In what promises to be a busy weekend, Escalon residents will have the opportunity to take part in the Relay For Life to benefit the American Cancer Society, enjoy Science Saturday at the library and bring the family to Sunday in the Park.
The hectic schedule will kick off with the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life. The 24-hour fundraising event for the ACS is a combined effort this year for Oakdale, Riverbank, Escalon and Waterford and runs from Saturday, May 5 until Sunday, May 6 on the soccer fields at Oakdale High School, 739 W. G St.
Teams from all the communities are expected to join together in the effort to raise money and awareness in the fight against cancer. Opening ceremonies will be at 9 a.m. Saturday and all are invited; you do not have to be on a team to attend. The teams will host a variety of fundraising opportunities at their booths, from gift basket drawings to food items. Each team also provides an informational message about various types of cancer, prevention efforts and more.
There are theme laps throughout the 24 hours, entertainment, special ceremonies including the evening luminaria video and walk around the track lighted by the luminaria bags and activities offered for cancer survivors and their caregivers, including a dinner served up at 5:30 p.m. Saturday.
Closing ceremonies will be at 9 a.m. Sunday. Teams are asked to have one member from their team on the track at all times during the 24-hour period, even throughout the early morning hours, to signify that ‘cancer never sleeps.’
Meanwhile, the Escalon Public Library will host its Science Saturday program at noon on May 5, featuring Paper Rockets. Aimed at kids, the program provides hands on learning and offers the chance to see science in motion. Participants will design and build their own rocket and then help them blast off through science.
On May 6, the popular series of family-friendly gatherings, Sunday in the Park, returns to Escalon’s Main Street Park, hosted by the Chamber of Commerce.
Hours for this event – which has a Mother’s Day theme – are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Miss Escalon and her court will be there to help youngsters make cards, bird feeders and potted plants for Mother’s Day gift giving. There will be music, drinks and popcorn for all to enjoy as well as the historic caboose being open for tours.
Prior to the start of festivities in the park, EscalonFIT will host a Mommy and Mini class starting at 10:30 a.m. Join EscalonFIT for 30 minutes of fitness with your little ones. Attendees will enjoy some stretching, heart rate-raising moves and a cool down. The class is designed for all fitness levels. Contact EscalonFIT at 209-838-9915 to sign up.
