A night of celebration, a night of community spirit – the observance of National Night Out in Escalon hit several high notes, with root beer floats, neighborhood potlucks, tacos and more.

Observed nationwide on Tuesday, Aug. 4 this year, there were seven scheduled stops in Escalon for the caravan of first responders and Escalon city officials and employees.

The group started the night at Saron Lutheran Church on North Street for a taco dinner, with the official location list from the Escalon Police Department naming Lisa Allesi and Louise Spurgeon as the organizers.

Judy Orr and Trey and Allison Hutchison were hosts for the neighborhood barbecue in the 2200 block of Mission Street.

Then it was on to the 300 block of Noni, where organizers Nicol Alvarado and Gwen Garcia planned a potluck.

Denise Hupping was the organizer for the ice cream social on Palomino Court, with Michelle Burriss taking the lead for the potluck on Chardonnay Court.

In the 1600 block of Fisk, Evelyn Cooper was listed as the organizer but deferred to Joanie Garcia, who welcomed the neighborhood residents to her home for the festivities.

Then, the final stop of the evening was put on by Richard and Phyllis Govia, serving up root beer floats in the 900 block of California.

At each stop, first responders including Escalon police and fire department personnel handed out some stickers and other goodies, with tours of the various emergency vehicles also offered. The city crew rode on board the eTrans, Escalon Transit, bus and the caravan rolled in to the various locations with lights and sirens going to announce their arrival.

On Chardonnay Court, it was a team effort for first time hosts Michelle Burriss, Sonja Kitsmiller and Nicole McCracken.

Burriss said they were also supported by the former longtime hosts of the neighborhood gathering there, Charlie Dodge and Gerri Andrade.

“It was really last minute but we’ve got a great turnout,” Burriss shared. “I’ve lived here for 10 years and I don’t know a lot of people in my neighborhood.”

Getting acquainted with those neighbors was a bonus for Burriss, who enjoyed having the chance to meet and greet them – along with the first responders and city officials – in the relaxed, informal setting.

On Fisk, coordinating a potluck for the second year in a row was Joanie Garcia, 93 years young, who was assisted by Evelyn Cooper.

Joanie’s son Steve Garcia and his wife Colleen said Joanie enjoys the event with neighbors and is appreciative of the way they all look out for her.

“She’s lived in this house since 1985 and in the same neighborhood since 1971,” Steve Garcia explained.

Also joining in for the Aug. 4 event was Maria Valenzuela, who serves as an aide to San Joaquin County District 5 Supervisor Robert Rickman, Escalon’s representative on the county board. She provided certificates to the various National Night Out neighborhood ‘captains’ for their efforts.

“I love it, the Escalon community is so welcoming, so tight knit and they’re out here proving it,” Valenzuela noted. “They’re supporting their neighbors and staying connected.”

She also said it was a great opportunity for her to network with residents and hear their concerns while also having fun.

“It’s totally awesome, I’m honored and the special certificates are to thank them (neighborhood leaders) for taking the time to do this, despite the heat,” added Valenzuela. “They’re giving us ice cream and such good treats, Portuguese bread … can’t complain.”

Closing out the event, Richard and Phyllis Govia on California Street were ready to serve root beer floats and also had special gifts for the first responders.

Richard Govia said they gathered over $550 worth of gift certificates to hand out and also raised another $150 in cash, with donations from several local businesses.

“This is our fifth year,” he said, with the list of donors posted on site by the root beer float table for attendees to peruse.

Throughout the evening around the community, there were opportunities to ask questions of the city officials and the first responders, with plenty of fellowship and good eating mixed in as well.