October 27, 2012 (Lemon Grove)--Get ready to rumble.  Not content with just putting on the much-anticipated eighth annual Chili Cook-Off & Western Round-Up on November 3, Soroptimist of Lemon Grove has added -- gasp! -- judges!

That's right, pals, though you, your family and friends, will still deliver The People's Choice Award -- a coup de grace bestowed only on a gifted few -- the Big Jalapeño will be announced after a trio of judges has eaten themselves into a chili-induced torpor, then retired to consider the verdict.  (Actually, they'll be in a back room with ice packs on their heads, pencils in hand, pleading for a bodyguard.)

October 26, 2012 (Borrego Springs) -- Grab the family and head out to California’s Secret Desert™, Borrego Springs, for the 47th Annual Borrego Days Desert Festival.  Friends and family will gather for this three-day local tradition to enjoy the Heart of the Desert in our own backyard.  

The free festival, dedicated to the memory of Dennis Avery (1940-2012), takes place on October 26 from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and continues October 27 from 11:00 a.m.  to 10:00 p.m., and October 28 from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.  

October 18, 2012 (El Cajon) – HauntFest on Main is a new free event taking place in Downtown El Cajon on October 26, from 5:00 to 10:00 p.m.  The event will kick off a week long Centennial Celebration of the City of El Cajon that focuses on the historic downtown district.  HauntFest on Main will be a family-friendly event featuring live music from over 16 bands on multiple stages.  Performers include Eve Selis, Without Au Doubt, One Eighty and much more.

October 13, 2012 (San Diego) – East County parks have Halloween covered, from haunted hikes to safe Halloween events.  Following is a list of what’s happening around the County.

By Nadin Abbott

Photos by Tom Abbott

October 11, 2012 (Miramar Marine Corp Air Station)—This weekend’s air show at Miramar is the largest show in the continental United States, according to Lt. Col. Farnan. Visitors to the base can expect to see “more civilian and military aircraft in one place” than anywhere else.

Oct 11, 2012 (Rancho San Diego) – Halloween just got more frightening in the East County and it's happening at Cottonwood Golf Club with a "Scary Maze.” "Scary Maze" will frighten and entertain people of all ages beginning Friday, October 19 and continuing on Fridays and weekends through October 28.

The 10,000 square foot maze will be built on Cottonwood Golf Club's driving range. Stacked bales of hay and the design will provide a frightening challenge to find the exit. "We are taking the term "dead end" literally," said Henry Gamboa, Cottonwood Golf Club's Principal Owner.  He added, "There's a reason we are using the word "scary" to describe the maze and visitors will discover why as they try to make their way out."

October 6, 2012 (Lemon Grove) – The Lemon Grove Historical Society is holding its annual October Autumn Tea at the historic H. Lee House on October 14 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.  The Lee House is located at 3205 Olive in Lemon Grove.

The cost to attend is $23 per person and is first come, first served.  The seating is limited to 30.  For more information contact 619-460-4353 or lghistorical@gmail.com.

By Rebecca J. Williamson

October 6, 2012 (El Cajon)--El Cajon, indeed, will have chickens in their town – not just in ovens---but on hats! Where?  Oktoberfest -- held this weekend at the German-American Societies of San Diego, Inc. facility on South Mollison.

October 5, 2012 (San Diego) -- Mid-October is Homecoming week for San Diego State University. This year’s homecoming theme is “Paint the Town Red”--something the Honorary Chair and Grand Marshall for the festivities – The Show – knows all about!

SDSU will host several events starting Sunday, Oct. 7 and leading up to the homecoming football game against the Colorado State Rams on Saturday, Oct. 13, 2012 at 3:45 p.m. at Qualcomm Stadium.

October 5, 2012 (Valley Center) – Feast your eyes on the delicacies to be served up Saturday, October 6 at 2 p.m. during an English High Tea at Keys Lavendar Farm in Valley Center.  Savor vanilla scones with Devonshire cream and strawberry preserves,  Chicken Herbs de Provence and more while sipping on a variety of fruit blend and black teas—and of course, lavender tea.  See full menu.

Keys Creek Lavender Farm is located at 12460 Keys Creek Road in Valley Center, CA 92082.  For reservations call 760-742-0523 or email events@kclfarm.com 

If you can't attend, you can order products here.

September 27, 2012 (El Cajon) -- For fans of Oktoberfest in El Cajon, festivities will run September 28, 29 and 30, and again October 5, 6 and 7 at 1017 S. Mollison Avenue. Come and enjoy authentic German food and a variety of German pastries.

September 27, 2012 (Palomar) -- Did you know that Palomar Mountain State Park is made up of pioneer homesteads that included magnificent apple orchards still producing delicious apples to this day? On Sunday, October 21 from 11 a.m to 4 p.m. you’re invited to join in a celebration of  the Park's apple heritage with fresh apples picked from the park's 100 year old orchards, apple dishes, live music, cider, arts and crafts for kids, prizes and living history volunteers /re-enactors.

Guests are welcome to bring their own homemade apple dish-- and come dressed in 19th century homestead period attire. Admission is free to this second annual celebration.

September 22, 2012 (Alpine) – The annual Alpine Viejas Western Days Parade will be September 30 at 2 p.m. beginning at 2955 Alpine Blvd., Alpine (Albertsons).  The event includes a craft fair and car show from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  

The real Wells Fargo Stagecoach will be on display.  A rock-climbing wall and children's bounce house will also be available.  Enjoy live music and family fun at this event coordinated by the Alpine Stagecoach Lions. 

Please join us this evening to enjoy some cheer and help fund live reporting of wildfires and other hot news in East County! We now have THOUSANDS of dollars in great prizes!

Join us Wed. Sept. 26 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at El Cajon Brewing Co. for beer-tasting, great food, live music by Charlie Rae (she's opened for Sheryl Crow and other stars), tons of prizes, hot cars from Carrera Coachwerks and more during El Cajon's Classic Cruises' season finale.   

First 100 guests get a $10 voucher for FREE FOOD OR BEER!