Datebook lists upcoming events and items of interest for residents of Escalon, Farmington, Collegeville and the surrounding area.
A Grateful Band Benefit Concert is scheduled on Sunday, May 27 at 1 p.m. at Columbia Nursery, 22004 Parrots Ferry Road, Sonora. Tickets are $20 per person. The concert will be indoor or outdoor, dependent on weather. Enjoy live music, dancing, with optional food and drink.
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All are welcome to join in the ceremonies at The California Irish Hunger Memorial for the Second Annual Irish Hunger Commemoration on Saturday, May 19 at Saint Joseph’s Cemetery, 26 Mile Road, five miles north of Woodward Reservoir. Assemble at the Memorial at 11 a.m.; for more information, contact George Trainor at (209) 858-8124.
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Python Ron will bring his Reptile Kingdom show to the Escalon Library for a pair of appearances on Saturday, May 19. Shows are scheduled for noon and 1:45 p.m.; bring the kids to enjoy this unique reptile performance. The library is at 1540 Second St., Escalon.
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A fundraiser to benefit the Escalon Historical Society is scheduled for Saturday, May 19. The event will be hosted at the Santini Barn in Escalon and is scheduled from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Being billed as ‘The Farmers Table,’ the fundraising event will include a no host cocktail hour from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., dinner from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. and entertainment featuring Sourdough Slim from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tickets are available at the Escalon Museum during business hours or by contacting Evelyn Swass at 209-838-2298. Tickets are $45 per person.
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ASTRO, the Animal Shelter To Riverbank and Oakdale, is hosting a Barn Extravaganza on Saturday, May 19 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., rain or shine, at 10610 Gibbs Drive, Oakdale, off Rodden Road. There will be pet adoptions, a mobile barista, food truck and a wide variety of items from the ASTRO Thrift and Gift Store. All proceeds benefit the ASTRO Foundation.
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San Joaquin County Parks and Recreation and the Delta Fly Fishers will host the 34th annual Catfish Derby on Saturday, June 2 beginning at 6:15 a.m. at Oak Grove Regional Park in Stockton. Kids age 15 years and younger fish for catfish free at Oak Grove’s 10-acre lake during the event. There is no registration fee, however, a $5 fishing permit fee and valid California fishing license are required for those 16 years of age or over. A $6 vehicle-parking fee will also apply. All State Fish and Game laws apply. Participants must supply their own fishing equipment. For more information, call (209) 331-2050 or log onto www.sjparks.com.
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The local REO Speechtrain Toastmasters Club gathers for regular meetings every Wednesday morning, 6:30 a.m. to 7:45 a.m., at Perko’s Cafe, Patterson and Oakdale roads, Riverbank. This is a fun way to learn the self-confidence and skills needed for public speaking. All are invited to come and check out the group. The next meeting will be Wednesday, May 23. For more information, call (209) 869-8200.
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All are invited to the weekly meetings of TOPS, Take Off Pounds Sensibly, 1034 that gathers each Monday from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the United Methodist Church, 1480 Poplar Ave., Oakdale. The group features help with weight loss in a supportive setting. Residents of Oakdale, Riverbank, Escalon and beyond are welcome to attend. Call Audrey Oliver at 209-765-7838 for information. You can also visit www.tops.org.
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Golden Agers weekly dances are open to those 50 and older from throughout the Central Valley at the Riverbank Community Center. Doors open Wednesdays at 9 a.m.; the center is at 3600 Santa Fe St., and first time guests are admitted free. The annual membership fee is $12 and each Wednesday members pay $5 and non-members can enjoy a few hours of music and dancing for $6.
