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By Miriam Raftery
October 16, 2019 (San Diego’s East County) -- This week’s Destination East County features our own haunting Halloween Party, Matilda the Musical in Spring Valley, On Golden Pond in La Mesa, a Chamber music series at Cuyamaca College, Fall at the farm in Julian, a pumpkin patch at Summers Past Farms, headliner concerts at the Magnolia Center in El Cajon, trick or treating in the La Mesa Village, the Julian Autumn Jubilee, Borrego Days Festival and Parade, Pints 4 the Park, and a Green Homes Tour.
Plus, we have a preview of coming events including HauntFest on Main in El Cajon, the Ramona Art & Wine Festival, costume contests for people and pets at Bates Nut Farm, spooky campovers at Lake Jennings, a Halloween Bash at Parkway Plaza, trick or treating at Grossmont Center, a Cultural Arts Expo in El Cajon, the Mother Goose Parade, Pomegranate Days at the Oasis Camel Dairy, and Julian’s Country Christmas.
So scroll down for all of these events and many more!
EAST COUNTY MAGAZINE’S HALLOWEEN PARTY
You’re invited to our very own East County Magazine Halloween Party! Our annual event takes place at a haunting manor on Mt. Helix on Saturday,October 26 from 4 to 8 p.m.
Wear a costume to compete in our costume contest, enjoy live music by Shay Skylar, bring a delicious dish to share and RSVP early to reserve space!
For tickets and details, you can visit EastCountyMagazine.org/HalloweenParty2019.
MATILDA, THE MUSICAL OCT. 10-27 IN SPRING VALLEY
Young Actors Theatre presents “Matilda, The Musical” at the Encore! Theatre in Spring Valley. The musical opened October 10th and continues through October 27th.
Inspired by the book by author Roald Dahl, the Tony Award-winning Matilda: The Musical from the Royal Shakespeare Company revels in the anarchy of childhood, the power of imagination and the inspiring story of a girl who dreams of a better life. Matilda has won 47 international awards and continues to thrill sold-out audiences of all ages around the world. For tickets, you can visit https://www.yatsandiego.org.
LAGUNA MOUNTAIN RENDEZVOUS CONTINUES THROUGH OCT. 19
You’re invited to step back in time at the Laguna Mountain Rendezvous, an authentic Rocky Mountain fur traders’ encampment from the early 1800s. Relive this historic past with demonstrations of primitive survival skills such as tool making, cooking, tomahawk throwing, archery and black power target shooting. Also enjoy music and more.
You can also buy a medallion and earn a chance to win a bronze Mountain Man Statue that is a reproduction of the original by artist Frederic Remington.
Campers with primitive period-style gear and clothing are also welcome to participate.
Find details, directions and registration forms at http://www.lagunamountainrendezvous.com/.
ON GOLDEN POND OCT. 11 THROUGH NOV. 10 IN LA MESA
Lamplighters Theatre in La Mesa presents “On Golden Pond” October 11th through November 10th. The play’s plot focuses on aging couple Ethel and Norman Thayer, who spend each summer at their home on a lake called Golden Pond. Through the years they are visited by their daughter with her fiancé and his son. The play explores the often turbulent relationship the young woman shared with her father growing up, and the difficulties faced by a couple in the twilight years of a long marriage.
CHAMBER MUSIC SERIES AT CUYAMACA COLLEGE
The ECHO Chamber Music Series hosts 14 concerts at Cuyamaca College’s Performing Arts Theatre this season, featuring classical music performers such as Jason Vieaux, Bach Collegium, the Dalí Quartet, members of the San Diego Symphony and other internationally acclaimed musicians who have performed across the globe.
The season runs from fall of this year through June 4th of next year. Find a full list of performers and ticket information at EchoChamberMusic.org.
FALL AT THE FARM EACH OCTOBER WEEKEND
Julian Farm and Orchard invites you to Fall at the Farm, each weekend now through October 31st from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The fun includes hayrides, apple cider pressing, a pumpkin patch, farm animals, berry and apple picking. You can also see an apple pie making demonstration, or try your hand at archery, candle-dipping or axe-throwing. There’s also a seasonal farm store featuring country wares and more.
You can find more information at JulianMiningCompany.com and click on the U-pick link to find activities at Julian Farm and Orchard, under the same family ownership.
JULIAN AUTUMN JUBILEE EACH WEEKEND IN OCTOBER
Fort Cross Old Timey Adventures will host its Julian Autumn Jubilee each weekend in October. Fort Cross is located on Highway 78 in Santa Ysabel, just outside of Julian. Hours are Saturdays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays 11:15 a.m. to 5 p.m.
All are welcome to enjoy visiting the U-pick pumpkin patch. Additional activities are available for a fee and packages are available. Options include cider pressing and tasting, mini pumpkin painting, a petting zoo, reptile show, hayride, hoedown, candle making, tire swings, archery, tomahawk throwing, and paint balls at the Ghost Town slingshot range.
Guests are welcome to bring a picnic lunch to enjoy with views of Volcan Mountain. You can find more information at www.fortcross.com.
MAGNOLIA CENTER CONCERTS
The Magnolia Center, formerly known as the East County Performing Arts Center, has a full season of stellar entertainment lined up.
Concerts coming up include the legendary singer Englebert Humperdink, progressive metal band Dream Theater, Grammy award-winning Mexican songwriter Ramon Ayala, Salsa artist Willie Colon, and the World of Dance Live.
For tickets and the full lineup, visit www.MagnoliaSanDiego.com or the Magnolia on Facebook.
BORREGO DAYS DESERT FESTIVAL OCT. 18-20
The 52nd annual Borrego Days Desert Festival in Borrego Springs will be held Friday through Sunday, October 18ththrough 20th. This year’s theme is “Bloom in Borrego.”
The Borrego Days Parade will roll out at 10 a.m. on Saturday, October 18th, including a multi-plane flyover before the parade begins. The parade itself features floats, Western trick-riding cowboys and their horses, marching bands, plus classic cars with the Borrego Springs queens and princesses.
At Christmas Circle, you can visit booths offering artwork, handmake goods, crafts and foods. There’s also a carnival fun zone for kids and for adults, a beer garden and live music to dance into the sunset and under the clear starry night sky.
For more information, visit https://borregodays.com/.
PINTS 4 THE PARK OCT. 19 IN BORREGO SPRINGS
Anza Borrego Foundation is kicking off the fall season with its fourth annual “Pints 4 the Park” as part of Borrego Days on Saturday, Oct. 19 from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
The event includes tastes from microbreweries, live music and food from Carmelita’s Mexican Grill and Cantina, all to benefit the foundation which supports California’s largest state park, the Anza Borrego Desert State Park. The event will be held at the Mall in Borrego Springs and tickets are available at www.TheABF.org.
GREEN HOMES TOUR OCT. 19-20
The San Diego Green Building Council, a nonprofit organization promoting sustainable building and community practices in San Diego, will host its 10th annual Green Homes Tour on Saturday, Oct. 19 and Sunday, Oct. 20.
The tour has been expanded this year to two full days, showcasing a diverse collection of the most innovative eco-friendly homes in our region. Saturday will include homes in central San Diego, East County and South County. Sunday will focus on homes in North County.
Find more information at sdgreenhomestour.org/.
HAUNTFEST OCT. 25 IN EL CAJON
HauntFest in downtown El Cajon is expected to draw around 40,000 visitors in Friday, October 25th from 5 to 10 p.m.
The 8th annual HauntFest includes live music on two stages, costume contests on the Main Street stage, expanded carnival rides and games, candy challenge activities, a Kidz Zone, face painting, performances by TNT dancers and the Arts in Motion Crew and Junior Crew. There’s also the St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center Pumpkin Patch, craft and game booths, an LED rock wall, inflatable jumps for kids, showings of the first two Harry Potter movies and more.
Find more haunting details at www.HauntFest.org.
PUMPKIN PATCH AT SUMMERS PAST FARMS HAS CORN MAZE AND MORE
“Fall is our favorite time at Summers Past Farms!” states an invitation to the Flinn Springs farm’s fun and festive pumpkin patch. You’ll also find a corn maze for kids and an inflatable jump, along with a field of pumpkins in all shapes and sizes to choose from.
The patch is open Thursday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. during October. Summers Past Farms is located at 15602 Olde Highway 80 in Flinn Springs, between El Cajon and Alpine.
For more information, visit www.SummersPastFarms.com.
COSTUME CONTESTS AT BATES NUT FARM
Bates Nut Farm in Valley Center has Halloween-themed events coming up including a Howl-o-Ween doggie costume contest and parade on October 26th and then a costume contest and parade for people on October 27th.
Guests can also enjoy music, food and more. For additional information and these and other events, you can visit www.BatesNutFarm.biz.
SPOOKY CAMP-O-WEEN AT LAKE JENNINGS
Spooky stories and s’mores, campsite trick-or-treating, creepy crafts and a campsite decorating contest are all part of Spooky Camp-o-Ween at Lake Jennings the last two weekends in October.
The grand prize in the costume contest is a camping weekend at the lake complete with boat rental and fishing permits.
For a full schedule of Spooky Camp-o-Ween events, activities and reservations, you can visit www.LakeJennings.org.
LIONS, TIGERS AND BEARS HOSTS SPOOKY CAMPOVER AND PUMPKIN BASH OCT. 25
You’re invited to pack your camping gear for a wild and ghoulish overnight adventure at Lions, Tigers and Bears animal sanctuary in Alpine on Friday night, October 25th and Saturday morning, October 26.
Camp under the stars alongside the rescued exotic animals, all in their secured habitats.
The fun begins Friday evening with pumpkin carving, campfire songs, s’mores and hot cocoa, plus an animal trivia challenge.
On Saturday morning, join in a costume contest and watch the animals enjoy their stuffed pumpkin treats during the 10 a.m. pumpkin bash.
Bring camping gear including tent, sleeping bag, flashlight or lantern, warm clothes and shoes, dinner, snacks and breakfast foods and a pumpkin or two to carve, plus a costume.
Guests must be age three or older for this event.
For tickets, visit https://www.lionstigersandbears.org.
TRUNK OR TREAT OCT. 30 IN EL CAJON
El Cajon’s Classic Cruise Nights ends its season October 30th with Trunk or Treat, including music, treats and a full street closure along Main Street in the heart of downtown El Cajon.
For more information, you can visit downtownelcajon.com.
SPOOKTACULAR HALLOWEEN BASH AT PARKWAY PLAZA OCT. 31
You’re invited to bring the family to Parkway Plaza shopping center’s Spooktacular Halloween Bash on October 31st from 5 to 7 p.m.
Trick-or-treating, complimentary photos, crafts and carnival games are all included for ghosts and ghouls ages 12 and under. You can also show off your spooky costume and get ready for some monster madness!
Find more information at www.shoppingparkwayplaza.com.
TRICK OR TREAT AT GROSSMONT CENTER OCT. 31
Grossmont Center in La Mesa has safe trick-or-treating for children on October 31st from 3 to 5 p.m.
Youngsters in costumes can pick up trick or treat bags at Guest Services and get treats from all participating merchants. Learn more at www.GrossmontCenter.com.
TRICK OR TREAT IN LA MESA VILLAGE ON HALLOWEEN OCT. 31
The La Mesa Village Association invites the community for family-friendly Trick-or-Treating in downtown La Mesa on Halloween. Participating businesses will be handing out treats from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on October 31st in La Mesa’s historic downtown village. Some will also offer discounts and promotions. Costumes are encouraged!
Bring a trick-or-treat bucket or bag to collect your goodies at this family-friendly Halloween happening.
Look for the orange and black balloons identifying participating merchants in downtown La Mesa along La Mesa Blvd. & adjoining streets (on both the west and east side of Spring St. - Acacia to Grant Ave.)
Participating businesses can be found on the LMVA’s trick-or-treat webpage:
http://www.lamesavillageassociation.org/events/trick-or-treating-in-la-mesa-village.aspx
SEVENTH ANNUAL RAMONA ART AND WINE FESTIVAL NOV. 2
The seventh annual Ramona Art and Wine Festival will be held at Begent Ranch, 18528 Highland Valley Road, Ramona, Calif., on Saturday, November 2nd, 2019, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tickets are available at at http://ramonaartandwinefest.net. (PayPal or credit card) or at the door.
Guests can taste wine, enjoy gourmet food bites, shop for original art, and bid on uniquely painted and re-structured wine barrels, including a dog house, table, and chair along with the winning 2019 poster art—a watercolor painting by Lynette Bredow—while listening to live music at the scenic Begent Ranch.
Arthur Leonardi, director and writer of the animated titles for the movies “The Revenge of the Pink Panther” and “The Trail of the Pink Panther” starring Peter Sellers, will join more than 30 talented San Diego County artists. An animator for Warner Bros., Hanna-Barbera, MGM, Universal Pictures and many more, Art Leonardi will be providing original art for the Festival’s silent auction, and will be selling authentic cartoon backgrounds and original cells of famous cartoon characters, and autographed copies of books about the Pink Panther.
Festival to Introduce Wine Barrel Furniture
In Addition to Popular Uniquely Painted Barrels
For this year’s live auction of painted wine barrels, the Festival will offer restructured wine barrels including, a dog house by artist Karen Riedler; a chair and table by artist Jamie Dougherty; and a barrel table by artist Danni Pearson. In addition are three painted barrels featuring cowgirls and crows by artist Charlene Pulsonetti; horse and animal friends painted by artist Marsha Cook; and painted cowgirls and cactus by artist Marie Bravo.
Gourmet Food Bites
This year the Festival will feature gourmet food bites provided by the following: John Little Catering; Something Delicious Catering; Marinade on Main; and The Good Seed Food Company.
Presenters and Sponsors
The Ramona Art and Wine Festival is presented by the Ramona H.E.A.R.T. Mural Project, Inc. http://ramonamurals.com and the Ramona Valley Vineyard Association www.ramonavalleyvineyards.org.
Sponsors include:
- Champagne Sponsors: Begent Ranch; Ramona Valley Vineyard Associatio
- Chardonnay Sponsors: Bank of Southern California, N.A; Sky Valley Network
- Grenache Rosé Sponsors: C&C Sales and Marketing-Glass Tech, Christine Wingar; Joyce T Strand, Author.
- White Zinfandel Sponsors: Lafitte Cork & Capsule, Napa, CA; Ramona Disposal.
The proceeds from the Festival will benefit the Ramona H.E.A.R.T. Mural Project, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation, with the mission to celebrate Ramona’s cultural heritage through an outdoor visual arts program that today includes hand-painted wall murals and mini-murals on utility boxes.
For additional information about the Festival, see http://ramonaartandwinefest.net.
Or call: (760) 315-1579.
CULTURAL ARTS EXPO NOV. 9 IN EL CAJON
You’re invited to discover local and international artists at the 2019 Cultural Art Expo on Saturday, November 9 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Marriott in downtown El Cajon.
Guests can enjoy live music by the Jazilla Band, a local Latin jazz legend, savor food samples from 12 to 2 p.m., visit a wine and beer garden, and enjoy artworks including adobe sculptures by Enrieque Avilez form Mexico City, fish carving sculptures by award winner Bob Berry, works by local artist Grace Schleisher, plus workshops by local artist Barbara Young and more.
You can stop by East County Magazine’s booth at the Cultural Art Expo to meet local authors, artists and our editor!
This year, the event also draws inspiration from the Don’t Give Up Movement, which strives to help struggling people find hope and prevent suicides. The event also honors the memory of local artist Nolan, who died at age 18.
For tickets and details, you can visit https://artexpoatthemarriott.com/.
MOTHER GOOSE PARADE NOV. 24 IN EL CAJON
The Mother Goose Parade has been delighting children and families for 73 years. This year, the parade will roll out through downtown El Cajon on Sunday, November 24th, starting at 1 p.m.
The parade features an array of floats, marching bands, equestrians, clowns, local celebrities and Santa Claus to welcome in the start of the holiday season. You can find the route and details at www.MotherGooseParade.org.
POMEGRANATE DAYS AT OASIS CAMEL DAIRY NOV. 29-DEC. 1
The Oasis Camel Dairy in Ramona continues its annual Thanksgiving season tradition with Pomegranate Days, a three-day weekend November 29th through December 1st.
Guests can enjoy feed pomegranates to friendly camels, camel rides and games for kids, a Wild West Turkey Stampede with the farm’s famous pardoned turkeys, foods, and circus acts by the Russel Brothers family including juggling, magic and more.
For reservations and more information, you can visit www.CamelDairy.com and click on the events tab.
JULIAN COUNTRY CHRISTMAS NOV. 30
Julian Country Christmas will be held on November 30th from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., with lighting of the town’s huge living Christmas tree and the arrival of Santa Claus between 5:30 and 6 p.m. at Pioneer Park in front of the Julian Pioneer Museum (2711 Washington St., Julian).
Visitors can also enjoy shopping at boutique shops and craft stores for one-of-a-kind gifts at this annual event hosted by the Julian Chamber of Commerce.
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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