From "Cities & Towns of San Joaquin County": The citizens of Farmington, as well as those who had moved away years before, were united in a special project during the 1970s. The old Farmington Cemetery, established in 1888, had become badly run down. Since a takeover was allowed by private enterprise in the 1950s, the operation passed through a series of speculative ownerships and the burial plots suffered severe neglect. In 1976, a non-profit Farmington Cemetery Association took over operation and restored the grounds with the help of volunteers and young men from Peterson Hall, a juvenile home in French Camp.

In recent times, the social life has centered around the Farmington Elementary School P.T.A., 4-H Club, Methodist Church, volunteer Fire Department and the Chamber of Commerce. All participate in an annual Community Day held every June since 1952. The event features a parade, barbecue and other activities, providing funds for community improvement projects. Also starting in the same year was a unique celebrating of Groundhog Day. Using numerous interpretations of the observance, the 4-H Club serves a dinner featuring pork sausage, a bingo game with "piggy" items for prizes, etc.

The movie industry has added excitement in recent years. In 1957, "The Big Country", with Gregory Peck, Charlton Heston, Charles Bickford and Jean Simmons, was filmed at the Old Drais Ranch east of town. In 1980, a segment of "Coast to Coast" was filmed, starring Robert Blake and Dyan Cannon. Segments of other productions also have been filmed here.

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Happy Birthday to Kelly Kroon, Wednesday, June 6th.

Happy Birthday to Joey Kroon on Monday, June 11th.

Happy Anniversary Kevin and Megan Kroon, Wednesday, June 6th.

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Please contact me if you have items for the Farmington News column. E-mail me at farmingtonnews@gmail.com or phone 896-6697.