With the start of the school year fast approaching, a few special events are scheduled this weekend for families to enjoy.

First up, on Friday night, Aug. 4, the Escalon Youth Center will host a ‘Back To School Bash’ from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The ‘bash’ will feature some fun activities and drawings for raffle prizes, in addition to food and beverages. Tickets are also on sale now for the Friday, Aug. 11 tri tip fundraiser dinner for the Youth Center. Cost is $45 a ticket for a whole tri tip meal to feed a family of five. Call for tickets or more information, 691-8191.

Also mark the calendar for the end-of-summer favorite Ice Cream Social, hosted annually at the Escalon United Methodist Church on Jackson Avenue. Scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 5, the homemade ice cream and dessert treats will be served up from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.; no cost to attend but donations will be accepted. The annual ice cream social has been going on for at least 20 years. The church is at 2000 Jackson Ave.

Finally, on Sunday, Aug. 6, the Escalon Chamber of Commerce will be hosting its ‘Sunday in the Park’ gathering, with fun for all members of the family planned. The Chamber hosts the event in the Main Street Park the first Sunday of the month and the Sunday festivities are scheduled from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Aug. 6 is National Root Beer Float Day and, in keeping with that theme, visitors to the park on Sunday will get to enjoy making the sweet treat, with ice cream and root beer donated by the local Mar-Val Market.

Escalon Branch Librarian Jamie Turner will lead kids in the making of craft sailboats to be floated on an improvised pond. Face painting will be offered by Sonya Huff. Chalk for drawing on the pavement in front of the stage will be available for aspiring young artists. Representatives of the Escalon Historical Society will also be on hand to run their popcorn machine and open up the caboose for tours.

Also with an eye toward the opening of school, there will be periodic drawings for special ‘back to school’ book bags donated by the Friends of the Escalon Library filled with school supplies donated by the local Heck of a Deal. These bags will be offered in opportunity drawings scheduled several times each hour. The winner must be present to win.

The Sunday in the Park events offer music, food and family fun; all are welcome to attend.