By Miriam Raftery

Photos by Mark and Miriam Raftery

October 15, 2017 (Santa Ysabel) – The Laguna Mountain Rendezvous in Santa Ysabel continues this week through October 22nd, offering fascinating glimpses into the rugged skills of mountain men, frontiersmen and Revolutionary War era militia members. 

East County News Service

October 14, 2017 (San Diego’s East County) - The owners of The Hills in La Mesa and the Eastbound Bar and Grill in Lakeside are serving up some spooky fun--along with some wild libations, prizes and more this Halloween Season. From a cauldron of concoctions served in gravedigger skull mugs to a costume contest with a $10,000 prize, these local night spots have plenty of “treats” in store for their Halloween weekend guests.

By Miriam Raftery

Click to view video of Emms shooting black-powder, muzzle loaded gun

September 24, 2017 (Mount Laguna) — If you stop by the Laguna Mountain Rendezvous October 13-21, you’re likely to feel as though you’ve been transported into the past –a mountain man encampment bringing history to life.  Activities for participants include black-powder shooting instruction, archery, tomahawk throwing, tool-making, camp stove cooking, early American music, and a traders’ row selling vintage and replica items from Colonial times in the 1770s through around 1840.

In an exclusive interview, Richard Emms, president of the Laguna Mountain Shooting Club, resident gunsmith and Rendezvous Booshway (leader of a group of mountain men)shares insights on how the group got started and what attracts folks to don historical garb for the 10-day encampment in period-style tents. 

East County News Service

October 10, 2017 (San Diego) -- Celebrating its 13th year, the Boulevard BOO! Parade will be held on Saturday, October 28^th starting at 10 a.m. With over 70 entries of live entertainment marching on one mile of El Cajon Boulevard in the College Area, the parade will entertain you with spooky ghouls, goblins, ghosts and witches to fill you with the Halloween spirit.

By Valerie Watts

October 9, 2017 (Alpine) - Lions, Tigers and Bears announces its annual Spooky Campover from 3 p.m. Friday October 27 until 12 p.m. October 28.  Bring your own pumpkin to carve, food, camping gear and best costume to 24402 Martin Way, Alpine, CA 91901.  This event promises "a wild and ghoulish night under the stars with the rescued animals."  There will be pumpkin carving, s'mores, campfire songs, a costume contest and animal feedings.  To reserve your spot for this unique camping adventure, call (619) 659-8078 option 2, or book online www.lionstigersandbears.org

By Miriam Raftery

October 7, 2017 (El Cajon) – Crowds flocked to Oktoberfests in El Cajon and La Mesa for bratwurst, beer, and festivities. The two community events differed sharply, with the German-American club’s event at its headquarters in El Cajon focused on authentic offerings such as a German band and Bavarian pastries, while La Mesa added some international elements and carnival attractions.

By Michelle Mowad, County of San Diego Communications Office

October 5, 2017 (San Diego) - It’s frightening how much fun you can have at parks this month. The San Diego County Department of Parks and Recreation will host a dozen chilling and thrilling Halloween events including haunted hikes, pumpkin parties and a day of the dead.

Don’t be a scaredy cat. All events are family-friendly, for all ages and some are even in the daytime. Most are free, though some have parking fees. Inclement weather may cancel some of the outdoor events.

East County News Service

October 3, 2017 (Ramona) -- The Oasis Camel Dairy in Ramona joins in celebrating Julian’s apple season, inviting visitors to treat camels to sweet, tart, crisp apples.  On October 7, 8 and 9, from 1 to 4 p.m. the celebration also include an open farm tour with friendly farm animals and curious camels. Plus, at 1:30 p.m. each day, you can enjoy a humorous and entertaining animal show.

East County News Service

October 2, 2017 (El Cajon) — Scotty’s Scare Trail, located at the Marshall Scotty’s abandoned amusement park, is rumored to be haunted to old employees and children who never left.  Left in a “scary decrepit state,” the site is “the perfect destination to let our monsters out of their cages to roam free,” the Halloween venue’s webpage states.

East County News Service

September 28, 2017 (El Cajon) - The German America Club of San Diego hosts its annual Oktoberfest at its headquarters (1017 Mollison Ave.) in El Cajon over two weekends, September 29^th through October 1^st and again October 6^th through 8^th.

East County News Service

September 29, 2017 (La Mesa) -- A wide variety of high quality, fairly traded international items will be available at a La Mesa gift fair on Sunday, Oct. 15 in the church hall at St. Martin of Tours Church in La Mesa (7710 El Cajon Blvd.)  The event will take place from 8 a.m.- 1:30 p.m.  Attendees can enjoy samples of fair trade coffee, tea, chocolate and ice cream while perusing gift items such as handmade baskets, jewelry, clothing, home décor, crafts and more. Also, available for purchase will be fair trade chocolate, coffee & teas.

East County News Service

September 21, 2017 (Borrego Springs) - The 52nd Annual Borrego Days Desert Festival returns to showcase qualities that make Borrego Springs so unique as both a weekend getaway and a world all its own with beautiful weather, incredible star gazing, resorts, and the free Borrego Days Festival which kicks off Saturday, October 21 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and continues through Sunday, October 22, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Limited space still available! RSVP deadline extended.

September 12, 2017 (La Mesa) – Our next East County Dining Club event on September 21st at 6:30 p.m. just got even better! Sicilian Excellence will be offering tastes of Anticatindari and Buone Sergio Sicilian wines -- along with a delicious Italian special menu feast at Tiramisu Trattoria (8273 La Mesa Blvd., La Mesa) plus local wine tasting  with the award-winning San Pasqual Winery,  Italian popular songs and arias performed by talented vocalist Valerie Watts, a wealth of prize drawings, and more are all part of the fun! 

We have a few seats left, so you can pay at the door ($28) but please call 619-698-7617 to RSVP or email editor@eastcountymagazine.org.

Cost  includes plated four-course special menu dinner, wine tasting, tax, tip, entertainment, opportunities to meet neighbors and make new friends.

Special menu:  Bruschetta, choice of soup or salad and choice of entrée:  Ravioli Ricotta, Spinaci or Zucca, Melanzana Alla Parmigiana, Pollo Marsala or Picata, Fettucine Bolognsee, Rigotoni Alla Norcina, Cavatelli di Ricotta, and delicious dessert: Tiramisu (plain or strawberry)

Video: Teams compete at the 2017 Ramona Grape Stomp Competition

By Miriam Raftery

September 10, 2017 (Ramona) – To the strains of songs like “Mountain Dew”,  teams of competitors vied to see who could crush the most grapes in two minutes and emerge champion at the first-ever Ramona Grape Stomp this weekend.

Teams chose names such as the “Juicy Lucys” or the “Toe Jammers.”  One team member stomped the ripe purple grapes, the other filled a cup with juice spurting out of a spigot on a wine barrel.

A Grape Stomp princess was also on hand to help officiate as contestants hopped in feet first, demonstrating their stomping skills on stage as the audience cheered them on with gusto.