and raise funds for local service projects.

The evening includes a no host bar, raffles, silent auction, salsa contest, DJ, and a performance by the Fabulous Five Dancers-SD Forever Lions Club. The event will be catered by Big Boz Taco Cart. 

The salsa contest is the highlight of the evening, with the chance to prove you do have the best salsa. If you're interested in entering the contest or buying tickets ($35) for the event, please call JoAnne Burke at 619-469-7350.

Organizers urge, “We hope everyone will come out to support our local service projects and have a great time!"

LIBRARY BENEFIT CONCERT JUNE 4 IN CASA DE ORO

Friends of the Casa de Oro Library will hold a benefit concert Sunday, June 4, at 7 p.m. in a private home.



The featured entertainment will be Fred Benedetti  and Robert Wetzel, an award-winning guitar duo. Light refreshments will be served.

For tickets ($50) email casalibraryfriends@gmail.com

Friends of the Casa de Oro Library is raising funds to build a new library for the community.  

SANTEE PRIDE WALK JUNE 10

The Santee United Methodist Church is sponsoring a Pride Walk on June 10 supporting the LGBTQ+ community, diversity and inclusion in Santee. The walk will start with a brief kick-off rally from 12:30 to 1 p.m. at the church at 8964 Magnolia Ave., just north of Mission Gorge Rd. Parking is available at the church and on the surrounding streets. Carpooling is suggested.

Speakers include:

 

• Pastor Jaime Pangman
• Andrea Beth Damsky, Director Helix Water Board
• Ryan DarseyVice Chair San Diego Democratic Party-East Area and lifelong Santee resident
• Lauren Casarez, Communications Director East County Democratic Caucus & lifelong Santee resident
• John Minto, Santee Mayor
 

The walk will be from Magnolia and Mission Gorge west to Cuyamaca and back, covering about two miles. This is a City-permitted event and all participants are asked to remain on the sidewalk, to observe all traffic signs, and to please refrain from obstructing traffic. The public is invited to “please join in and let’s make this a joyous event for the Santee Community.

SOUNDS OF SUMMER JUNE 17 IN LA MESA

 The California Note Catchers, a women's four-part harmony chorus, will be presenting "Sounds of Summer" on Saturday, June 17, at 2 p.m. The concert will be held at the La Mesa First United Methodist Church, 4690 Palm Ave., La Mesa. 

The chorus will be singing classic and traditional songs.  Also featured will be community guest ensembles. For more information, visit www.californianotecatchers.com.

LAUREL AND HARDY COMEDY JUNE 17

Saps at Sea, the San Diego chapter of the Sons of the Desert, the Laurel & Hardy appreciation society, will present their June meeting "Stan & Ollie in Cop Troubles" on June 17 at Trinity Presbytarian Church in Spring Valley.  

This month's guest cartoon is Droopy Dog in Northwest Hounded Police, followed by two guest comedians:  Buster Keaton in The Goat and Joe McDoakes  in So You Think You're Not Guilty.  

After intermission, the Saps will screen Laurel & Hardy's first feature, Pardon Us. as well as the short film The Hoose-Gow.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with the show starting at 7.  For more information, visit the Saps at Sea Facebook page.

TASTE OF SAN DIEGO EAST ON JUNE 26

The La Mesa Chamber of Commerce’s 14th annual popular “foodie” event, Taste of San Diego East, is set for Monday, June 26 from 4:30 to  p.m. at the newly renovated Town & Country Hotel in Mission Valley. The popularity and crowd of this annual event has outgrown the La Mesa Community Center, where it was held for the first 10 years.

Guests are invited to taste, savor  mingle in the ballroom and visit with business There will be food samples, prizes, a silent auction and raffles. For tickets and reservations, visit lamesachamber.net/taste/.

LEMON GROVE CONCERTS IN THE PARK  JUNE 29-AUGUST10

 The City of Lemon Grove invites you to Concerts in the Park each Thursday evening from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Berry Street Park (7071 Mt.Vernon St., Lemon Grove).  The concerts run from June 29 through August 10.

Bring a blanket or lawn chair along with your own picnic or barbecue.

Alcohol is prohibited and the park is smoke-free. Pets must be on a leash.

 

GREASE ONSTAGE IN LA MESA JUNE 30-JULY 9

Visionary Youth Theatre presents Grease: School Version at the Visionary Performance Space (8674 La Mesa Blvd, La Mesa) on June 30 – July 9. 

The hit musical with a hip-shaking, rock ‘n’ roll score celebrates Rydell High’s class of 1959 in all their duck-tailed, bobby-socked, gum-snapping glory. The fun-loving spirit and immortal songs  make Grease a favorite among rock ‘n’ roll fans of all ages.

For tickets, you can visit https://visionarydancetheatre.org/2023-vyt-greasesv/

 

 

 



 

 


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