April 24, 2015 (Alpine) – The 3^rd annual Mardy/Tardy Gras Ball will be presented by the Alpine Education Foundation on Saturday, May 2^nd from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. at the Alpine Community Center, 1830 Alpine Blvd, in Alpine.

April 23, 2015 (San Diego’s East County) --This week’s Destination East County includes our own Spanish Fiesta in Ramona to benefit East County Magazine, as well as Cuyamaca College’s Spring Garden Festival and the East County Garden tour. Plus we’ll also have a preview of coming attractions including … So stay tuned for all of these events and more!

By Robert Gehr (c)2015

April 19, 2015 (El Cajon) – America on Main Street, a fun-filled family event, is being held this year on Saturday - May 16^th, in the downtown El Cajon area, beginning at 10:00 a.m. and lasting until 8:00 p.m.

April 17, 2015 (Ramona)-Step back in time at Ramona Old West Days, featuring living history encampments  as well as a gunfighters’ skit competition at the Ramona Rodeo grounds (421 Aqua Lane, Ramona).

April 15, 2015 (Lakeside)--The 50^th annual Lakeside Western Days Parade will roll out on Saturday, April 18^th starting at 9:30 a.m. down Lakeside’s Maine Street.   This year’s theme is “There’s no place like home” and the grand marshal is Gita Morena, granddaughter of L. Frank Baum, author of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.

April 15, 2015 (San Pasqual)—Looking for ideas, tips and information to plan your wedding?  Orfila Vineyards invites you to a free bridal show on April 19^th from 12 to 4 p.m.

April 12, 2015 (El Cajon)--The Water Conservation Garden invites the public to its second-annual Butterfly Festival for an exciting program of activities that will engage all ages with butterflies on Saturday, May 9^th from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.  The event highlights the important role that these insects play in our ecosystem and how visitors can attract and support butterflies in their home gardens using drought-tolerant plants.  Activities include:

April 10, 2015 (Rancho San Diego) –The Códice Borbónico is a pictorial story depicting the life of Mayan, Aztec, and other Native Americans. It is now on a special exhibit at the Heritage of the Americas Museum at Cuyamaca College.

April 9, 2015 (El Cajon) – The 17th Annual Morning Glory Brunch will be held on April 11^th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center (2199 East Madison Ave.) in El Cajon. The event benefits the center’s programs for adults with developmental disabilities.

April 10, 2015 (Alpine) – The 18^th annual Sage & Songbirds Garden Tour on May 1-3 will feature five private home gardens plus a hummingbird haven and a raptor rehabilitation facility for close-up viewing of wildlife.

By Kristin Kjaero

April 9, 2015 (La Mesa) – There’s something for everybody going on this month in La Mesa. There are activities for every age and interest, as well as for mind, body and entertainment.

DESTINATION EAST COUNTY:  TOP FESTIVALS & EVENTS APRIL 8-25

This week’s Destination East County includes Sweet Pea Days, the Morning Glory Brunch and Frog Race, a Camel Dairy tour, and the world famous Romeros family guitarists live in concert. We’ll also have a preview of coming attractions including the Lakeside Rodeo a concert with a “twist,” and opening night of Cajon Classic Cruises, so stay tuned for all of these events and more!

East County News Service

April 7, 2015 (El Cajon) – Members of the San Diego Early Music Society (SDEMS) will be performing baroque concertos for harp, mandolin and flute at Cuyamaca College’s Performing Arts Center on Thursday, April 9 at 7:30 p.m. The program will hear is comprised of concerti of Vivaldi, Telemann, Durante, Corelli and Handel for various combinations of soloists.

“SDEMS members asked for a return visit by Concerto Koeln, and we’re only too happy to comply,” said president Mark Lester. “We’re delighted to be able to bring such an accomplished and widely recognized performing group to our newest venue in East County.”

April 5, 2015 (San Diego’s East County)--Friends of East County Arts, Inc. presents its 20^th Annual Garden Tour on Saturday, April 25, 2015 from 9 am to 3 pm.

April 5, 2015 (Lakeside) – The Lakeside Rodeo has been an annual tradition in Lakeside for the past 51 years. 

This year’s event features Western-style entertainment and events that include bronc riding, barrel racing, steer wrestling, roping competitions, bull riding, and for youngsters, stick horse riding.

World champion trick roper Rider Keisner will be performing, In addition, the  Budweiser Clydesdale horses will also make an appearance at some (though not all) rodeo performances, with public viewings also scheduled.