Escalon American Legion and Escalon United Methodist Church are both planning gatherings for Saturday, Aug. 16.

The Gustafson-Thompson Post 263 of the American Legion is putting on its third Saturday of the month community dinner. Hosted several times during the course of the year, the next meal is set for this weekend. Serving begins at 5 p.m.; the dinner is hosted at the Legion Post on Second Street. Featured will be spare ribs and pork loin, with a number of side dishes adding to the smorgasbord. There will also be desserts and beverages; donations are accepted. The Legion puts on the dinners as a way to thank community members for their support during the year.

This Saturday also brings the popular, traditional Ice Cream Social, put on at the Escalon United Methodist Church, 2000 Jackson Ave.

This annual event serves up multiple homemade ice cream, with a variety of flavors, in addition to other desserts from brownies to slices of pie. Hours for the social are 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.; donations are accepted and the community is invited to come and enjoy the homemade ice cream while socializing with friends and neighbors.