The Ultimate 'Poway Days' Guide

To kick off the monthlong Poway Days celebration, the community will march down Poway Road from Pomerado to Bowron roads for the Poway Patriotic Parade starting at 9 a.m. Sept. 10

The parade, renamed from the Poway Days Heritage Parade, comes on the eve of the 10th anniversary of 9/11 and honors those who serve or have served in the military and law enforcement. Special seating is available to local veterans of World War II, Korea and Vietnam. Floats marking 9/11 and honoring the Purple Heart Foundation will also be part of the parade. Go to powayca.org for more details.

Here are other events planned for the much-anticipated Poway Days:

• Don’t pass up this chance to get a dozen roses free on Good Neighbor Day, happening on Sept. 14. Visit Crystal Gardens Florists in Creekside Plaza, or head to Four Seasons Florist, 13289 Black Mountain Rd. in Rancho Penasquitos. The event starts at 9 a.m., so head to the nearest florist before supplies run out.

• What beats a hobo campfire sing-along at 7 p.m. Sept. 16, followed by a barn dance the next day at the same time? Join in on the ruckus for free at Templar’s Hall in Old Poway Park.

• Check out the 10th annual Old Tyme melodrama show, Because Their Hearts Were Pure or The Secret of Mine, presented by POWPAC, Poway's Community Theatre from Sept. 16-25 at the Lively Center on 13250 Poway Rd. Showtimes are 7 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. on Sundays. Ticket information is available at powpac.org. To make a reservation, call 858-679-8085.

• Nothing beats a free classic car show at the 10th Annual MotorHead Madness on Sept. 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Poway Transmissions. Car owners can register at the door for $30, or pre-register for $25 by contacting Karen Dunn at 858-679-8000 or at karen@powaytransmissions.com. Proceeds benefit transitional housing for women and other Poway Soroptimists projects.

• Watch a re-enactment of life in the early days of Poway, when Civil War soldiers, mountain men, fur traders and Native Americans roamed the region. Admission is free for Rendezvous performances at Old Poway Park, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 17-18. In addition, there will be interactive tours for classes and youth groups of 20 for $4 per person. Tours will be held on Sept 15, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and on Sept 16, 9 a.m. to noon and 3 to 6 p.m. Visit poway.org for more details.

• Rock out at the “Battle of the Bands” contest at 5 p.m. Sept. 17 at the Poway Valley Riders Association, 14336 Twin Peaks Rd. Admission is $5 per person. Enjoy casino games, a mechanical bull contest and adult beverages at the beer and wine garden. Music groups interested in participating should contact Palmer-Van Meter at secretary@powayrodeo.com.

• BYOH, or Bring Your Own Horse, for the Poway Trail Ride starting at 9 a.m. Sept. 18 at the Poway Valley Riders Association grounds on 14336 Tierra Bonita Rd. Tickets cost $20 per person, which include admission, lunch and one poker hand. Tickets are available online at powayrodeo.com or at Elston Hay & Grain, 14277 Garden Rd., Poway.

• Bring your family along to the “Poway Days Festival” on Sept. 18, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., located between Poway Road and Hilleary Place. Check out 200 booths that will have arts and crafts, food samples and commercial items. Entertainment includes country and classic rock from Kanan Road. Kids will enjoy Dr. Zoolittle, an educational experience presented by the San Diego Zoo. About 18,000 attendees are expected at the event hosted by the Poway Chamber.

• Ain’t nothing better than the 39th Annual Poway Rodeo that’s taking place for two days at 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 23-24 at the Poway Valley Riders Association grounds, 14336 Tierra Bonita Rd. Enjoy a chili cook-off, dancing and a battle of the bands with country, bluegrass and contemporary bands. To get tickets, visit powayrodeo.com. Those 21 and older can enjoy a free dance after the show ends.

• Continuing into October, cyclists can participate in the Tour de Poway on Oct. 2, with five distance courses and staggered start times from 7 to 10 a.m. at Old Poway Park on Midland Road. A barbecue and health expo are also part of the event. Visit tourdepoway.com for details and to register. Proceeds benefit Poway Kiwanis projects.

Sadly, there won’t be any roasted pork at the Community Church of Poway anymore, which ceased its Pig-in-the-Pit Barbecue tradition after 40 years. In addition, the annual Train Song Festival that usually takes place in October will occur on April 28, 2012, at the Old Poway Park on Midland Road. Lastly, the annual Lions Club Pancake Breakfast will also take place next year.