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.
Farmington Festival
A Fall Festival being put on through the Farmington United Methodist Church is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 26 and will run from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; it will be hosted at Jacob Strojan Park, at 25626 Elm St., adjacent to the church. Vendor spots are currently available, contact coordinator Crystal Moos at 209-404-3531 or email clkx1979@yahoo.com for more information or to sign up. They are looking for both food and craft vendors, with 10-by-10 spaces priced at $40; larger spaces at $50. Sign-ups are requested by Oct. 1. The event will also feature a costume contest for kids, face painting, a ‘trunk or treat’ type candy giveaway and more.
Picnic At The Pops
It’s the final call for the Modesto Symphony Orchestra Picnic at the Pops event, Dancing in the Street: Music of Motown. This end of summer concert is scheduled on Saturday, Sept. 7 on the Gallo Winery grounds, 600 Yosemite Blvd., Modesto. The grounds open at 5 p.m.; the concert begins at 7 p.m. This is a family-friendly outdoor concert that attracts thousands of music lovers from throughout the region for an evening of music, dancing, and fun beneath the stars. Tickets for Picnic at the Pops! are on sale now, online, in-person, and over the phone. Enjoy a full-evening symphonic tribute to the magic of Motown. General Lawn tickets are $45 for adults and $12 for youth under the age of 17. Reserved Lawn tickets are $75 for adults and $20 for youth. Tickets can be purchased by visiting the Gallo Center Ticket Office or by calling 209-338-2100. Tickets are also on sale in-person at the Carnegie Arts Center in Turlock, and the MSO Office in Modesto. For more information and to buy tickets online, visit ModestoSymphony.org/picnic.
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.
Golden Agers
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.
Weekly Walks
The Escalon Senior Fun Bunch Walkers invite everyone in the area to join them for their weekly walks. The group meets every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at a park in Escalon. They meet at the corner of Justin Drive and Mission Street at 9 a.m. Fun Bunch walkers are a lighthearted group whose members love to get together and walk with others, enjoy some conversation and exercise. You do not have to be a Fun Bunch member to attend; all are welcome to join the walking group during any or all of their scheduled walks during the week.
TOPS Meeting
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.
Jammers Gather
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
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.
