Poway Gives Back: See Knights Joust in Poway This Weekend

By Bill Stoudenmire

The 8th Tournament of the Phoenix and Festival of History returns this weekend to the Poway Rodeo Grounds.

Friday, Oct. 18 is preview day and runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The competition on Saturday and Sunday runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day.

This is a competitive sporting event with entertainment and activities. Six knights from the U.S., England and Poland will fiercely compete in six events over the two days. 

Event producer Worldjoust Tournaments is quick to point out this is not staged or choreographed. It's not a Renaissance fair or theatrical joust. The competitors are professional athletes representing their home countries in an equestrian triathlon that will test their prowess and stamina.

You can also enjoy the Festival of History, with hands-on history from “Rome to the Renaissance,” storytellers, equestrian vaulting, pony rides and a petting zoo, the St. Ives Historical Society creating pottery and spinning thread, local artisans selling their wares and, of course, a variety of food trucks. 

Tickets are $12 on Friday. They're $22 for adults, $19 for seniors, children 5-12, active military with ID and students on Saturday and Sunday. Get'em at the gate at 14336 Tierra Bonita Road.

On-site parking is available for a donation to the Rotary Clubs of Ramona and Poway-Scripps, who will be there directing traffic. Get more info on the event at www.tournamentofthephoenix.com.

Rancho BEERnardo

Speaking of Rotary, members of the RB Sunrise Rotary Club invite you to their Rancho BEERnardo Festival this Saturday, Oct. 19, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Rancho Bernardo Courtyard, 16935 West Bernardo Drive. 

Join for an evening of fun, pleasure and good tasting as participants will enjoy flights of 10 beers and wines from ten local breweries and wineries, including Stone, Carl Strauss, Urge, Lightening and Lost Abbey plus Woof 'n Rose Winery and The Barrel Room. 

In doing so you'll be contributing to their recipient service organizations Ed Brown Senior Center, Team Red White and Blue, POVA Therapeutic Riding Center and Oasis Haven. For tickets and information go to www.rbsunrise.org.

Baby Needs Clothes

We mentioned it a couple of weeks ago but Gently Hugged, the nonprofit collecting baby clothes to distribute to military families, low-income and immigrant families still needs your help. 

They're asking for new or gently used baby clothing from newborn to one year. Collection bins are located at Mt. Olive Lutheran Preschool, 14280 Poway Road and at Roots Hair Salon, 11671 Duenda Road, Rancho Bernardo. For details and other bin locations visit www.gentlyhugged.org.

Escondido Humane Society Offers Adoption Incentives

It's Adopt a Shelter Dog month at the Escondido Humane Society. During October, each new dog adopter can reach into the basket of specially stuffed tennis balls and grab one to see if he or she has won a free adoption. Other prizes include $50, $25, $15 and $10 off coupons for the adoption fee. Plus, every adopted dog will have a chance to win a gift basket.

Adoption fees are $110 for puppies (up to 6 months), $85 for adult dogs (6 months to 7 years) and $55 for seniors (7 years and older). Fees include spay/neuter, microchipping and vaccinations. 

See available dogs at www.escondidohumanesociety.org, call 760-888-2247 or just stop in at 3450 E. Valley Parkway. They're open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.