Recognition of the many fruit drying yards that were crucial to Escalon’s economy in days gone by will be featured as part of the Blue Jean Ball II, the Escalon Historical Society fundraiser scheduled for Saturday, June 29.
Tickets can be purchased through Saturday, June 22 for the fundraiser, which will feature dinner, dancing, music, a raffle, door prize drawing, the historical display focused on the fruit drying operations, and more.
“Items are coming in but slow,” Historical Society member and dinner coordinator Wendy Fenton said of items for the raffle. “We will be doing a tribute to the fruit drying yards, there will be seven posters on display.”
Fenton said some residents, now in their 80s, remember working in the various drying yards while still in elementary school; a unique piece of local history.
This is the largest fundraiser for the Historical Society and Fenton said it helps to offset costs for running the museum on Main Street as well as other projects.
Theme for the Blue Jean Ball II is a “Jam Packed” Evening of Fun, said Fenton, and the dinner will be served at Del Rio Vista Garden, 25306 East River Road, Escalon. Festivities begin with a happy hour at 5:30 p.m. and the catered dinner of tri-tip, chicken, potatoes, salad, green beans and dessert begins at 6:30 p.m.
“I’m hoping to maybe provide a specialty dessert,” Fenton said, focusing on the fruit theme.
Signature cocktails to be served will be Jam Bramble and Southern Peach Tea. Music following dinner will be performed by Joni Morris, a well-known area entertainer, singing a variety of country and rock and roll tunes, in addition to some works by Patsy Cline.
Ticket cost is $65 per person, and Fenton said – as the name indicates – the attire is very casual, blue jeans encouraged.
Tickets are available at the Escalon Historical Museum, 1630 Main St., Escalon or by calling Sandy Russell at 209-838-1275. For more information on donating raffle prizes for the event, call the museum at 209-838-8070.
Future smaller fundraisers for the Historical Society will include an October Home and Garden Tour as well as a holiday raffle drawing for a painting. They are also making plans to host a 35th anniversary Open House celebration at the museum in August.
