Although it had its drawbacks, the rain over the weekend was a welcome relief. As I stood at Parkway Plaza, I watched the lightning show over the hills of La Mesa and it was nothing short of spectacular. The Plaza was busy on Saturday as the San Diego West Coast Country Music Association held its second annual West Coast Country Music Challenge and the grand opening of the El Cajon Fire History Museum and Learning Center held its grand opening.
West Coast Country Music Challenge
Although it had its drawbacks, the rain over the weekend was a welcome relief. As I stood at Parkway Plaza, I watched the lightning show over the hills of La Mesa and it was nothing short of spectacular. The Plaza was busy on Saturday as the San Diego West Coast Country Music Association held its second annual West Coast Country Music Challenge and the grand opening of the El Cajon Fire History Museum and Learning Center held its grand opening.
West Coast Country Music Challenge
With a stage set in front of Sears, the Music Challenge had a great showing of some of our local talent and with several categories from traditional country to new country, musicians of all ages competed to win each category that will garn them the opportunity to compete nationally later this year in Tennessee.
There were musicians I was fortunate to see again and some new ones that I believe I will be able to say, “I remember when.” I had my favorites (as I was one of the three judges for the competition), but do not want to give away too much as the winners will be announced this weekend and you will be reading more about it next week. But, what I can say is that this new chapter in San Diego is beginning to make its mark in the up and coming country music scene. Not only does it provide musicians the ability to sing their hearts out, its mission is also to help them become better performers, providing them with the tools and connections to help them succeed. I hope in the future, more country, bluegrass and gospel musicians will take part in this. I know the people walking around shopping enjoyed the show as many stopped what they were doing to listen to some great performances.
El Cajon Fire History and Learning Center
After the show, I was able to go over to the new El Cajon Fire History and Learning Center and it was nice to be able to look around after the grand opening crowd had left. The Plaza is a great location for this and I encourage everyone to stop by and look at the exhibits there. It is a great place for the entire family, and located in the Plaza, easy access while shopping. There is quite the history of the El Cajon Fire Department that I did not know about. As I looked through it, it was definitely a draw for the kids. It is informative and visual, so take the time to stop by when you are in the area.
Santee Lakes, Concert by the Lakes
It was a shame that the Santee Lakes and Lakeside/Santee Rotary Foundations had to cancel its largest fundraiser of the year, but well understood with it being completely outdoors and with the large stage, it was the safest thing to do for this outdoor event. Santee Lakes is a prime destination for many things and needs continued support. I hope that patrons that purchased tickets will have the heart to make it a donation rather than requesting a refund and on my wish list, is that they do not wait a full year to plan another fundraiser, but find a way, even on a smaller scale to recreate the event.
Optimist Bulls Only Rodeo XVII
What can I say? It was a two-night action packed suspenseful event. And though the rain on Saturday cause such deep mud in the arena it had to cancel the entertainment by the Hole in the Wall Gang and simplified the grand entrance, the mud added extra excitement to the evenings events. The Lakeside Optimist Club, once again did a stellar job in bringing the best in the sport of rodeo out and there were many attendees the rodeo for the very first time. As much as I love the action, I have to say that this year I really comprehended the dedication and fearlessness of the bullfighters. They risked their lives with every bull ride. After Lakeside’s homegrown Jacob (The Preacher Man) Thogmartin fell to the ground unconscious, I was nothing short of blown away to watch the bullfighters as they laid their lives on the line to protect him from a ton of geared of bull. Ramiro Baeza and Dave Murdoch are true heroes of the sport.
