May 30, 2013 (El Cajon)—Wing walking, mock air battles and pyrotechnics are among the attractions at this year’s Wings Over Gillespie Air Show. The event will take place June 1 and 2 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Gillespie Field, 1960 Joe Crosson Drive in El Cajon.

Tickets start at $8 for the event, which also features a free Kid’s Zone, amusement rides and a beer garden. This year's Wings Over Gillespie features a collection of San Diego aircraft and World War II aircraft. 

May 27, 2013 (Alpine) – The Alpine Historical Society will host the thirteenth annual Alpine History Day on June 1 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Museum, 2116 Tavern Road, Alpine.  Tour the two pioneer houses and Carriage House with new displays of Justin Gruelle’s paintings, the 107 year-old buggy, farming tools, equipment and more. The Ford Model T will also be on display.

There will be opportunity to learn about beekeeping and sewing on a treadle machine.  Third graders will read their winning essays on Alpine history and receive their awards.

By Sierra Robinson

May 24, 2013 (Santee) – Looking for some family fun this Memorial Day weekend? On Saturday, May 25, the Santee Chamber will be hosting the annual Santee Street Fair. Starting at 10:00 a.m. and running until 7:00 p.m., visitors of all ages can enjoy live music on three stages, over 300 vendor books, food, and entertainment fit for the whole family.

May 22, 2013 (Lakeside) – The Victorian Roses Ladies Riding Society presents their Wild West Casino Night 2 on June 1, 2013 at the Lakeside Rodeo Grounds, Lakeside, CA from 6-10 pm. It benefits Saving Horses Inc., a San Diego horse rescue charity.

Ticket price is $20/person & includes $200 in play chips. Beer or wine glasses are $20 each and come with 5 free drink tickets. Raffles, silent auction, door prizes, roulette, black jack, craps & poker tables.

Live music by the Honky Tonk Kings, food available for purchase by Descanso Junction Restaurant & Catering.

April 29, 2013 (Julian)--Following last year’s success, Julian’s 2nd Annual Wild and Scenic Film Festival, benefiting Volcan Mountain Foundation, returns May 17 – 19, 2013. This year's festival features an expanded program of 44 new films, almost 12 hours of unrepeated screening time broken into 9 sessions from Friday evening to Sunday evening.

The weekend is packed full of entertainment to delight audiences of all ages, as well as other activities ranging from wine-tasting to a hike up  Volcan Mountain to a party with dancing and live music for festival attendees.

May 4, 2013 (San Diego) -- The 11th Annual Explore Mission Trails Day is May 18 from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. (most of the events will occur between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.) at Mission Trails Regional Park, 1 Junipero Serra Trail, San Diego.  The celebration highlights everything Mission Trails has to offer and features events throughout the park, including free guided nature walks, talks and programs.  There will even be live animals and special programs for children. 

May 8, 2013 (Lakeside) – Internationally renowned horseman Chris Irwin is bringing his inspirational message on Horse Sense to Mountain View Ranch, 15665 El Monte Rd., Lakeside for a special one day clinic.  Irwin, a best-selling author, specializes in teaching communication skills for people with horses.  People learn to use horse body language to become better leaders and communicators, to be “the better horse”.

Honors to be presented to “pioneering women” in local wine industry at Maness Vineyards’ event

May 27, 2013 (Mt. Helix) –  East County Magazine  Editor Miriam Raftery is among three honorees slated to receive an “Award of Merit” on June 15 from 12 to 4 p.m. at the 5th annual Maness Vineyards; Food & Wine Mixer.  This year’s event will be held at Stephanie Young’s Manor Vineyard on Mt. Helix.  Other honorees are Supervisor Dianne Jacob and Teri Kerns, Executive Editor of the Ramona Valley Wine Region Magazine.

Guests are invited to bring two bottles of wine to share and enjoy a barbecue luncheon and wine-tasting. An opportunity drawing will also be held, with proceeds benefitting St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center for developmentally disabled adults.

By Miriam Raftery

May 3, 2013 (El Cajon)—Now through the  end of summer, you can enjoy free concerts and discounts on fine dining every Friday night in downtown El Cajon.   Downtown El Cajon business partners presents Dinner and a Concert, featuring new band performing live each week on the Prescott Promenade from 6-8 p.m.

The schedule of performers is as follows:

By Miriam Raftery

May 3, 2013 (Ramona) – Ramona is planning a "humdinger" of a celebration.  On May 4 and 5, the Ramona Bluegrass and Old West Fest will culminate nine days of musical celebration in Ramona at the Ramona Rodeo grounds.  This year, in addition to live music, the festivities will also include a focus on Old West history including an encampment with mountain men, cowboys and Civil War era characters. Visitors can enjoy music workshops, fireside storytelling, dancing, and break-out jam sessions.

Some bands and musicians will lead music workshops ranging from fiddle and mandolin to musical harmony. Kids of all ages are encouraged to bring their instruments and play along in this unique learning experience.

Musical entertainers include:

May 2, 2013 (Lake Moreno) -- History comes alive for the next two weeks at a pre-1840 North American fur trade encampment in East County. It's all part of the 20th annual Manzanita High Mountain Rendezvous. 

By Miriam Raftery

April 28, 2013 (Rancho San Diego)—Cuyamaca College hosts its 5^th annual Coyote Music Festival from 12-5 p.m. on May 4, featuring nine bands/solo artists on two stages showcasing their original music compositions.

Performers will take stage on the grand lawn on campus at 900 Rancho San Diegio Parkway in El Cajon. Genres at this event, which has free admission, include acoustic, rock, and folk by these talented home-grown songwriters.

The music festival is produced by students in the Music Industry Seminar class.  You’ll find plenty of shade and free parking.  For details and directions, see:  www.coyotemusicfest.com .  Scroll down to see the complete line-up.

March 26, 2013 (Jacumba) – From wildflowers to waterfalls, the Jacumba Hikers have announced  a variety of unique hiking destinations for their outings this spring. Scroll down for a list of hikes and descriptions of hikes set for April and May.

To view flyer with details, including difficulty/accessibility of hikes, click here.