Hamburger Night Benefit
Oakdale’s VFW Post is gearing up for the next of its monthly hamburger night fundraisers, with Wednesday, Aug. 3 the date for the next event. Hours are from 5:30 p.m. to about 8:30 p.m., at the Oakdale Saddle Club Rodeo Grounds clubhouse. Attendees can stay after eating to socialize. All donations at the dessert table at the monthly dinner go to purchase wreaths for Wreaths Across America. The local VFW and Auxiliary’s goal is to have a wreath on every grave at the Santa Nella Veterans cemetery.
Speechtrain Meeting
Riverbank welcomes the REO Speechtrain Toastmasters Club 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. 3. For more information, call (209) 614-8462.
Accordion Club
The Good Time Accordion Club is still alive and going strong in Escalon. The club meets the second Wednesday of each month for their musical and social gathering at the Escalon Community Center, 1055 Escalon Ave., with the next session in August. Admission is $5 at the door; meetings are at 7 p.m. and the remainder of the club’s meetings for 2016 are scheduled on Wednesdays, Aug. 10; Sept. 14; Oct. 12; Nov. l9 and Dec. 14. Accordion players of all ages and levels are welcome, in addition to listening enthusiasts. The club also accepts donated accordions. For more information, contact Gayle Certini at 209-526-3627.
Gold Dust Music
Grab a cowboy hat and low-back lawn chair or blanket and settle under the shade of heritage oaks at the first ever Red Dirt and Gold Dust Music Fest (RDGDMF), set for Saturday, Aug. 6 at the Calaveras County Fairgrounds in Angels Camp. Tickets are on sale now at www.reddirtandgolddust.com for $25 each, and may also be purchased at the Angels Camp Body Shop, 1270 S. Main St., Angels Camp. The all-day event will host seven of the Red Dirt industry’s popular and up-and-coming bands. Tickets will rise to $30 the day of the event so there is great value in buying early. Parking is an additional $5 charge. No outside food, beverages or coolers will be allowed on the Fairgrounds.
Catfish Dinner
Mark your calendars for the ninth annual Catfish Dinner, slated for Saturday, Aug. 6 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the IOOF Hall on Main Street, sponsored by the La Grange Odd Fellows of Lafayette Historical Lodge #65. It’s a long-standing summer tradition, always the first Saturday of August. Besides deep fried catfish fillets the menu also includes cornbread, coleslaw salad, corn on the cob and coffee, iced tea or lemonade with ice cream cups for dessert, all for $12 for adults, $6 for kids age 6 to 12, with kids 5 and under admitted free. Take-out dinners are also available. You can also join the raffle drawing and win one of many prizes. Tickets are a $1 donation or 6 for $5. Dinner and raffle tickets are available at the door or pre-sale. Call (209) 853-2128 for more information
