It’s time for locals to start saving dates on their calendars. Several community events are being planned for Rancho Bernardo this summer.

The Rancho Bernardo Historical Society’s 15th annual pancake breakfast is returning after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic.

It will be held from 8 a.m. to noon Monday, May 30 in Webb Park as part of the community’s Memorial Day activities.

Tickets are $10 per person, with veterans, active duty military and children under 3 free. They can be purchased at the breakfast or in advance at the RB History Museum in Bernardo Winery (1 to 5 p.m. Fridays to Sundays) or Windermere Homes & Estates in RB (9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays).

“It’s going to be fabulous,” said breakfast chair Nancy Canfield. With high early ticket sales and sponsorships she said more food, tables and chairs were ordered this week to accommodate the expected 600 attendees.

“There is a real hunger, with people wanting to be out in the community,” Canfield said.

The opportunity drawing featuring many gift baskets will be “bigger and better” than in years past, she said. “We have a tremendous number of baskets.”

For the first time Gyminny Kids’ circus team will perform at the breakfast. There will also be 10 fiddlers providing music.

Canfield said the RB Historical Society would not be able to put on the fundraiser if not for the assistance of other organizations. With the historical society’s finances depleted due to not being able to hold events since 2019, she said a $3,000 grant from the Rancho Bernardo Sunrise Rotary Club is helping pay for pre-event expenses. She also said the Los Rancheros and Poway Kiwanis clubs are assisting by providing grills and volunteers to cook.

The breakfast is held to coincide with the Memorial Day ceremony that will begin at 11 a.m. in Webb Park at the RB Veterans Memorial. Everyone is welcome. Attendees are advised to bring lawn chairs or blankets due to limited seating.

Webb Park will also be the venue for a Poodle Palooza Extravaganza set for 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, June 4. It will feature a parade and contests only open to poodles, but dogs of all breeds plus dog owners and non-owners are welcome to enjoy the free festivities. The event is being expanded into a mini street fair.

The poodle parade will begin at 9:30 a.m. followed by contests for best costume, hairdo, trick and group theme. There will be opportunity drawings, a petting zoo, face painting, demonstrations, a vendor area and food trucks.

The entry fee is $25 for poodles of all sizes to participate in the parade and contests.

In addition, a “Yappy Hour” and trivia night will be held at 5:30 p.m. on June 4 at the Ed Brown Center for Active Adults in Rancho Bernardo Community Park. Tickets are $25. For details or to purchase tickets visit 4PawsOfLove.org or email PoodlePaloozaExtravaganza@gmail.com.

The Spirit of the Fourth Committee is planning to bring back a full day of events so the community can celebrate Independence Day. Activities in the morning and early afternoon will include a community fair in Webb Park and the “Wheels of Freedom” Motor Show. The Patriotic Pet Contest organized by the RB Community Council is also returning.

It has been 53 years since the first Spirit of the Fourth Parade was held in Rancho Bernardo. After not being held since 2019 it is scheduled to return during the afternoon. Festivities will conclude with evening fireworks viewable from Bernardo Heights Middle School.

The Rancho Bernardo Rotary Club Foundation and Rancho Bernardo Historical Society are joining forces to bring back the Western-themed “Vines & Vittles.” It attracted more than 1,000 attendees when held for the first time in 2019, according to organizers.

This year’s festival will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 14 in Webb Park. It will feature tastings from area restaurants, breweries and wineries plus lots of live entertainment.

Rotarian and event co-chair Mike Fuqua said there is a lot of interest in holding a family-friendly event in the community. When held three years ago he said there was “lots of kids, fun and a great time.”

Fuqua said the children’s area will be expanded and there will be entertainment for all ages. This includes music by “The Shirthouse Band” and “Mariachi Victoria de San Diego.” Both performed in 2019. Also returning are magician “Magic Mike” and ventriloquist Joe Gandelman. The Gyminny Kids’ circus team will be a festival newcomer. A trading post area will feature the works of local artisans and crafters.

Fuqua said proceeds will help the RB Historical Society and Rotary Club of Rancho Bernardo fulfill their missions. For the Rotarians that means funding many service projects and philanthropic endeavors.

Advance tickets are on sale now, offering a discount from tickets sold at the event. Adult advance ticket options are $40 for a food and alcohol ticket and $25 for a food-only ticket. Children’s tickets are $10 for ages 6 to 12, with children under age 6 admitted for free. If purchased online at vinesandvittlesfestival.com there is a small fee added. Tickets can also be purchased at Windermere Homes & Estates in RB and at the RB History Museum.