After being forced to cancel Park Fete and all the associated events last July due to the COVID-19 shutdown, activities are returning for the city’s celebration this year.

Scheduled in August, the nearly weeklong observance will include the Miss Escalon Pageant on Wednesday, Aug. 4.

“This year’s contestants are Bella Ambro, Hannah Luna, Irene Fernandez, Madison Hagglund and Marcela Mancilla,” said Lexi Bavaro, one of the pageant coordinators.

The Miss Escalon hopefuls will go through a series of questions, a fashion show and have interviews as part of the pageant. The public portion is being hosted at the Escalon Community Center on Wednesday, Aug. 4 at 6 p.m., featuring a dinner, then time on stage for the contestants. Tickets are $25 and must be purchased in advance. Ticket sales will take place at the Main Street Stage from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, July 20 and 21, July 27 and 28 or by contacting Bavaro at 209-480-0728. Cash or checks made payable to the Escalon Lions Club are accepted.

Tickets will not be sold at the door and everyone attending must have ticket. Also, out of courtesy to the contestants, coordinators ask that no one under five years old attend the event.

The new Miss Escalon will serve as the city’s spokesperson at a number of events and assist at a variety of programs, such as the Chamber of Commerce ‘Sundays in the Park’ gatherings, as well as attend parades and other festivals in the region on behalf of the city.