This week features the official kick off for the annual Summer Reading Program at the Escalon Library, while final touches are being put on the upcoming Blue Jean Ball, to benefit the Escalon Historical Society.
First, kids of all ages are encouraged to bring their adults and enjoy the start of the Stockton-San Joaquin County Public Library System’s summer reading, which opens with a special event in Escalon, set for Thursday, June 4. The “Kickoff to Summer Celebration” is scheduled from 10 a.m. to noon on Thursday at the library, 1540 Second St., and will feature a visit from Dino Kingdom, including dinosaur encounters and hands-on activities with fossils. There will also be bubble stations and balloon twisting.
Dates for the county’s Summer Reading Program are June 1 through July 31; all ages can sign up to participate and the theme for 2026 is ‘Unearth A Story.’ Along with incentives and prizes for reading a certain number of books during the summer program, there are special events planned throughout the two months.
Next week, the Dino-Mite Discoveries program is scheduled for Wednesday, June 10 at 1:30 p.m., with a comedy ventriloquist show and dinosaur-themed illusions. While the reading program is getting started, members of the Escalon Historical Society are currently selling tickets for their fourth annual “Blue Jean Ball” and will host the fundraising event on Saturday, June 20.
The dinner will be catered by BBQ in a Barrel and is being put on this year at Lorina’s Edible Garden, 17397 Enterprise Road. There will be special music, including the headlining band No Way Back, and dinner music by LilLana Cajias. Tickets are $65 per person; they can be purchased at the Escalon Historical Society Museum on Main Street on Wednesdays and Saturdays from noon to 4 p.m. or by contacting Sandy Russell at 209-838-1275.
Organizers said the event begins with a Happy Hour at 5 p.m., with dinner served at 6 p.m., music and dancing to follow. There will also be some door prizes and the chance for attendees to take part in some opportunity drawings.
Funds raised through this fourth edition of the Blue Jean Ball will help the Escalon Historical Society continue to provide high school scholarships for graduating seniors and to help with operating expenses at the Main Street museum location.
