Community Briefs provides a listing of events and activities going on around the Oakdale, Riverbank and Escalon areas. We welcome submissions of one-time or ongoing gatherings in the region. To have an event featured, call 209-847-3021 or e-mail the information to mjackson@oakdaleleader.com.
Final Pre-Cruise
Escalon Lions Club will be putting on its annual Autum Cruise in September and is hosting the last of its three pre-cruise gatherings on Friday night, Aug. 14, featuring music, some prize drawings and special meal deals at Hula’s, which is where the pre-cruise event is staged. Those that come to display a vehicle at the Friday night show – and enter their vehicle into the annual Autumn Cruise – will receive additional tickets for a drawing to be held at the September event. There is no fee to participate in the Friday night show and all are welcome; the show will be at Hula’s from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The 30th annual cruise is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 12 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., with more information or registration forms available by contacting John Salvin at 209-838-7077 or Mike Powers at 209-380-3190.
Dancing Fun
The Riverbank-based Golden Agers dance group is always looking to expand its membership. They meet at the Riverbank Community Center on Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., with dancing, socializing, live music and fun for all. Adults 55-plus are welcome. Just drop in to check it out or become a member. Fees are $5 for members and $6 for non-members. Membership is $15. The Community Center is at 3600 Santa Fe St., Riverbank.
Ice Cream Social
Coming up this weekend, be sure to stop by the Escalon United Methodist Church on Saturday, Aug. 15, with the annual Ice Cream Social on the calendar. Hosted by the church for years, the social is open to all in the area, with several varieties of homemade ice cream available, in addition to a number of dessert options, from brownies to slices of pie. There is no cost to attend but donations are accepted. The church is at 2000 Jackson Ave., Escalon, and hours for the ice cream social are 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Garden Meeting
The Oakdale Garden Club will resume its monthly meetings on Tuesday, Aug. 18 at 10 a.m., at the Community Methodist Church, 1480 Poplar St., Oakdale. New members are always welcome to join and learn more about gardening in the community. This month’s guest speaker is Marcie Davis of M & J Farms, located in Stanislaus County since 2015. She will be speaking on how they have expanded into sustainable practices by transforming waste wool into Wooly Garden—their chemical-free wool pellet fertilizer. This innovative product enhances soil health by improving aeration, retaining moisture, and naturally deterring slugs and snails. By repurposing wool, it contributes to a circular economy while promoting eco-friendly gardening solutions. For more information, visit https://OakdaleGardenClub.org or on Facebook.
Designer Bag Bingo
Members of the Soroptimist International of Oakdale have announced the return of their popular Designer Bag Bingo fundraiser, scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 4 at the Gene Bianchi Community Center, 110 S. Second Ave., Oakdale. This year’s event features 10 bingo games awarding premium designer handbags, an expanded raffle, and new interactive game experiences designed to elevate the excitement for all attendees. Tickets are currently for sale on the group’s Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/sioakdale
August Concert
This is the second year for a summer music and ice cream series in the heart of downtown Escalon and the next event is scheduled for Friday, Aug. 21. Taking the Main Street Stage for the last of the three-concert series will be local group Valley Fire with its mix of country and rock. The concert runs from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. There is no charge to attend, no charge for the ice cream; it’s just a way for community members to get together and enjoy a summer evening against the backdrop of music and a sweet treat.
Morning Market
Make plans to attend the Oakdale Morning Market, offered on Saturday mornings and situated along North Third Avenue. The Market, put on through Love Oakdale, presents a wide variety of vendors. Food and beverage booths, fresh fruits and vegetables, unique merchandise, live music, a kids area for projects and activities, a special section featuring the work of young entrepreneurs and more are included. Hours for the weekly Saturday market are 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., which continues through Sept. 26.
Apply For Education $$
Women who serve as the primary wage earners for their families and seek financial assistance to continue their education or receive training can now apply for the Soroptimist Live Your Dream: Education and Training Awards for Women. Information about the application is available at the Soroptimist International of Oakdale website (www.sioakdale.org) or Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/sioakdale), or by contacting Ruth Bright via email at nitis1975@yahoo.com. The application period opened on Aug. 1, 2026 and the deadline to apply is Nov. 15.
History On Display
Members of the Escalon Historical Society Museum welcome all area residents to stop by and tour the museum, at 1630 Main St., Escalon, to learn about local history and browse the gift shop items. The regular museum hours are Wednesdays and Saturdays, noon to 4 p.m. Also, a reminder that the first Wednesday of each month is designated as Reminisce Day with attendees encouraged to share stories from the community’s past, with refreshments served.
Irish Music
The ‘lads and lasses’ of Brennan’s Parlor host a monthly Irish music jam (aka “Ceilidh”) in the back room of the H Bar B Saloon, 401 E. F St., Oakdale. Gatherings are on the third Monday of the month, and run from 6 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. They welcome anyone – players, singers, or listeners – with an appreciation for Celtic music to join the fun.
Fun Bunch Walkers
All area senior citizens are welcome to join the Escalon Senior Fun Bunch walkers, known as the Senior Steppers, as they gather for their regular walks. The group meets every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at the Bob and Dena Lease Park in Escalon, at the corner of Justin Drive and Mission Street at 9 a.m. This is a lighthearted group whose members love to get together and walk with others, enjoy some conversation and exercise. All are welcome to join the walking group during any or all of their scheduled walks during the week.
Weight Loss
The area’s TOPS (Taking Off Pounds Sensibly) weight loss support group members meet in Oakdale every Monday morning from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.; the meeting is at 7450 River Road, Suite 4, Oakdale. This group is open to the public and anyone interested in improving their life by losing weight. Visit the website: www.tops.org for more information and to see a list of other meeting locations.
Widowed Persons
Open to those throughout the area, the Oakdale Widowed Persons Group invites you to join them the first Saturday of each month for breakfast at 9 a.m. and on the third Tuesday of each month for lunch at 1 p.m.; call for locations. All are welcome to join the group no matter how long ago you lost your spouse. For more information, contact Barbara at 209-318-5100.
Jammers Gather
The ‘Jammers’ are a loosely knit group of local musicians who gather regularly to play and share music. Members of The Jammers set up and play at Medlen’s House of Beef in Oakdale, on the patio, the second and fourth Saturdays of each month. The fun begins around 3 p.m. and typically continues until about 6 p.m., a full afternoon of music. Acoustic musicians are welcome to come and play. Featured instruments usually include guitar, fiddle, banjo, ukulele, etc. The public is welcome to stop by, listen to the music and even sing along. No cost to attend.
