Datebook lists upcoming events and items of interest for residents of Escalon, Farmington, Collegeville and the surrounding area.
Get ready for the San Joaquin County Fair, with dates for this year’s event June 13 through 16. The fairgrounds at 1658 S. Airport Way in Stockton will come alive with music, rides, games and more with fun for all. In addition there will be multiple exhibits and shows. For more information, call 209-466-5041. Also, the San Joaquin AgFest Jr. Show and Auction will be staged at the fairgrounds from Saturday, June 8 through Saturday, June 15.
*****
The 14th Saron Lutheran Church Golf Tournament is scheduled for Saturday, June 1 at Jack Tone Golf Course. It is an 18-hole, scramble format, and the individual cost is $60. Proceeds from the tournament will be used for renovation projects at the church. Pastors and members from a variety of churches are participating, as are various city officials from local communities. The tournament is also open to the public at large. People may sign up as individuals or be part of a team that enrolls. The tee time is 8 a.m., with breakfast snacks and a full luncheon provided. If someone just wants to have the luncheon, the cost is only $15. Anyone can sign up, for either golf or the luncheon, starting at 7 a.m. that morning.
For more information, call 209-838-1277.
*****
Make plans now to take part in the Catfish Derby, scheduled for Saturday, June 1 at Oak Grove Regional Park, Stockton. Open to all, kids fish for free and the event begins at 6:15 a.m.; there is a $6 parking fee and a $5 fishing fee for anglers 16 and older, those 16 and older must also have a valid California fishing license. The will be prizes, foo and fun and over 2,000 pounds of catfish have been stocked to prepare for the event, offered through the San Joaquin County Parks. Call for more information, 209-331-2050.
*****
All in the community are invited to ‘get reacquainted’ with the Escalon Golf Course, at a special Open House set for Saturday, June 1. The event will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and those attending can meet the staff, see the equipment and get a free hot dog and a drink. There will also be a special, play two 9-hole rounds of golf for the price of one all day; call in advance for a tee time.
*****
Vietnam Veterans of America will host their third annual bike and car show for 2019 in conjunction with the Columbia Airport Father’s Day Fly-in. This two-day event provides something for the whole family: cars, bikes, airplanes, food, music and more. Bring your car/bike, your shade and chair and join in the fun. Registration includes admission to the airshow. New this year will be the Saturday night hangar dance. The Burn Permit band will provide music for your listening and dancing pleasure from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Admission to the dance is free, donations will be accepted. The public is welcome. Registration forms and more information on www.vietnamveterans391.org.
*****
San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area will host kayak tours this summer. The three-hour tours will take visitors on a paddling adventure through the waters of Los Banos Reservoir. Led by California State Parks staff, visitors will learn about the flowers and wildlife of the area throughout the tour. After a shoreline safety talk and demo, participants will board a tandem or single kayak and head out on the water. Tours will stay near the shore so visitors can search for animals. Binoculars and identification cards will be provided. Tours begin at 8:30 a.m. and will run on Fridays, June 7 and 28; July 5 and Aug. 9; along with Saturdays, June 1, 8, 22 and 29. Reservations are required as space is limited and can be made by calling (209) 826-1197. Tours are $20 for adults and $10 for children 8-to-18. Price includes admission to the park and all equipment needed. Special group discounts are available. No experience is necessary.
*****
The local REO Speechtrain Toastmasters Club gathers for regular meetings every Wednesday morning, 6:30 a.m. to 7:45 a.m., at Perko’s Cafe, Patterson and Oakdale roads, Riverbank. This is a fun way to learn the self-confidence and skills needed for public speaking. All are invited to come and check out the group. The next meeting will be Wednesday, June 5. For more information, call (209) 869-8200.
*****
Golden Agers weekly dances are open to those 50 and older from throughout the Central Valley and are now hosted at St. Frances of Rome Church, 2827 Topeka St., Riverbank. First time guests are admitted free. The annual membership fee is $12 and each Wednesday members pay $5 and non-members can enjoy a few hours of music and dancing for $6. The Golden Agers meet from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
*****
All are invited to the weekly meetings of TOPS, Take Off Pounds Sensibly, 1034 that gathers each Monday from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the United Methodist Church, 1480 Poplar Ave., Oakdale. The group features help with weight loss in a supportive setting. Residents of Oakdale, Riverbank, Escalon and beyond are welcome to attend. Call Audrey Oliver at 209-765-7838 for information. You can also visit www.tops.org.
