It has been non-stop here all over the map in East County with city celebrations, cultural festivals and non-profit charity events and it is not slowing down as we countdown to summer. From America on Main Street to the Santee Street Fair & Craft Beer Festival, people have come in droves for the entertainment, special recognitions and Armed Forces holiday celebrations. These festivals, as crowded as they might be are an integral part of learning more about your community.
It has been non-stop here all over the map in East County with city celebrations, cultural festivals and non-profit charity events and it is not slowing down as we countdown to summer. From America on Main Street to the Santee Street Fair & Craft Beer Festival, people have come in droves for the entertainment, special recognitions and Armed Forces holiday celebrations. These festivals, as crowded as they might be are an integral part of learning more about your community.
I have a stack of new acquaintances, to go through and connect with, because all of them have a special story behind what they do and why they do it. Crowds that used to make me cringe at the thought, now make me look forward to see and meet these exceptional people. And I am biting at the bit to get to some of these new stories of people that create, give and inspire in many ways that contribute to the cohesiveness that makes a group of people a community.
And as I said, it is not over with yet. We still have a lot of exciting events coming up that you might just want to place on your calendar now, so you won’t miss out on all the fun, entertainment and education.
Here are some of the things I am looking forward to being a part of this month. On Saturday the City of La Mesa is having its annual La Mesa Flag Day Parade and that same morning the Lakeside Optimists is holding its Opti-fishing Derby at Lindo Lake Park. Both are great yearly events that are great for the entire family. And keeping La Mesa in mind, Monday, June 6 is the La Mesa Chamber of Commerce’s annual Taste of La Mesa. This event is well known throughout the county and has become a destination as the Chamber pulls together the best in food and spirits together all in one place. Unlike other communities that have you walking and driving from one restaurant to another, this all in one event is something to look forward to and there is still plenty of time to get your tickets.
St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center’s 50th Birthday celebration was touching and intimate and the services it provides to our local communities is priceless and the same can be said about the upcoming Home of Guiding Hands 42nd Annual Gala. This event, which is not only for a wonderful cause, but it is also a ton of fun with its yearly themes, and this year’s “Cabaret Rouge” should be no exception. Dressing up for a night of dining, dancing and supporting the work that it does on a daily basis, is worth the time and effort to go to. I can tell you that I see first-hand what these organizations do for their students, clients and residents. Truly, they are remarkable in what they do and the heart of the people that make it happen every day is inspiring.
There are so many things going on this month and our calendar (and mine) is quickly filling up through July. But one more thing this month that will not get a lot of publicity is a fundraiser at the Lakeside Rodeo Grounds June 18 for our current homegrown Miss Rodeo California Rachel Owens-Sarno. Her involvement in the community of her hometown and her representation of that community and the sport of rodeo is impeccable. If you have never met Rachel, this is a great time to do so and I promise you will not be disappointed. This fundraiser, much smaller than the grand galas, will help her not only travel throughout the country (which she has been doing since earning the crown in January), but also will help her make it with everything she needs to compete this November in Las Vegas for the title of Miss Rodeo USA 2017. I have high hopes for her and believe that she has a phenomenal chance of walking away with this title. And she well deserves it as she has put her heart and soul, through many titles and several years under her buckle dedicated to this cause and inspiring young girls all along the way.
