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City Celebration Next Month
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mjackson@escalontimes.com

Now just a little more than a month away, plans are well under way for this year's Park Fete celebration in Escalon.

"We just really have a lot of subcommittee work going on," said Amanda Swift, working with Lions Club members Ed Alves and Monty Vanderbeek as primary coordinators for the event. "The American Legion will again be handling the parade, Deverie Voral is working on the Miss Escalon and Little Miss and Mr. Escalon pageants."

Last year, Park Fete also featured the 50th anniversary celebration of the city's incorporation and a full week of activities was offered, culminating with the weekend Fete. That required more extensive meetings due to planning some major events in connection with the anniversary so Swift said this year, things are on a much smaller scale.

"It's gotten easier over the last couple of years," Swift added of coordinating the event. "We have a good network in place."

Dates for this year's Park Fete are Friday and Saturday, July 11 and 12. Events begin on Friday afternoon with vendor booths opening up and bands providing entertainment into the evening, along with rides and games for kids. Saturday features a breakfast, the Park Fete Run, the parade, musical entertainment throughout the day, the carnival area for kids, local groups with booths, and plenty of food and beverages including the popular beer booth operated by the Lions Club.

"Shadowchase (Running Club) and the Chamber of Commerce will be doing the run this year," Swift said. "And we'll have a lot of local bands for entertainment, old and familiar bands."

There are already plenty of candidates in the running for Miss Escalon, with 11 contestants announced for the title. Tickets for the Miss Escalon dinner and pageant at the Escalon Sportsman's Club will go on sale June 15. Young Little Miss and Mr. Escalon candidates will take the stage during the Park Fete celebration on Friday night for their pageant.

Swift said she is working closely with the city and the Lions Club to get all the pieces to fall into place. While there were monthly meeting last year because of all the special activities associated with the celebration, this year has been more of a laid back approach. After an initial meeting, Swift said it is the subcommittees that have been meeting individually, putting their own parts of the celebration together.

"It's going very smoothly," she said.

Vendor booth space is still available and those interested can contact Swift at 338-7543.