Award-winning nonprofit media in the public interest, serving San Diego's inland region

Award-winning nonprofit media in the public interest, serving San Diego's inland region

SAN DIEGO EARTH WEEK FEATURES NEW EVENTS IN 2009

Printer-friendly versionGREEN JOBS FAIR AT SDSU AND A GREEN CITY LEADERSHIP FORUM ARE NEW THIS YEAR; EARTH FAIR KICKS OFF WEEK’S ECO-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES April 17, 2009 (San Diego)—Earth Day Week in San Diego kicks off with Earth Fair 2009 in Balboa Park on Sunday, drawing more than 70,000 visitors. Produced by 400 volunteers, EarthFair features more than 400 exhibitors, special

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YEE-HA! LAKESIDE RODEO APRIL 24-26

Printer-friendly versionApril 15, 2009 (Lakeside) The 45th annual Lakeside Rodeo has gained national exposure over the last 44 years, from a small hometown event to being named the International Professional Rodeo Association Rodeo (IPRA) of the year FOUR times! Events include bull-riding, bareback bronc, steer wrestling, team riding, and more. The annual Lakeside Rodeo held every April is the largest

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WORLD’S BIGGEST TENT CIRCUS COMES TO EAST COUNTY: CARSON & BARNES BRINGS BIG TOP TO ALPINE, LA MESA & POWAY

Printer-friendly versionApril 9, 2009 (San Diego’s East County)—The 73rd edition of Carson & Barnes Circus will bring nearly 100 performers and a traveling zoo to East County in April, with proceeds helping to benefit local hosts. “From time to time, special opportunities take place that benefit everyone,” says Valerie Harrison, president of the Rancho San Diego-Jamul Chamber of Commerce, which

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SPRING EGGSTRAVAGANZA AT SANTEE LAKES

Printer-friendly versionApril 9, 2009 (Santee)—Carnival rides, a petting zoo, crafts, food, inflatables and pony rides are among the attractions planned for “Eggstravaganza at Santee Lakes” on Saturday, April 11th. Continuous egg hunts will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Egg hunts are limited to children eight and younger. The Easter Bunny will also be on hand—and “hoppy” to

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HOP TO GROSSMONT CENTER SATURDAY: EASTER BUNNY TO HIDE OVER 1500 EGGS AT LA MESA MALL

Printer-friendly versionApril 2, 2009 (La Mesa)—Grossmont Center is hosting an Easter egg hunt with treats for all visitors on april 11th from 9-10 a.m. in Macy’s Courtyard. The festivities include meeting the Easter bunny, prizes, giveaways and refreshments. Bring your own basket to hunt for over 1,500 colorfully decorated eggs. The event is free. The Easter bunny’s hut located in

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ANZA-BORREGO DESERT STILL BLOOMING IN HIGHER ELEVATIONS

Printer-friendly versionWildflower Hike Planned April 16.  April 1, 2009 (Borrego Springs) – It’s not too late to see Anza-Borrego Desert State Park in bloom. As we move past the peak flower time, the show is moving from the desert floor to canyons and higher elevations, where there are a wide variety of plants just beginning to bloom. Anza-Borrego Institute will

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REMINDER! JOIN THE FUN TONIGHT AT A “HOT TIME AT HOOLEYS” WITH EAST COUNTY MAGAZINE!

Printer-friendly version  August 12, 2009 – We sold out — but had a handful of cancellations so there are just a few tickets left for tonight’s "Have a Hot Time at Hooleys with East County Magazine."  Festivities are from 6-9 p.m. at Hooleys Irish Pub & Grill in Grossmont Center. Tickets cost $25 or $20 for Chamber of Commerce members or members of sponsoring organizations.  

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APRIL 2009 FESTIVALS OF THE MONTH: PARTIES, A PARADE, RODEO, RIVER BLITZ AND MUCH MORE

Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery April 1, 2009 (San Diego’s East County)–Aloha! Viejas teams up with El Cajon to host a brand new festival on Saturday, April 4. The new "It’s 5’clock Somewhere Party" includes transformation of a downtown warehouse into an inland "beach" paradise complete with tiki bar, Hawaiian food and music by Shipwrecked, a Jimmy Buffet-style band. Also this

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LA MESA VILLAGE ANTIQUE STREET FAIRE

Printer-friendly versionMarch 26, 2009 (La Mesa)–”Step back in time in La Mesa’s downtown village on Sunday, March 29 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Antique Street Faire. During the annual event,, La Mesa Boulevard is closed and antique dealers from far and wide set out their wares. Reminiscent of an old fashioned Midwest flea market, the event features

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SPRING BREAK! WHERE TO HAVE FUN IF YOU’RE STAYING IN TOWN

Printer-friendly versionMarch 26, 2009 (San Diego’s East County) — With the economy in the tank, many college students are staying in San Diego over spring break. So after you get sunburned at the beach, what’s there to do for the rest of the week? Check out our guide to the coolest spots to have fun in San Diego’s eastern region.

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Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting — not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine’s local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

MAJOR ANNUAL FESTIVALS AND EVENTS IN SAN DIEGO’S EAST COUNTY

January

Walk to the top of Mt. Helix – Click here

Hawk Watch, Ramona Grasslands, Ramona – Click here

Martin Luther King Choir concerts (locations vary) – Click here

Boardwalk Craft Market, Escondido – Click here

Outdoor ice skating at Viejas Outlet Center in Alpine – Click here

February

Hawk Watch, Ramona Grasslands – Click here

Cuyamaca College Pow-wow – Click here

Grossmont College Pow-wow – Click here

Chocolate Lovers Festival, Escondido – Click here

Black History Month events at SDSU – Click here

Via Valentino Night, Bernardo Winery – Click here

Heritage Day Parade, San Diego State University

Black History Month events at Grossmont and Cuyamaca Colleges, El Cajon – Click here

March

Lilac Festival, Fort Cross Old Timey Adventures, Julian – Click here

Circle of Art Festival, Borrego Springs – Click here

Jamul Kiwanis Hot Rod and Chili Cookoff Festival – Click here

Desert Birding Festival, Borrego Springs – Click here

Bunny Train, Pacific Railway Museum, Campo – Click here

Spring Eggstravaganza at Santee Lakes (Easter weekend, March or April) – Click here

April

Western Days and Parade, Lakeside – Click here

Lakeside Rodeo, Lakeside – Click here

Julian Gold Rush Days, Julian – Click here

Ramona Music Festival – Click here

Art and Garden Tour Mt. Helix – Click here

Classic Car Nights, El Cajon – Click here

Earth Day on Mt. Helix – Click here

Earth Day at the Desert View Tower at Jacumba Hot Springs – Click here

Mariachi Festival in Escondido – Click here

Sweet Pea Days, Summers Past Farms – Click here

Spring Garden and Butterfly Festival, Rancho San Diego – Click here

Julian Fiddle and Pickin’ Competition – Click here

Renaissance Faire, Escondido – Click here

Ramona Open Studios Tour – Click here

May

America on Main Street, El Cajon – Click here

Santee Street Fair and Craft Beer Festival – Click here

Ramona Rodeo – Click here

Classic Car Nights, El Cajon – Click here

Vintage Alpine, Flinn Springs – Click here

Wild in the Country at Lions, Tigers and Bears, Alpine – Click here

Lake Jennings Spring Carnival – Click here

Manzanita Rendezvous, Lake Morena – Click here

Taste of Julian – Click here

Campo Day – Click here

Campo/Lake Morena Roundup – Click here

SanTree Earth Day Fair – Click here

Dinner and a Concert Series, El Cajon – Click here

Viejas Concerts in the Park, Alpine – Click here

Movies in the Park (County parks) – Click here

Escondido Street Festival – Click here

Spring Renaissance Faire Escondido – Click here

June

Flag Day Parade, La Mesa – Click here

Lavender Day, Antique & Crafts Fair – Click here

Father’s Day Open House and Studio Tour, Santa Ysabel – Click here

Jamul Wine Festival – Click here

Juneteenth celebration, La Mesa – Click here

Julian Dance and Backcountry Barbecue – Click here

San Diego River Run, Lakeside – Click here

Classic Car Nights, El Cajon – Click here

Santee Summer Concert Series – Click here

Dinner and a Concert Series, El Cajon – Click here

Sundays at Six Concerts, La Mesa – Click here

Viejas Concerts in the Park, Alpine – Click here

Lemon Grove concerts in Berry Park – Click here

Back the the 50s Classic Car Show, La Mesa – Click here

Movies in the Park (County parks) – Click here

Viejas Movies in the Park – Click here

In-Ko-Pah Music Festival – Click here

Passport Through Time – Click here

La Mesa movies in the park – Click here

Summer concerts on Mt. Helix – Click here

Outdoor roller skating rink at Viejas Outlet Center in Alpine – Click here

Christmas in the Village

Printer-friendly versionQuintessential hometown fun By Kristin Hobbs Kjaero La Mesa (December 1, 2008) — Santa Claus is coming to town! On December 12-13, the La Mesa Village will magically transform with Christmas lights, sparkling window displays and open fire pits. Visitors can enjoy carnival rides, puppet shows, four stages showcasing homegrown talent, and ride ponies, carriage, and fire truck. ENTERTAINMENT

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COOL!  OUTDOOR ICE RINK OPENS AT VIEJAS OUTLET CENTER: ICE SHOW, TREE-LIGHTING CEREMONY NOV. 22

Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery November 17, 2008 (Alpine) — Looking for the coolest place in East County? The largest outdoor ice rink in Southern California is now open for the holiday season at Viejas Outlet Center in Alpine.  Skating costs $12 for 90 minutes, including skates. (Watch skating live via the Viejas webcam) An ice show extravaganza will be held

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MOTHER OF ALL FESTIVALS – A STAR-STUDDED MOTHER GOOSE PARADE!

Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery November 17, 2008 (El Cajon) — The mother of all East County festivals takes place this Sunday, November 23rd.  The Mother Goose Parade in downtown El Cajon is the largest parade in San Diego County and the biggest parade of its kind west of the Mississippi.  This year, parade organizers have assembled a dazzling array of

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WEEKEND HALLOWEEN SCENE  & MORE EAST COUNTY EVENTS

Printer-friendly versionFor a frightfully good time this week (not to mention satisfying your sweet tooth cravings), you’ll find plenty of Halloween haunts in East County. Start with Wednesday night’s “Trunk or Treat” in El Cajon, where classic car club members will be doling out goodies.  On Thursday, dig into a pumpkin pie-eating contest and costume party in Valley Center, or

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HUNDREDS FLOCK TO ELKS OKTOBERFEST

Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery October 20, 2008 (El Cajon) – Over 800 people flocked to an Oktoberfest celebration hosted by El Cajon’s Elks Lodge 1812, a tradition that dates back to 1975. “I started the Oktoberfest,” said Giselle Howard (photo, left), who was also the festival’s first Oktoberfest Queen.   “This is why every year, they honor me.”  Still radiant at

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EAST COUNTY OKTOBERFESTS:  WUNDERBAR!

Printer-friendly versionOctober 1, 2008 (East County) – Time to get into the zeitgeist (spirit of the time) and take to the streets for some old-fashioned celebrating at East County’s multiple Oktoberfests!   Began in Bavaria to celebrate the marriage of royalty, Oktoberfests have since gained popularity worldwide.  Below are details on our region’s oldest and biggest Oktoberfests, where you can savor

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THIS WEEK’S HOT EVENTS: OCT. 15-22, 2008 — PRO-AM GOLF, CRUISIN’ OLD HWY 80, GREEN JOBS FAIR,  SYMPHONY CONCERT, SIDEWALK ARTS, CAMPO HARVEST FESTIVAL AND PARADE!

Printer-friendly versionTee off for a good cause at a Pro-Am Golf Tournament at Sycuan Resort’s Willow Glen Course this Friday. Proceeds benefit Home of the Guiding Hands, which provides shelter and services for mentally disabled people.  HGH has a huge funding gap due to the California budget crisis.  Speaking of driving, take a blast to the past by joining a

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Weekly Events – October 6-14 THIS WEEKEND:  ARRIBA!  LA TOMATINA TOMATO FEST

Printer-friendly versionPlus Candidate Forums, Oktoberfest Parade, Hello Dolly and more By Miriam Raftery Borrowing a tradition from Spain (with a few Southern California twists), Tierra Miguel Farm in Pauma Valley is hosting La Tomatina – a tomato fest complete with authentic Spanish cuisine (bring your own paella), wine and beer tasting, live music and a tomato fling!  Call ahead to

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FESTIVALS OF THE MONTH – OCTOBER 2008

Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery October 1, 2008 (East San Diego County) –  Fall is prime time for festivals in East County. The tough part is choosing among so many fun-filled events.  The air is crisp–and so are the ripe, juicy apples at Julian’s Apple Days October 4th and 5th.   Savor apple cider and piping hot pies, or enjoy a horse-drawn

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HUNDREDS FLOCK TO JULIAN BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL

Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery September 21, 2008 (JULIAN) – “We’ve had at least 500 people here so far,” Dick Thilken, president of the Julian Lions Club said of the 38th annual Julian Bluegrass Festival on Sunday afternoon, September 21st.  “Each day we’ve had six musical groups playing.”  Besides officially scheduled acts, players from various areas joined in for some impromptu

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Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting — not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine’s local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

MAJOR ANNUAL FESTIVALS AND EVENTS IN SAN DIEGO’S EAST COUNTY

January

Walk to the top of Mt. Helix – Click here

Hawk Watch, Ramona Grasslands, Ramona – Click here

Martin Luther King Choir concerts (locations vary) – Click here

Boardwalk Craft Market, Escondido – Click here

Outdoor ice skating at Viejas Outlet Center in Alpine – Click here

February

Hawk Watch, Ramona Grasslands – Click here

Cuyamaca College Pow-wow – Click here

Grossmont College Pow-wow – Click here

Chocolate Lovers Festival, Escondido – Click here

Black History Month events at SDSU – Click here

Via Valentino Night, Bernardo Winery – Click here

Heritage Day Parade, San Diego State University

Black History Month events at Grossmont and Cuyamaca Colleges, El Cajon – Click here

March

Lilac Festival, Fort Cross Old Timey Adventures, Julian – Click here

Circle of Art Festival, Borrego Springs – Click here

Jamul Kiwanis Hot Rod and Chili Cookoff Festival – Click here

Desert Birding Festival, Borrego Springs – Click here

Bunny Train, Pacific Railway Museum, Campo – Click here

Spring Eggstravaganza at Santee Lakes (Easter weekend, March or April) – Click here

April

Western Days and Parade, Lakeside – Click here

Lakeside Rodeo, Lakeside – Click here

Julian Gold Rush Days, Julian – Click here

Ramona Music Festival – Click here

Art and Garden Tour Mt. Helix – Click here

Classic Car Nights, El Cajon – Click here

Earth Day on Mt. Helix – Click here

Earth Day at the Desert View Tower at Jacumba Hot Springs – Click here

Mariachi Festival in Escondido – Click here

Sweet Pea Days, Summers Past Farms – Click here

Spring Garden and Butterfly Festival, Rancho San Diego – Click here

Julian Fiddle and Pickin’ Competition – Click here

Renaissance Faire, Escondido – Click here

Ramona Open Studios Tour – Click here

May

America on Main Street, El Cajon – Click here

Santee Street Fair and Craft Beer Festival – Click here

Ramona Rodeo – Click here

Classic Car Nights, El Cajon – Click here

Vintage Alpine, Flinn Springs – Click here

Wild in the Country at Lions, Tigers and Bears, Alpine – Click here

Lake Jennings Spring Carnival – Click here

Manzanita Rendezvous, Lake Morena – Click here

Taste of Julian – Click here

Campo Day – Click here

Campo/Lake Morena Roundup – Click here

SanTree Earth Day Fair – Click here

Dinner and a Concert Series, El Cajon – Click here

Viejas Concerts in the Park, Alpine – Click here

Movies in the Park (County parks) – Click here

Escondido Street Festival – Click here

Spring Renaissance Faire Escondido – Click here

June

Flag Day Parade, La Mesa – Click here

Lavender Day, Antique & Crafts Fair – Click here

Father’s Day Open House and Studio Tour, Santa Ysabel – Click here

Jamul Wine Festival – Click here

Juneteenth celebration, La Mesa – Click here

Julian Dance and Backcountry Barbecue – Click here

San Diego River Run, Lakeside – Click here

Classic Car Nights, El Cajon – Click here

Santee Summer Concert Series – Click here

Dinner and a Concert Series, El Cajon – Click here

Sundays at Six Concerts, La Mesa – Click here

Viejas Concerts in the Park, Alpine – Click here

Lemon Grove concerts in Berry Park – Click here

Back the the 50s Classic Car Show, La Mesa – Click here

Movies in the Park (County parks) – Click here

Viejas Movies in the Park – Click here

In-Ko-Pah Music Festival – Click here

Passport Through Time – Click here

La Mesa movies in the park – Click here

Summer concerts on Mt. Helix – Click here

Outdoor roller skating rink at Viejas Outlet Center in Alpine – Click here