Community Briefs provides a listing of events and activities going on in and around the Oakdale, Riverbank and Escalon areas. To have an event featured, e-mail the information to mjackson@oakdaleleader.com.
Fun Park Programs
Area families can take advantage of some fun and educational opportunities, with programs being offered through the San Joaquin County Parks department. Here are a couple of the special family friendly activities this summer at Oak Grove Regional Park, 4520 W. Eight Mile Road, Stockton. The third Sunday of the month features Professor Sprout’s Muggle World Herbology Walk. The program takes place at Oak Grove Regional Park Nature Center, and walks are scheduled for Sundays, June 16, July 21 and Aug. 18. Explore the ‘Dark Forest’ – the Native Plant Garden and Trail – with Professor Sprout, learn about magical properties of native plants and how some are related to the Muggle World. No reservations required for this free event. The family-friendly program runs 45 minutes. Also, the first Sunday of each month, at 10 a.m., join in ‘The Everything Bagel Nature Walk’ at the Yokuts Trail, Oak Grove Regional Park. If you want to learn “a little of this, a little of that” about the Valley Oak Woodlands, this Oak Grove Nature Center program is the perfect way to do so. Nature walks are scheduled for Sundays, July 7 and Aug. 4. Enjoy a one hour walk along the paved Yokuts Trail led by a former National Park Ranger. This is a free event and no reservations are required. As a reminder, there is a $6 cash parking fee at county parks. No pets, please. For more information, call 209-953-8814.
Fair Drone Show
The Stanislaus County Fair has been awarded a generous grant from The Valley Air District to introduce an innovative and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional fireworks displays, by utilizing drones instead of traditional fireworks. The Patriotic Sky Spectacular will take place each night, July 5 through 7 at the fairgrounds in Turlock, and will include the drone show that promises to mesmerize audiences with a choreographed performance of lights and music, creating stunning aerial formations and dynamic visual displays. The 2024 Stanislaus County Fair is scheduled from July 5 through14. Discounted Fair admission tickets, unlimited ride wristbands, and tickets are available through July 4. Fair box office hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. All concerts are free with a paid general admission ticket. Arena events are available at additional cost.
Blue Jean Ball Returns
All interested can get their tickets now for the Saturday, June 29 Blue Jean Ball II, a fundraiser to support the Escalon Historical Museum. The evening, at Del Rio Vista Garden, 25306 East River Road, Escalon, promises to be a “jam packed” night of fun, according to organizers. Happy hour begins at 5:30 p.m. with a catered dinner served beginning at 6:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased through Saturday, June 22 and are pre-sale only, no tickets will be available at the door. Following dinner, there will be dancing, music, raffle drawings and a door prize. Music for the evening will feature Joni Morris, sponsored by Pacific Southwest Irrigation. Tickets are $65 per person; get tickets at the Escalon Historical Museum, 1630 Main St., Escalon or by calling Sandy Russell at 209-838-1275. More information on the event is available by calling the museum at 209-838-8070. They are also looking for items to use as raffle prizes; contact the museum for more information regarding how to donate.
Enjoy Irish Music
The ‘lads and lasses’ of Brennan’s Parlor host a monthly Irish music jam (aka “Ceilidh”) in the back room of the H Bar B Saloon, 401 E. F St., Oakdale. Gatherings are on the third Monday of the month, and run from 6 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. They welcome anyone – players, singers, or listeners – with an appreciation for Celtic music to join the fun.
Weight Loss Group
Members of the local TOPS (Taking Off Pounds Sensibly) weight loss support group meet in Oakdale every Monday morning from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.; the meeting is at 7450 River Road, Suite 4, Oakdale. This group is open to the public and anyone interested in improving their life by losing weight. Visit the website: www.tops.org for more information and to see a list of other meeting locations.
Jam Sessions Set
The ‘Jammers’ are a loosely knit group of local musicians who gather regularly to play and share music. Members of The Jammers set up and play at Medlen’s House of Beef in Oakdale, on the patio, the second and fourth Saturdays of each month. The fun begins around 3 p.m. and typically continue until about 6 p.m., a full afternoon of music. Acoustic musicians are welcome to come and play. Featured instruments usually include guitar, fiddle, banjo, ukulele, etc. The public is welcome to stop by, listen to the music and even sing along. No cost to attend.
Widowed Persons Meet
Oakdale Widowed Persons Group invites you to join them the first Saturday of each month for breakfast at 9 a.m. and on the third Tuesday of each month for lunch at 1 p.m.; call for locations. All are welcome to join the group no matter how long ago you lost your spouse. For more information, contact Barbara at 209-322-2184.
Golden Agers Dance
Members of the Golden Agers dance group meet at the Riverbank Community Center on Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., with dancing, socializing, live music and fun for all. All adults 55-plus are welcome. Just drop in to check it out or become a member. Fees are $5 for members and $6 for non-members. Membership is $15. The Community Center is at 3600 Santa Fe St., Riverbank.
