Mt. Helix Park Food & Wine Festival Returns As 2-Day Fundraising Event

LA MESA, CA — Mt. Helix Park, also known as the "Crown Jewel of East County," has been a cherished landmark for decades in San Diego County.

The Mt. Helix Park Food and Wine Festival, slated this weekend, is the signature fundraising event for the site. For the first time, the event will feature two days of celebrating and fundraising for the nearly 100-year-old park.

A catered, sit-down dinner will take place Friday evening, followed by the 17th annual Food and Wine Festival on Saturday.

"Celebrating 99 years of Mt. Helix Park is a testament to the incredible support and love from our community," said Mary Kirk, event and development coordinator of Mt. Helix Park Foundation. "Our dedicated volunteers, generous donors, and passionate park members are the heart of what keeps this treasured historical park open and free year-round."

A Swingin' Evening at The Flamingo Lounge, which takes place the night before the festival, is a sit-down dinner with swingin' live music from the American Flyboys.

"Guests can experience the park after hours, gaze upon the beautiful sunset as the city lights begin to twinkle, dance the night away to amazing music, and enjoy an amazing buffet from Bekker's Catering, all while benefiting the Mt. Helix Park Foundation," Kirk told Patch.

On Saturday, the Palm Springs Flamingo Fling-themed festival, a throwback to the retro era of Palm Springs, will feature sampling booths from local restaurants, breweries and wineries. Jason Hana & The Swingin' Bananas will take the main stage, while local rockabilly band Flipside Burner will take the second stage. The 21-and-over event will also include a silent auction.

Both events will benefit Mt. Helix Park, which has been a staple in San Diego since it was built in 1925. Mt. Helix Park Foundation was formed in 1999 to maintain and preserve the historical park, outdoor amphitheater and cross memorial on top of Mt. Helix.

Money raised at the events will help the foundation preserve and enhance the park.

"Our annual Food and Wine Festival, now a beloved tradition, not only supports the Mt. Helix Park Foundation but also unites us all for a night of enjoyment and local business support," Kirk told Patch. "Here's to many more years at Mt. Helix Park — we look forward to seeing you at this year's festival fundraiser!"

General admission for the festival begins at 6 p.m. VIP ticket holders will get an extra hour of sampling starting at 5 p.m. and a gift bag. All ticket holders receive a complimentary souvenir wine cup.

Parking is available at Grossmont High School. Attendees are shuttled from the high school to the park. The first shuttle leaves at 5:45 p.m.

Visit mthelixpark.org for more information and to purchase tickets.