Every once in a while, an event comes through this town which truly exemplifies the community of Oakdale.
As a small-town journalist, I’d be lying if I didn’t share that’s a lead sentence which challenges me.
Why one might ask. I am the one who wrote said lead sentence after all so how can it be challenging the very person that wrote it?
Well, in a community like Oakdale with a calendar packed with community events, as well as service clubs who know how to host a fundraiser that’s quite honestly a big statement.
Yet truth be told as a person who attends many and has written about most a time or two this is just a bit different.
Every now and again we as a community happen upon an event which brings the community out in a way which truly shows where their heart lies.
This occurred to me Saturday as I stepped though the entrance of the Oakdale Community Park and into the Love Oakdale Rally.
Less than five steps in, the hugs, hellos and how have you beens were abundant. But for those like myself who are active in the community, that’s not uncommon.
What was both notable and memorable was the vibe as well as the number of people, as over 800 people gathered together for one common goal - to Love Oakdale.
It wasn’t a gathering in which we came together to spend money or linger for some live music. It was indeed a time when the community came together to give their time, efforts and muscle to make a difference and leave an impact on their neighbors.
As I navigated my way through the crowds of people, looking for the “shot” (aka photo) which might draw readers into our weekly story, I couldn’t help but be overcome with a palpable energy. Music playing, smiles beaming and children giggling there was not a doubt in mind that something special was well under way.
Making my way through the crowd, I somehow found myself in the company of two special ladies whom I had proudly once stood in a very similar crowd with close to 17 years ago.
The year would be 2007. The event, Oakdale’s Annual Relay For Life. Oddly it was almost 17 years to the day that these two lovely ladies and myself were participants as well as active event members of this once annual event at Oakdale High School.
As I type this, I can see a good number of you, smiling as we did, recalling the mission and dedication we all once shared as we raised money to help fight cancer and raise funds for the American Cancer Society.
Gratefully one of the three of us had the presence of mind to have someone snap our photo for posterity.
As the three of us discussed current life stuff, it was as if time stood still as we shared some laughs, stories and yes, a few tears. There’s something about these community events which build a bond I honestly cannot completely explain.
Our community is unique. We are somehow comprised of a village of doers, givers and individuals that are not afraid of a little sweat or getting dirty. If the need is there - the community rallies.
And then come Monday, it’s back to the grind. No need for pomp and circumstance or a billboard of bragging rights. Nope, not in the 95361 where the mission statement or tag line would best be said as - that’s just what we do.
Or, as my girlfriend (aka former relayer) shared, when the need it there we circle the wagons and get to work.
That is what I saw on Saturday.
As over 60 residents, schools or parks expressed a need, a community of over 800 volunteers circled the wagons, rolled up their sleeves and go to work.
I’m truly not sure what our “next big thing” will be for this community, however in this moment I’m grateful to have once again been gifted with a front seat view of what makes the 95361 a true gem amongst a pile of rocks.
Small - sure; mighty - more than any outsider could ever fathom.
Well done Oakdale. You make this newspaper girl, not only proud to call this town home, but honored to serve you through these pages. Thank you.
Teresa Hammond is a staff reporter for The Oakdale Leader, The Riverbank News and The Escalon Times. She may be reached at thammond@oakdaleleader.com or by calling 209-847-3021.
