July 31, 2011 (Rancho Bernardo)—Tastings by 20 San Diego County wineries plus food vendors will be on hand at the San Diego Wine Country Festival on Saturday, August 6 from 1-5 p.m. The event takes place at the Bernardo Winery, San Diego’s oldest winery founded 121 years ago.

July 28, 2011 (Ramona) – It’s opening day at the Ramona Country Fair, where admission is free! This four-day event includes live entertainment including musical bands and the Ramona Idol contest, animals, livestock auction, crafts, food, and carnival rides.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Thursday, July 28th, 2011

July 30, 2011 (Alpine) – Exotic birds from around the world will flock to the Alpine Library on July 30th at 1 p.m. for a very special program. Be sure to bring your camera! Learn about different bird species, habitats and behaviors, then come and play with the birds at this free family event.

Update: View a video with this year's parade excerpts and historic information on Pine Valley. youtu.be/Tt2745YDmy0

July 22, 2011 (San Diego) -- The America's Finest Beer Festival, slated to be held this weekend at Qualcomm Stadium, has been cancelled due to financial issues. Sponsored by the Rancho San Diego-Jamul Chamber of Commerce, the event was also to have benefitted the San Diego USO.

21 BANDS and 120 CRAFT BREWERIES "LIVE ON THE LAWN" AT QUALCOMM

July 14, 2011, (El Cajon) -- Bryon Harrington, local Alpine author, will appear at s meeting of the El Cajon Historical Society on Thursday, July 28 at 11:30 a.m.  Mr. Harrington will share stories and sign copies of his self-published book,Campo, The Forgotton Gunfight. See the East County Magazine review here.

History buffs will enjoy this true local history of the gunfight which occurred in December, 1875, in Campo--a confrontation that surpassed the famed OK Corral shootout in duration and bloodshed. 

July 12, 2011 (San Diego, CA) – The San Diego River Park Foundation will be celebrating its tenth birthday on July 17 from 4-7p.m. at Mosaic Wine Bar

July 8, 2011 (Alpine) -- Come enjoy the performers at the Viejas Outlet Centers Live Music in the Park on Saturday and Sunday nights in July. The acts range from jazz to country, to flamenco and more. The list of performances is below; for more on acts performing, check our calendar. 

Photos by Mark and Miriam Raftery

 
July 6, 2011 (Santee) -- The City of Santee hosted its annual "Santee Salutes" patriotic celebration on July 4th, drawing families from across East County for this major event.

Scroll down to view photos of participants enjoying fun in the sun, followed by fireworks in the park after dark.

July 4, 2011 (Poway) –Decked out with red and blue bunting on wooden railway bridges, water tower and gazebo/bandstand, Old Poway Park today looked like a scene straight out of a Norman Rockwell painting. The Old West-themed park exemplifies the best of Americana this 4th of July, compete with rides on the Baldwin steam train (watch for train robbers), a Dixieland jazz band, square dancing, quilting show/contest and craft show—plus two-acres of picnic grounds and family-oriented activities such as three-legged races.

July 2, 2011 (Crest) -- For the past 65 years, the small town of Crest has hosted a 4th of July parade that's like a scene from a Norman Rockwell painting. 

Festivities include floats, decorated horses, wagons, and bikes. A young girl and young boy are the reigning royalty. Sometimes there are bands from schools. Often you'll see the Lawnchair Brigade of ladies marching with folding lawn chairs, spinning them around their heads, and sitting down on them as they parade. People line up along the street wearing red,white, and blue, waving flags as dignitaries drive by.

June 22, 2011 (San Diego)--SummerFest tickets are selling fast!  Join us June 26 at Mission Trails Regional Park for a  feast cooked up by Chefs de Cuisine, plus wine and beer tasting, live music, thousands of dollars in prizes and more -- all for just $25 ($20 if you buy 2 or more tickets) if you buy in advance online (at the door: $30 or two for $50).

Get tickets and prize list here: www.eastcountymagazine.org/summerfest-2011

Scroll down to view the juicy details of the full menu--then make plans to join us for this fabulous midsummer feast!