The Fire Within Sycuan Fashion Show celebrates Native Americans
The 2024 Sycuan Fashion Show was held at the Sycuan Casino and Resort on Sept. 5. This event celebrates Native American designers, models, and artists, showcasing the talents of Indigenous people across Turtle Island. The designers skillfully blended traditional craftsmanship with contemporary fashion. Now in its third year, the show took place in the Heritage Ballroom with Ruben Littlehead returning as the enthusiastic emcee. He began the event with an opening prayer accompanied by bird singers and dancers.This year’s theme, “The Fire Within,” comes from the Kumeyaay word for “hello” (Haawka). This is a term they ask ones they come across, “How is their spirit?” Program director Angelica Labrake said this is a testament to the Indigenous people to never have their spirit dimmed in this fashion industry and to showcase our people who are blazing through in fashion.The stage backdrop glowed with flames. and the runway was encircled by fire creating a breathtaking scene that wowed the audience. A door in the center of the backdrop made it appear as though the models were walking through flames as they stepped onto the runway, adding to the drama.This year, they had 11 designers from the U.S. and Canada including the Sycuan Education Department. Em Assiniboine Designs opened the runway with a modern interpretation of women’s fashion. Indig-A-Ribbon Designs showed off matching bags with their designs, while Shining Star by Shay brought high fashion to the runway. Thunderheart Custom Wear delighted the audience with tribal prints and fringe, and Ocean Kiana presented chic casual wear, including miniskirts and corsets.Ally’s Ribbons followed using geometric designs and ribbons. Ro Tree and Cheyleen Julian were back with unique designs and color coordination while the House of Beauty by Wabanoonkwe began their segment with a ballet-inspired dancer. This chic wear had a native twist. Bitterwater for Redhouse has a sustainable focus on using sequins and ribbons in their collection. Benjamin Leedom was back again this year with the fabulous 3 Feathers Star Quilts. The finale finished with the next generation of youth showing kids wear.After the show, guests were invited to a vendor area in the Wachena Ballroom, where they could shop and purchase all the incredible designs.UPCOMING EVENTSSunday, Sept. 15 – Bridal Bazaar with fashion shows presented by Gretchen Productions at the San Diego Convention Center. Two shows will be presented during the day. For more info: 760-334-5500.Sunday, Sept. 21 – 20th annual Strut for Sobriety! fashion show and recovery awareness event for new PATH at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina. Tickets at: 619-670-1184.Diana Cavagnaro is an internationally renowned Couture Milliner based in the San Diego area. Learn more about our hat designer, teacher, and blogger at dianacavagnaro.com.
Belmont Park’s Fall Fest includes sweets, treats, beers, and a 5K race
Belmont Park’s annual Fall Fest celebration has returned to the beachfront amusement park with lots of new attractions now through Oct. 27.Seasonal activities for all ages include free trick-or-treating every Sunday in October, live music with weekly pumpkin jams, sip and paint classes, a brand-new beer festival, newly designed fall-themed installations, and festive fall treats.Steve Thomas, Belmont Park’s general manager, said this year’s festival will focus more on the fall season rather than stressing a scary Halloween, though he noted the park “will have some costume contests for two weeks at the end of October.”“This year it’s all about harvest, food, fun, and family,” Thomas said noting the park is offering a “Belmont Bites Fall Flavor Pass” taster card offering special treats at some of the park’s varied eateries which include three full-serve restaurants – Draft Belmont, Cannonball and Beach House – along with 12 other fast-casual food outlets.There will be numerous other park attractions this fall too, noted Thomas.“We’ll have live music performed on the food court stage and some local school dance companies performing,” he said noting that, new this year, will be Belmont Park’s first beer festival on Sunday, Oct. 20. “It’s our take on Oktoberfest,” he said. “We’ll have 18 local breweries participating with an all-you-can-taste punch card for $35 entitling people to discounted food items.”Thomas noted Belmont Park is coming of age. “It’s become a destination,” he said of the park’s growing appeal, adding they refer to Belmont’s fall season as “local summer.” He added, “It’s the time for locals in San Diego to come out and enjoy Belmont.”One of the best things about Belmont Park is that it has great variety and something for everyone. “Belmont is a great place to check out for a first date – or to bring your whole family and have a whole day of fun,” concluded Thomas.FALL FEST ACTIVITIESFall Flavor Pass: Taste your way through this season’s foodie lineup with the new “Belmont Bites: Fall Flavor Pass” ($35). This pass includes a mini caramel apple funnel cake from Belmonty’s, a maple bacon fudge from Sweet Shoppe, a mini orange Dole Whip, the choice of a BBQ Bacon Jalapeno Burger from Belmonty’s or order of chicken tenders, and a beverage with a choice of a Chai Collins at Belmont Beer Truck or Thai Tea Boba at Draft Coffee.Belmont BeerFest: Belmont’s free first BeerFest on Sunday, Oct. 20 will feature live music, gourd games, and a variety of beer pop-ups from local brewers. Purchase your all-you-can-drink wristband for unlimited pours of the best brews on the beach.Kids Free October: Boo-gie over for free trick-or-treating every Sunday in October. Enjoy savings throughout the month including kids ride-free all October with the purchase of an adult wristband. Use the promo code “KIDSFREE” online or in person at checkout.Trunk-or-Treat: Returning Sunday, Oct. 27, the fourth annual car show returns featuring over 50 classic cars with candy stations throughout the show and inside the park.Workshops for All Ages: Give “Wine Wednesday” an upgrade on Sept. 18 with a Succulents and Sangria workshop. Create a unique pumpkin succulent arrangement with local succulent designer Ily the Plant Lady while sipping sangria. Unleash your inner artist for a Paint and Sip class on Wednesday, Oct. 16. Enjoy a night of funky fun and creativity, where you will create a dazzling Disco Ghost masterpiece.Second Annual Community 5K: Belmont’s Community 5K will take place on Sunday, Sept. 22. This year’s event supports Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, with proceeds benefiting Team Parker for Life, a local charity dedicated to supporting children and families affected by cancer. Runners receive a race T-shirt and medal and get a free park pass for early ride access. Plus, enjoy a free item from select food locations. This year’s event also introduces the “Kids Loop,” a mini lap around Belmont Park designed for the youngest runners to partake in the excitement. Tickets can be purchased here.
September event picks
Sycuan PowwowThrough Sunday, Sept. 8 The Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation is hosting its free annual powwow at 5469 Casino Way in El Cajon.Sabor Del BarrioThe second Taste of Barrio Logan has over 40 participating restaurants during the event on Sunday, Sept. 8 from 12-3 p.m. Day of tickets cost $50.Cowboys season openerDowntown’s the Smoking Gun will host a Cowboys watch part on Sunday, Sept. 8 now that they are an official Dallas Cowboys Bar. Enjoy raffles, all-you-can-eat wings, and plenty of football gametime specials.ENVZN Urban Art TakeoverThe second annual visual and performing arts festival returns to Logan Heights on Saturday, Sept. 14 from 2-10 p.m. at 3055 Commercial St.Taste of GaslampSavor the flavors of San Diego on Sept. 14 from 1-4 p.m. in the historic Gaslamp Quarter with an after party from 4-7 p.m. at Swing Social. Tickets start at $45 at gaslamp.org.Yächtley Crëw outdoor concertDowntown’s Music Box, a live music and private events venue, is hosting its ninth anniversary celebration on Sept. 14, featuring an outdoor concert by Yächtley Crëw on a closed-off India Street. Tickets are $30. Doors open at 3 p.m.Brazilian Day FestivalBrazilian culture and music fest returns with family-friendly fun at Ruocco Park (585 Harbor Lane) from 2-10 p.m. in Seaport Village. Tickets start at $18.Far South/Border North: Public Impact DaySee creative displays from participants in San Diego’s Far South/Border North program at the Museum of Photographic Arts and the Mingei International Museum in Balboa Park on Thursday, Sept. 19. The morning session, scheduled for 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., is free but requires advanced registration. The afternoon expo will start at 1:15 p.m. and is open to the public.UCP Celebrity Waiter LuncheonSupport United Cerebral Palsy of San Diego County with its annual luncheon on Friday, Sept. 20 starting at 11:30 a.m. at Coronado Island Marriott Resort & Spa. Tickets are $100 per person. ucpsd.orgAdams Avenue Street FairThe 42nd annual Adams Avenue Street Fair, San Diego’s largest free two-day festival, features 75 musical acts on seven stages and is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 22.Clowning AroundWrite Out Loud is hosting a story concert on Sept. 23 at 7 p.m. at Old Town Theatre featuring actors reading funny literature aloud. Tickets are $25. writeoutloudsd.comNorth Park Putt-Oberfest North Park Main Street is hosting the inaugural North Park Putt-Oberfest on Thursday, Sept. 26, combining beer drinking and mini golf to celebrate the famous German holiday Oktoberfest. The mini golf crawl from 4-8 p.m. spans a dozen North Park businesses. It includes 18 holes of mini golf while each restaurant and bar will offer food and drink specials exclusively for participants. Tickets are $25 and are available at northparkmainstreet.com/north-park-putt-oberfest/.Big Birthday BashThis “un-gala” celebrating 150 years of The Nat takes place on Friday, Sept. 27 from 6-10 p.m. on all four floors plus the roof of this Balboa Park museum. Tickets at sdnhm.org.Mission Hills Historic Home tourJoin Mission Hills Heritage on Saturday, Sept. 28, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for their 17th Annual Historic Home Tour with this year’s theme of “Master Builders of Mission Hills.” missionhillsheritage.org/upcoming-eventsBuilding Bridges: Lessons from Women LeadersJoin the Women’s Museum of California for a conversation on the history of San Diego women serving in public office with Secretary of State Shirley Weber and Senator Toni Atkins at the San Diego History Center on Saturday, Sept. 28 at 4 p.m. Tickets are $15.A Day of MusicSan Diego Symphony is hosting a free open house on Sunday, Sept. 29 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the newly renovated Jacobs Music Center (750 B St.) with five main stage performances. SanDiegoSymphony.org
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