East County News Service

April 19, 2017 (San Diego) - On Sunday, April 30, the San Diego County Vintners Association’s 22^nd Annual Wine & Food Festival returns to Bernardo Winery.  The festival features over 25 local wineries, national and international award-winning wines, unlimited food sampling, live music, and a silent auction.

East County News Service

Photo: Jupiter and its moons

April 19, 2017 (Julian) -- You’re invited to a star party at William Heise County Park (4945 Heise Park Rd.) in Julian this Saturday, April 22^nd starting at 7 p.m. with the Curiosity Peak Observatory and the Julian Dark Sky Network. The event celebrates International Dark Sky Week.   Organizers state, “Join us to travel through space and time and get to see what our local starry nights have to offer. You will get to see planets, moon, star clusters, nebulae, galaxies and Jupiter with all its moons.”

East County News Service

April 18, 2017 (Jamul) – Fantastic local wines, great food and live entertainment will be just a few of the highlights of the second annual Wine Festival benefiting St. Pius X Catholic Church's building fund.  On Saturday, April 29, from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., wine lovers will enter the event grounds in Jamul, Calf. and begin tasting wines from the following participating wineries:

East County News Service

April 8, 2017 (Rancho San Diego) -- In conjunction with the Spring Garden Festival and the Butterfly Festival at Cuyamaca College in Rancho San Diego, the Heritage of the Americas Museum holds a very special drawing each year:  the "Five-Choices Dream Drawing."  The drawing will take place at the museum on Saturday, April 29, at 2:30 p.m.  Tickets can be bought in advance or the day of the festival.  You don't have to be present to win.  The cost of a drawing ticket is $1.00.  The Heritage of the Americas Museum is located on the campus of Cuyamaca College in Rancho San Diego.  Admission to the museum and parking will be free that day. 

East County News Service

April 7, 2017 (Flinn Springs) - The Alpine Kiwanis Club invites the public to attend the 27th Annual Vintage Alpine fundraiser held from 1 - 4 p.m. on May 7, hosted by the nonprofit Kiwanis Club of Alpine Foundation, Inc. This "Wine Experience in the Country" will take place within the lovely gardens of Summers Past Farms at 15602 Old Highway 80 in Flinn Springs.

East County News Service

April 7, 2017 (Lakeside) -- The 53rd Annual Lakeside Rodeo brings the exciting action of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association to the Lakeside Arena April 28th, 29th & 30th, with four full rodeo performances featuring the seven events of rodeo: bull riding, bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, calf roping, barrel racing (WPRA), tie down roping, and team roping.

East County News Service

April 5, 2017 (San Diego’s East County) -- This week’s Destination East County includes a Spring Carnival at Lake Jennings, Sweat Pea Day at Summers Past Farms, a Hot Rods and Chili Cookoff in Jamul, a Taste of Julian, a Bunny Train ride in Campo, and a production of the Dresser in La Mesa.

Plus, we’ll tell you about coming attractions including a Mariachi concert at Cuyamaca College, an Egg-stravaganza at Santee Lakes, Spring Harp Fest in La Mesa, the opening of Cajon Classic Car Show and outdoor concerts in El Cajon, Clint Black in concert at Sycuan, a Spring Butterfly and Garden Festival, and the San Diego Festival Chorus’ Spring Concert.

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

Also check out Julian Gold Rush Days at the Julian Mining Company just across the street

By Miriam Raftery

April 2, 2017 (San Diego’s East County) – There’s still time to bring home a bouquet of fragrant lilacs as the Lilac Festival continues in its final day of the season at Fort Cross Old Timey Adventures today.  It’s all part of a revitalization of new activities reclaiming the region's  historical roots along Highway 78 just outside of Julian in San Diego's East County.

East County News Service

March 29, 2017 (San Diego’s East County) -- This week’s Destination East County includes an anniversary party for the Anza Borrego Foundation, Julian Gold Rush Days, the Peg Leg Smith Liar’s Contest,  a harp concert,  veterans sharing history from the Korean War, and more.

Plus, we’ll tell you about coming attractions including a Spring Carnival at Lake Jennings, Sweet Pea Day at Summers Past Farms, a Taste of Julian, Bunny Train Rides, an Eggstravaganza, a butterfly festival, and concerts by country music star Clint Black.

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

East County News Service

March 28, 2017 (Lemon Grove) - The Mt. Miguel School Alumni Foundation, a 501c3 nonprofit, will hold a Spring Craft Fair on Saturday April 29 from 10:00 a.m. to 3 p.m.at Lemon Grove Academy Auditorium on School Lane in Lemon Grove.  All proceeds will go to fund Mt Miguel High School Programs and Scholarships.

East County News Service

March 25, 2017 (Borrego Springs) – On April 1^st (no fooling!) the Anza Borrego Foundation will hold a day-long celebration commemorating its founding 50 years ago. 

The ABF will throw a party to look back at its accomplishments to support the Anza Borrego Desert State Park, and set the mood for the next 50 years.  

East County News Service

March 25, 2017 (Lakeside) – Thousands of eggs and 1,700 pounds of trout are among the attractions at the Spring Carnival Lake Jennings slated for Saturday, April 8 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.   The event will also feature free paddle boating for the whole family, a Kid’s Pond for children under age 10, rainbow trout fishing and of course, an egg hunt. 

East County News Service

March 21, 2017 (Santee) -- The City of Santee, and Santee Lakes present the 14th annual Spring Eggstravaganza at Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve (Lake #5) on Saturday, April 15^th from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

East County News Service

March 14, 2017 (La Mesa) – The 18^th annual Spring Harp Fest, showing harmonica players and more, will be held on Saturday, April 15 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Harry Griffen Park (9550 Milden St.) in La Mesa. 

The event is free though a $10 donation is suggested. Funds are used to donate harmonicas to local schools. This year’s lineup includes:

East County News Service

March 13, 2017 (Lakeside)  - Lakeside's River Park Conservancy will hold the 10th annual San Diego River Run 5k on Saturday, May 6 from  8 a.m. to 11 a.m.at the Lakeside River Park trail.

The San Diego River Run 5k will be held in the morning this year, with on-site registration beginning at 7:00 am and the race starting at 8:00 am. The event will take place at Lakeside's River Park located at 10398 Channel Road, Lakeside.