Escalon residents gathered for the first Sunday of the month special series, Sunday in the Park, on Aug. 5. With the region enjoying a brief respite from triple digit temperatures, the day also featured a cool treat for those stopping by, as it was National Root Beer Float Day.

Attendees were able to stroll around the park, listen to music, enjoy popcorn and their root beer floats, tour the historic caboose and participate in a craft activity offered through the Escalon Library. There was also a giveaway of book bags for youngsters and face painting by Sonya Huff.

The craft table, overseen by librarian Jamie Turner, saw kids making mini sailboats out of common household items and then setting them afloat in a wading pool.

Rich C. Olds was on hand to keep the music flowing and Escalon Historical Society members manned the popcorn machine. Helping scoop the ice cream and pour the root beer was Sally Hale, active both with the library and the museum.

“This is the first one we’ve come to,” said Cristen Casados, attending the Sunday event with daughters Charlotte, 6, and Kendall, 2. “It’s so fun. It’s nice to have something fun and free to do.”

Hosted by the Escalon Chamber of Commerce, the Sunday in the Park is featured several times throughout the year and typically has a theme for the day.