Datebook lists upcoming events and items of interest for residents of Escalon, Farmington, Collegeville and the surrounding area.
Join in the fun at the Knights Ferry Classic Car Show, scheduled for Saturday, April 7. The show features free admission to enjoy the wide variety of classics on display. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and the cars and trucks will line the main street, while there will also be music, food for purchase and plenty of family fun. Parking will be available in designated areas and shuttles will take people to and from the show. Come early for a special Odd Fellows breakfast starting at 7 a.m.
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Volunteer blood donors from across the country are needed to help ensure lifesaving blood products are available for patients this spring. Make an appointment to donate blood by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Locally, there are two blood drives being hosted in Escalon on Tuesday, April 10. From 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., a blood drive is scheduled at Escalon High School at 1520 Yosemite, while from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. that day; donors can also stop by the Escalon Christian Reformed Church at 2203 California for a community drive.
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The second annual Escalon High School Football Trap Shoot Fundraiser is on the schedule for Saturday, April 14. Featuring a 2 p.m. shotgun start, the fundraiser is being hosted at the Escalon Sportsman’s Club. The money raised in this event will enhance the Football Program by supplying new helmets, pads, uniforms, and equipment. Cost is $75 per person; you can sign up in teams of five or individually. Competition is done in two rounds of 25 shots for 50 total shots. Each shooter must provide their own gun, ammunition, and safety wear. The fundraiser also includes a catered dinner, prizes to the top shot and winning team, with raffle prizes, horseshoes, cornhole and a live auction featuring a guided wild boar hunt. For more information, contact Andrew Beam at 209-614-9695 or Joe Cowan at 209-918-6013.
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Modesto Junior College will host its annual “New Student Day” events to enroll high school seniors and other first time students on Saturday, April 14 and Thursday, June 14 on East Campus, 435 College Ave., Modesto. Students meet at 8 a.m. in the Auditorium of the Performing and Media Arts Center. Attendance and campus parking are free. New Student Day assists students who are just beginning the process of enrolling at MJC through the steps of application, orientation, assessment and advising workshops. Hands-on assistance with the financial aid application or follow-up steps is available, a parent information seminar is offered as well. Students can register for New Student Day online by visiting www.mjc.edu/news/2018newstudentdays and clicking on the bottom graphic. For more information on New Student Day or enrolling at MJC, call (209) 575-6789.
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Love Escalon 2018 is being planned for Saturday, April 21, beginning at 8 a.m., with a kickoff rally at the Escalon Youth Center. Project sign-ups will be available soon at www.loveescalon.com. For more information, email Brittany Doornenbal at loveescalon@att.net.
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Escalon High School Drama Club is preparing for its spring production, ‘The Brothers Grimm,’ which is scheduled to take the stage in April. This ‘Spectaculathon’ has three performances scheduled, Friday, April 20 and Saturday, April 21 at 7 p.m. along with a 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday, April 22. Admission is just $5 per person; the play will be staged in the high school Performing Arts Center.
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Oak Valley Art Society is getting ready for its annual Members Spring Art Show, to be held at the Escalon Library on Second Street. Dates for the show are Saturday, April 21 and Sunday, April 22. Show hours are Saturday, noon to 5 p.m.; and Sunday, noon to 2 p.m., followed by a reception where awards will be given. The artists will also be on hand for the reception, scheduled from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. There also will be a special youth competition and all forms of artwork are welcome, open to ages 7-17. For more information, call Evelyn Cooper at 209 838-3095.
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TOPS, Take Off Pounds Sensibly, meets every week on Mondays at 9 a.m. at Community United Methodist Church in Oakdale, 1480 Poplar. Visitors are always welcome and the first meeting is free. TOPS is an affordable, nonprofit, weight-loss support and wellness education organization where members learn about nutrition, portion control, food planning, exercise, motivation and more.
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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, April 11. For more information, call (209) 869-8200.
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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.
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Registration is now open for the Welcome Home Veterans Bike and Car Show, scheduled for April 14. All makes, models and years are welcome. The show will be held at the Tuolumne County Sheriff Posse Grounds, Rawhide Road, Jamestown. Entry is $30 in advance, $35 after April 6, includes commemorative pin (first 300) and People’s Choice judging. Advance registration is encouraged, at www.vietnamveterans391.org or contact Patrick at 209-740-5304 or Rodger at 209-480-8423.
