By Miriam Raftery

Photo: Jacques Sapier serves up a glass of peach and cherry sangria

May 28, 2017 (Ramona) – What better way to start off summertime than sipping sangrias on a stone patio in the noontime sun?  At Vineyard Grant James, a sangria contest  began Friday and continues through Monday for Memorial Day reason. 

Savor three tasty options – peach cherry, lemonade or a red wine and jalapeño based sangria—and then vote for your favorite.  Glimpsing the jarful of ballots, the votes appeared split between all three of these creative choices, which went well with a delightful  locally made cheese that we savored as well.

East County News Service

May 24, 2017 (San Diego) -- Pack some popcorn and gather up family and friends for Summer Movies in the Park. The fun, family-friendly – and free! – series officially kicks off this season with “Moana” at Waterfront Park on Friday, May 26. Many showings coming up are at parks in East County, starting with a showing of “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” in Dos Picos Park in Ramona on  Saturday, May 27.

By Miriam Raftery, East County Magazine

May 23, 2017 (San Diego's East County) -- This week’s Destination East County includes a catfish opener at Santee Lakes this Memorial Day weekend,  Ramona Valley Wine Country’s Summer of Wine kick-off events, the Coyote Band in an outdoor concert in downtown El Cajon,  the Baja Blues Boys live in Ramona and open ranch  day at the Oasis Camel Dairy.

Plus, we’ll tell you about coming attractions including the La Mesa Flag Day parade,  Fly Days at the Gillespie Field Café,  Family Day at the Van Ommering Dairy in Lakeside, Lavender Day at Summers Past Farm, Boars and Brew at the Lakeside River Park, the Julian Dance, Fido Fest, a Taste of La Mesa,  summer concerts in  Santee, Father’s Day adventures, a Julian Blues Fest, and the Secret Life of Pets at Santee Lakes featuring a movie plus close encounters with animal ambassadors from around the world. 

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

By Miriam Raftery

May 22, 2017 (Lakeside) – June is National Dairy Month. To celebrate, Van Ommering Dairy/Oma’s Pumpkin Patch in Lakeside invites you to celebrate during Family Day at the Dairy on Saturday, June 3 with tours, ice cream and use of play activities from slides and swings to a petting zoo.

East County News Service

May 18, 2017 (La Mesa) -- The La Mesa Chamber of Commerce encourages you to taste foods and beverages from dozens of local restaurants at the ninth annual “Taste of La Mesa” being held on Monday, June12th from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the La Mesa Community Center, 4975 Memorial Drive in La Mesa.

East County News Service

May 19, 2017 (Spring Valley) – Calling all walkers! You’re invited to get on track and take turns walking for 24 hours, since cancer never sleeps. It’s all part of the American Cancer Society Relay for Life team event to fight cancer this Saturday and Sunday, May 21, starting at 9 a.m. each day at Monte Vista High School’s football field, 3230 Sweetwater Springs Blvd. in Spring Valley.

East County News Service

May 15, 2017 (San Diego’s East County) – This week’s Destination East County includes La Mesa Rocks, the Manzanita Rendezvous, Julian Fiddle and Pickin’ Contest, El Cajon’s America on Main Street, Explore Mission Trails Day, a Wild in the Country Casino Real benefit, and the Grip It and Rip It Golf Tournament.

Plus, we’ll tell you about coming attractions including a production of Into the Woods, , open house at the Oasis Camel Dairy, La Mesa’s Flag Day Parade, Fly Days at Gillespie Field, the annual Julian Dance and Barbecue, Fido Fest in Santee, Lavender Days at Summers Past Farms, Sundays at Six Concerts in LA Mesa, Night Fishing at Santee Lakes, the Julian Blues Fest,  Santee Summer Concerts, a Father’s Day Brunch with Cowboy Jack, and a Father’s Day adventure at Fort Cross in Julian filled with rugged, manly experiences! 

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

Source: City of La Mesa

May 12, 2017 (La Mesa) -- The La Mesa Park & Recreation Foundation will hold its annual “La Mesa Rocks!” event to benefit local La Mesa parks on May 19. The proceeds from this event provide FREE family activities such as summer concerts, movies in the park, science days and recreational events for kids.  The Foundation is currently raising funds to renovate playgrounds at Vista La Mesa, Collier and La Mesita parks.

East County News Service

May 11, 2017 (La Mesa) – The City of La Mesa invites you to wear your red, white and blue to salute “Old Glory” at the 20th annual La Mesa Flag Day Parade on Saturday, June 3rd. The parade begins at 10:00 a.m. through the La Mesa Downtown Village, led by the United States 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Band.

By Carl Costantinto

Photos by Carl Constantino and Debbie Parker

May 3, 2017 (Lake Morena) -- Step back in time at the 24th Annual Manzanita High Mountain Rendezvous. Meet colorful characters from the French and Indian War, thru to the North American Fur Trade era, circa 1750 - 1840.

See mountain men and women in period attire living in tipis and period tent encampments.  Watch demonstrations of the everyday skills of the era, such as starting a fire with flint & steel, how to load & shoot a flintlock rifle, throw a knife & tomahawk, and shoot a primitive longbow.  There is a blacksmith shop where you can watch and learn about the important work of the 1800’s blacksmith.  Or just relax and listen to period music being played under the shady oaks.  Bring your camera and come enjoy a trip back in time.

By Miriam Raftery

May 3, 2017 (Jacumba Hot Springs) — The Jacumba Arts Council invites you to hear “finger-pickin’ good” blues bands at the Jacumba Blues Festival this Saturday, May 6 starting at 1 p.m.  There will also be barbecue food, vendors and a raffle to benefit local arts.

East County News Service

May 1, 2017 (San Diego’s East County) -- This week’s Destination East County includes hot events happening in May across our region, from Friday night dinners and concerts in El Cajon, to Mother’s Day teas in Julian. 

Plus, we’ll tell you about coming attractions including America on Main Street in El Cajon, Explore Mission Trails Days, and more.

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

East County News Service

April 26, 2017 (San Diego’s East County) -- This week’s Destination East County includes Lakeside’s Rodeo and Western Days Parade, a wine-tasting festival in Jamul, and a Cinco de Mayo celebration at Cajon Classic Cruises.

Plus, we’ll tell you about coming attractions including the opening of El Cajon’s dinner and a concert series, a fashion show to benefit East County arts, Vintage Alpine, butterfly festivals, Explore Mission Trails, and El Cajon’s America on Main Street celebration.

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

By Miriam Raftery

April 22, 2017 (Rancho San Diego) – During the Spring Garden Festival at Cuyamaca College, Heritage of the Americas Museum is offering entertaining and education presentations including tops on NASA, the National Parks, and Native American fire building:

Journey through the Cosmos with the Art of NASA - 11 a.m.

Adventure & Discoveries in Your Nearby National Parks - 1 p.m.

Kumeyaay Fire-Making & Artifacts - 2 p.m.

Scroll down for details.

East County News Service

April 19, 2017 (El Cajon) - America on Main Street, a family fun celebration honoring the American spirit, will be held in downtown El Cajon on May  20th from 12 noon. to 8 p.m. The event includes four stages with live entertainment, a Ferris Wheel, petting zoo, hay ride, pony rides, kids’ games and crafts.