San Diego's rural East County, a wonderfully diverse region that encompasses rolling foothills, alpine mountains and the pristine Anza-Borrego Desert, boasts a plethora of exciting events to welcome visitors this summer. From classic car shows and a sparkling star fest to star-spangled Independence Day salutes and Wild West roundups, visitors to East County can find a variety of fun-filled events to make their summer vacation or weekend getaway a memorable one.

WHEEL FUN

• Visitors can get their motors running every Wednesday night, June 5 through September 25, at the Cajon Classic Cruise, Southern California's largest weekly classic car show featuring classic and specialty cars on display in downtown El Cajon.
• The City of La Mesa revs into gear with the La Mesa Car Show every Thursday night, 5-8 p.m., June through August. This classic "Back to the 50s" car show takes place along La Mesa Blvd. in downtown La Mesa; spectators can also enjoy shopping, dining and live music.
• Held on July 13-14 at the Menghini Winery in Julian, the Julian Classic Motoring Show features vintage motor racing and concourse vehicles on display, along with wine and food tastings and live music.

WILD WEST

• On June 1, guests can giddyup to the Cuyamaca College Performing Arts Center in El Cajon for the 3rd Annual Western Music Jubilee. The lineup of western music performers includes Sourdough Slim, Dave Bourne, Mary Kaye and The Red Hot Rhythm Rustlers. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door; proceeds benefit the Olaf Wieghorst Museum's educational programs.
• On June 1-2, the Julian Gold Rush Days celebrate the 1870s discovery of gold in the historic mountain town of Julian with a full weekend of activities, including gold panning, gold mine tours, historic skits, pioneer games and opportunities to meet miners, mountain men and cowboys. Admission is free.

STAR-SPANGLED

• Visitors can don red, white and blue on June 1 for the La Mesa Flag Day Parade, the city's annual patriotic "Salute to Old Glory," featuring over 70 entries, including marching bands, floats and the U.S. Marine Corps Ensemble.
• On July 4, visitors can enjoy Independence Day Celebrations with spectacular fireworks displays, festivals and parades held in communities throughout East County, including El Cajon, La Mesa, Alpine and Santee.
• The old-fashioned Julian 4th of July Parade, touted as the "best little small town parade in America," features a Marine Corps color guard, marching bands, Uncle Sam, vintage cars, Miss Julian and her court, equestrian units, fire engines, Buffalo Soldiers, floats and more. This year's Grand Marshal is Richard Bailey, grandson of town founder Drue Bailey, who has helped preserve Julian's rich Gold Rush history. Pre-parade festivities include vintage aircraft flyovers and patriotic entertainment by local performers.

WINE & DINE

• The 5th Annual Taste of La Mesa takes place on June 10. This popular foodie fete features 34 local restaurants and food providers serving delicious samples of house specialties, as well as wine from the local San Pasqual Winery. Tickets are $35 in advance and $45 at the door.
• Orfila Vineyards and Winery in the scenic San Pasqual Valley hosts the Orfila Grape Stomp on August 24. During this unique fun-filled event, guests can help stomp the grapes from the annual harvest and enjoy a gourmet dinner buffet, live music, wine tasting and tractor rides through the vineyards. Tickets are $85 plus tax.

WING IT

• San Diego's biggest civilian air show, the 18th Annual Wings Over Gillespie Air Show takes to the skies June 1-2 and includes re-enactments of WWII and Vietnam War aerial battles with pyrotechnic displays, 40 aircraft (flying and static displays), live entertainment, a Kidz Zone and food and merchandise vendors.

FINE TUNE

• On June 15, Menghini Winery in Julian hosts the 15th Annual Julian Blues Bash featuring a full day of live blues music. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door; children aged 12 and under are free.
• Occurring every Friday night, 6-8 p.m., from June 7 through September 27, El Cajon's Dinner and a Concert transforms the Prescott Promenade in downtown El Cajon into a dynamic live concert scene with free rock, country, big band and R&B performances.

SPACE OUT

• Julian StarFest, the second largest gathering of professional and amateur astronomers and stargazers in California, takes place August 9-11 on the grounds of Menghini Winery in Julian. Providing guests an exciting glimpse of our galaxy and beyond, the celestial gathering features exhibition areas, guest speakers and an astronomy equipment swap meet.

PEAK PERFORMANCE

• During the Palomar Challenge on June 22, bicyclists climb the "Highway to the Stars," one of the highest paved roads in San Diego County, with 24-, 35- and 62-mile road rides, and finish at the world-famous Palomar Observatory, located high atop Mt. Palomar.

PINE FOR FUN

• On July 26-27, Pine Valley Days celebrates its 43rd year of fun in the East County backcountry. This popular annual community festival includes a parade along Historic Highway 80, barbeque, blue ribbon bake-off, live music, dancing, children's carnival, horseshoe and volleyball tournaments and more.

Happiness is calling in San Diego's exciting East County. For more information on East County and the entire San Diego region, visit the San Diego Convention & Visitors Bureau's website, www.sandiego.org and www.sandiego.org/eastcounty, or call (619) 236-1212.

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