There are many things which make Oakdale special. As your hometown journalist, I’ve documented many be it through a story or in this space – time and time again.
Earlier this month however, I was reminded of one thing which probably makes me the most proud of calling the 95361 home.
Oakdale, shows up to support its own. Be it an out-of-town football game, an annual fundraising event and everything in between, this community makes its people a priority.
The event which moved me to pen this piece, was a night with the Alex Lucero Band at Gallo Center for the Arts. In short, Oakdale and apparently a little bit of Santa Cruz (Lucero’s current home) took over the Gallo.
It was an old home night at its finest. The community showed up beaming with pride and up for a good time, as its local talent Alex and Justina Lucero took to center stage.
Making our pilgrimage to Motown even better, Alex had asked Randy Mandy and the Frequency Experience, as well as Willy Tea Taylor to join his band as opening acts.
Having that sweet touch of Knights Ferry talent kick off the night was both magical and fun. Each doing a great job offering some story telling in between highlighting their talents.
As the audience spoke to the talent on stage, my daughter looked to me and said, “Oakdale is definitely in the house,” and she wasn’t wrong.
The Alex Lucero Band took the audience on a wonderful musical ride. Eventually, Alex would ask the Knights Ferry talent to join them, which made the party all the better. Collectively the bands treated us all to four hours of entertainment. Pure magic.
But you don’t need to attend an event at Gallo to see how this community gathers. Each year it’s exemplified through so many events, graduations notably being one. Each year family and friends line up in the heat to secure seats to watch their graduate come through The Corral. “Which side are you on” – home or away – becomes a common question among graduates and loved ones the week of the event.
For many, it’s a simple thing, a high school graduation. Yet for this community, it’s an opportunity. An opportunity to applaud their efforts, the hurdles cleared, the future which awaits them. An opportunity to say job well done and remind them not only who they are, but who stands by them with unwavering support.
It’s an endearing quality the way everyone collectively supports one another. Just one more of those special things which keeps us saying, “Only in Oakdale.” A community steeped in tradition and grounded in support.
So, here’s to remaining ‘small’ even as we grow. To continuing to show up for friends as well as strangers. For a pride which rivals none other. Cheers to the heart and spirit of the 95361.
Teresa Hammond is a staff reporter for The Oakdale Leader, The Riverbank News and The Escalon Times. She may be reached at thammond@oakdaleleader.com or by calling 209-847-3021.
