In the days leading up to the Friday and Saturday downtown Park Fete celebration in Escalon, there were several special events. New royalty was crowned and a longtime couple, active in the community, was honored.

First, on Tuesday, July 22 the Senior Mr. and Mrs. Escalon Luncheon was hosted at the Escalon Community Center, saluting the many contributions of Adrian and Valerie Van Houten. The couple have been active in their church and various community service groups throughout the years. Along with enjoying the luncheon, they received special recognition and proclamations from officials at the local, state and national levels. They also had the opportunity to ride in the Saturday morning Park Fete parade to smile and wave to the crowd.

Wednesday night, July 23 at the Community Center, it was the Miss Escalon Pageant and 12 high school students, incoming junior and senior girls at EHS, took part. The crown went to Gianna Wilson – now a third generation Miss Escalon – following in her mother’s and grandmother’s footsteps. She also was named Miss Photogenic. First alternate was Ayana Cocio and second alternate was Jaqueline Aguayo, who also was selected as Miss Congeniality by her fellow contestants. Carolina Torres was named as Miss Inspirational. The four making up the new Miss Escalon Court were out and about throughout the Park Fete weekend, judging the chalk art contest, meeting with local youngsters and providing plenty of smiles.

Also taking part in the Miss Escalon Pageant were Gloria De La O Vigil, Gloria Segura, Natalie Abor, Tatem Esteves, Nevaeh Grisham, Andrea Perez-Avila, Itzel Mancilla and Tyliann Holback.

Serving as judges for the pageant was the team out of Manteca Youth Focus, Shim Lacy, Michealle Hoag, Douglas Scott and Kristin Scott.

Thursday evening, it was time for the Little Mr. and Miss Escalon pageant, also hosted in the Community Center. The participants included Kade McCoon, Weston Johnson and Austin Felber, vying for Little Mr. honors. Sarai Macias, Harper Baker, Laken Sharp, Capri Ciccarelli, Aurora Murken, Cora Comacho, Presley Merrill, Lilly Lanza, Kelsey Merrill, Riley Messersmith, Rylee McCoon and Avery Messersmith were in the running for Little Miss Escalon.

A chance to introduce themselves and answer a couple of questions, in addition to some dancing on stage, gave judges from the Manteca Youth Focus organization – including some young ambassadors from that city – an opportunity to make their selections.

Rylee McCoon was named Little Miss Escalon and said she was excited to represent “this awesome town” over the next year; Austin Felber was named Little Mr. Escalon and was looking forward to riding in the Saturday parade and taking part in different events throughout the year.