Summer Concert Series
Oakdale’s Friday night Concerts in the Park series continues on Aug. 18, with the music of the Highway 99 Party Band from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Dorada Park, corner of A Street and North Second Avenue. The popular summer series wraps up on Aug. 25 with local favorite Remedy due to perform. Bring your lawn chair and picnic to enjoy a Friday evening in the park; remember, no glass bottles allowed.
Sailing With Vets
Sign up now to take a veteran sailing on Saturday, Sept. 23 with the Sail to Recovery program of the local American Veterans First organization. The event is planned from noon to 5 p.m. at the Stockton Sailing Club, 4980 Buckley Cove Way in Stockton. Registration is being accepted now and volunteers with boats are also being sought; you can volunteer your boat and register as a skipper. The mission of American Veterans First is to provide effective sailing therapy for traumatized and wounded veterans. For more information about the program, call Duke Cooper at 209-652-7627.
Winemaking Workshop
Delicato Vineyards is hosting a two-hour winemaking workshop for home winemakers who are interested in learning the process and for those who want to improve their current winemaking skills. The workshop will include a presentation on the basics of fermentation with tank samples on hand to demonstrate the distinct stages leading from juice to wine. The winemaking workshop is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 19 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Delicato Vineyards Tuscan Room, 12001 S. Highway 99 in Manteca. Cost is $10 for non-wine club members; $7 for Caterina Club members; and $5 for Gaspare Club members. Class size is limited to 40 participants. Call or email early to reserve a spot. For more information or to sign up, call 209-824-3678.
Park Hosts Mystery Tour
Columbia State Historic Park will host History’s Mysteries this weekend. Costumed volunteers and park staff present a live reenactment and solve a historical case during this interactive event. The next session will be offered on Saturday, Aug. 19 starting at 10 a.m. Reservations are highly recommended. Cost is $5/adults and $1/children. Each child under 12 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. To purchase tickets, visit the park museum or www.friendsofcolumbiashp.com to buy online or contact the park office at 209-588-9128. The final session will be on Sept. 2, scheduled at 10 a.m.
Edible Extravaganza
Center for Human Services’ Edible Extravaganza is back. Last year, more than 1,200 people attended this signature event, with this year’s event projected to be just as popular. The 31st Edible Extravaganza is set for Thursday, Sept. 7 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Centre Plaza in Downtown Modesto. Returning features this year: Limited “Preferred” Tickets for $100. With this special ticket you have the opportunity to get in at 5 p.m. during the private reception and beat the crowds. There will also be a Best in Show contest amongst the vendors, special drawings for prizes and dancing to the sounds of local bands. Tickets are $50 in advance or $55 at the door and can be purchased online at http://www.centerforhumanservices.org/edible-extravaganza/, at the Center for Human Services Modesto office at 2000 W. Briggsmore Ave., or by calling their office at 526-1476.
Speechtrain Session
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, Aug. 23. For more information, call (209) 869-8200.
Authors Sought
The Stanislaus County Library is looking for local published authors to take part in the Eighth Annual Local Author Fair on Saturday, Sept. 23 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event will take place outside on the 16th Street side of the Modesto Library portico. Local authors will have the opportunity to promote their works, as well as sell and sign copies of their publications. There is no cost to participate, but advance registration is required as space is limited. Interested authors should contact Laura Ferrell at (209) 558-7817 to request an event registration form. Completed forms must be received by Friday, Sept. 8 at 5 p.m. in order to participate.
StocktonCon Slated
Come join the celebration of comic and pop culture fun, with StocktonCon 2017. Festivities are scheduled at the Stockton Arena on Saturday, Aug. 19 and Sunday, Aug. 20; attendees are encouraged to come to the event dressed as their favorite hero, villain or television personality. With an impressive list of guests, this is shaping up to be one of the most memorable conventions in the Valley’s recent history. StocktonCon will have something for everyone including voiceover actors and actresses, professional wrestlers, actors and actresses from movies and television, stunt doubles, graphic artists and more. Tickets are on sale now and are available online at www.stocktoncon.com.
