By Miriam Raftery

August 25, 2017 (Ramona) – Midway rides, crafts, critters, fair foods from funnel cakes to bacon-wrapped hotdogs,  kids activities and more are all part of the fun at the Ramona Country Fair, which continues tomorrow from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.  From 1 to 6 p.m. Sunday you can also enjoy the Ramona Bluegrass Festivals on the Main Stage, plus a Gymkhana equestrian show in the arena from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  

We visited  today, arriving to the aroma of slow-cooked, barbecued meats and the sights of butter slathered corn on the cob.

East County News Service

August 26, 2017 (Rancho San Diego) - Leaders of the thriving Chaldean community in San Diego’s East County will be on hand for a special Chaldean Culture & Traditions celebration at Cuyamaca College on Monday, Aug. 28.       

East County News Service

August 23, 2017 (La Mesa) – La Mesa Wineworks invites you to their one-year anniversary bash on Saturday, August 26 from 12 noon to 10 p.m.  The festivities include music, games, prizes, special drinks and foods ranging from Greek to Maine Lobster.

By Miriam Raftery

August 22, 2017 (La Mesa) – You’re invited to experience bluegrass, Cajun, Flamenco, and country blues music this Wednesday night at Brew Coffee spot, the happening new gathering place in La Mesa, at 6101 Lake Murray Blvd.  from 5:45 to 7:45 p.m.

East County News Service

August 20, 2017 (Ramona) – The Ramona Chamber of Commerce will present the 47th annual Ramona Country Fair, Thursday, Aug. 24 to Sunday, Aug. 27, at the Ramona Outdoor Community Center, 421 Aqua Lane, Ramona. Admission is free. Parking is $5 per carload. Fair hours are: 5 to 10 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 24; 5 to 11 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 25; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 26; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 27.

East County News Service

August 16, 2017 (El Cajon) - The Sycuan band of the Kumeyaay Nation will host its 28^th annual Powwow on September 8^th, 9^th and 10^th at the Sycuan reservation’s powwow grounds, next to the Sycuan Casino (5459 Sycuan Road, El Cajon).

By Miriam Raftery

August 16, 2017 (Julian) -- If you love apples, the Julian Apple Days Festival on September 23^rd and 24^th is the place to be.  Located at Menghini Winery (1150 Julian Orchards Drive) in historic Julian, the event features Julian’s famous apple pie, gold panning demonstrations, a falconry performance, live music and dancing, an antique tractor display, children’s games and activities, a beer and wine garden, food and merchandise vendors, contests and more.

East County News Service

August 14, 2017 (La Mesa) -- Celebrating its 44th year in 2017, the popular La Mesa Oktoberfest is going back to its roots to bring guests more entertainment, more vendors, more beer, and more "Prost!” (cheers!) than ever before, organizers have announced. Under the direction of the La Mesa Village Association, this year’s fest will showcase a revitalized and elevated experience for all ages on Friday, September 29th through Sunday, October 1st. Attractions include many vendors featuring craftwork and knick-knacks, foods ranging from scrumptious sausages to food truck favorites, live entertainment, beer and now, cocktails. 

Broil & brewfest will benefit La Mesa Police Department Peer Support Fundraiser

August 12, 2017 (La Mesa) -- Looking for a true southern cookout without having to travel to New Orleans? The Hills Pub has just the summer broil and brew event for you!

On Saturday, August 26, La Mesa’s The Hills Local Pub will be hosting its first annual neighborhood Crawfish Broil in conjunction with local breweries. From 2- 6 p.m., foodie enthusiasts can enjoy hearty portions of flavorful crawfish prepared and prepped in true bayou-style. The Hills will also have a smoker with slow-cooked sausages, and energetic live music will keep the party going all night long.

East County News Service

August 11, 2017 (San Diego's East County) -- This week’s Destination East County includes  a star party in Lakeside, a dive-in movie at Kroc Center, classic cruisin’ in El Cajon, outdoor concerts in Santee, El Cajon and Lemon Grove, ice skating and more.

Plus, we’ll have a preview of coming attractions including  Descanso’s deep pit barbecue, the Ramona Country Fair, La Mesa's Oktoberfest, an art show in Julian, Ramona’s first-ever grape stomp, a Laurel and Hardy comedy film night in Spring Valley,  the Laguna Mountain Rendezvous, World War II pilots sharing living history, the Alley Cat Art walk in El Cajon, Barona powwow and more.

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

Three days of traditional dance, food, and Native American crafts Sept. 1-3

East County News Service

August 3, 2017 (Lakeside) – The Barona Band of Mission Indians proudly invites the San Diego community to celebrate Native American heritage at the 47^th Annual Barona Powwow on Labor Day Weekend. The three-day cultural celebration kicks off on Friday, September 1 with Gourd Dancing at 6 p.m. and an awe-inspiring Grand Entry of dancers in colorful regalia at 7 p.m. The Barona Powwow continues on both Saturday and Sunday beginning at 1 p.m., for an unforgettable weekend-long experience. Admission and parking are free.

East County News Service

August 1, 2017 (Ramona) – The Ramona Valley Vineyards Association presents the Dog Days of Summer. You’re invited to bring your dog to 10 participating wineries on August 5 or 6 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. to get a treat for your furry friends and maybe even win prizes.

For a list of participating wineries, see http://www.ramonavalleyvineyards.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/dog_days....

Some wineries are also offering specials for both owners and dogs. At Vineyard Grant James, for instance, you’ll receive 50% off all glasses of wine or sangria, plus goodie bags and popsicles for your furry friends.  There will also be contests for best tail wagger, best kisser, best bark, best trick, and a grand prize for best dressed.

East County News Service

July 30, 2017 (Julian) - Julian Arts Guild will hold its Fall Art Show on September 2, 3 and 4 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Julian Town Hall (2129 Main Street, Julian).

This is a free event showcasing the works of talented Julian artists. Artworks displayed will include weaving, ceramics, gourd painting, drawing and mixed media.

East County News Service

July 27, 2017 (San Diego's East County) - National Night Out Against Crime© is on Tuesday, August 1st. The Sheriff’s Department is inviting the public to a dozen different events all over the county, including East County events in Alpine, Lemon Grove, Ramona, Rancho San Diego, and Santee. 

Night Out Against Crime© is a celebration of community relationships. Meet deputies who patrol your neighborhoods, learn about the many services the Sheriff’s Department provides, get crime prevention tips, giveaways at some locations, and other ways you can stay safe. Activities vary by location. 

Below are details on each location:

East County News Service

July 25, 2017 (San Diego’s East County) -- This week’s Destination East County includes Pine Valley Days, outdoor concerts, a murder mystery theatre in Julian and a 40^th birthday party for the city of Lemon Grove.

Plus, we’ll have a preview of coming attractions including concerts in the park, a Sip of Julian, the Heart of Mt. Helix, a star party campout at Oakoasis, a dive-in movie and ice skating at Kroc Center, the Chippendales at Sycuan, the Ramona Country Fair, and Laurel and Hardy comedy clips in Spring Valley.

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