Community Briefs provides a listing of events and activities going on in and around the Oakdale, Riverbank and Escalon areas. To have an event featured, e-mail the information to mjackson@oakdaleleader.com.
Dance Band Concert
Oakdale Community Dance Band has a program scheduled on Thursday, April 27. The performance starts at 6:30 p.m., at the Gladys L. Lemmons Senior Community Center at 450 E. A St., Oakdale. All in the region are invited to attend this free concert to listen and, if desired, to dance. Mark your April calendar for the “Live Music at the Lemmons Center” and spread the word to family and friends.
Peddler’s Faire Sunday
The Gold Country Peddler’s Faire is scheduled for Sunday, April 30 in Knights Ferry. It serves as the major fundraiser for the museum run by the Knights Ferry History & Museum Associates. Hours are 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. and the faire will go on, rain or shine. The Knights Ferry Museum will be open that day for anyone to visit. The downtown ice cream shop will be open as well. Over 100 arts and crafts, collectibles and antique vendors will be on hand for the faire, offering a wide variety of items for shoppers and collectors. There is no charge for admission to the Peddler’s Faire. In addition to the faire, those planning to attend can first stop at the IOOF Hall on Main Street in Knights Ferry, where a pancake breakfast will be available for sale from 7 a.m. until 11 a.m.
Garden Club Session
A guest speaker and general meeting will be featured at the Thursday, May 4 session of the Escalon Farmington Community Garden Club, scheduled at the Escalon United Methodist Church, 2000 Jackson Ave., Escalon, at 1 p.m. Guest speaker will be Lisa McPhee, co-owner of Backroad Blooms Flower Farm in Oakdale with the topic of fresh cut blooms and arrangements. The general meeting follows the guest speaker, with a door prize, raffle and snacks offered as well. All are welcome to attend.
Monthly Market Place
The first Saturday of the month features the Market Place on Poplar, hosted at 1480 Poplar St., Oakdale, at the Community United Methodist Church. The next market will be on May 6; upcoming dates through the end of 2023 are scheduled for June 3, July 1, Aug. 5, Sept. 2, Oct. 7, Nov. 4 and Dec. 2. The monthly Market Place, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., is a spot for people to sell, trade or just give away items and is perfect for crafters, collectors and a place for people to get rid of extra items around the house. There are also hot lunch items offered, with something different featured each month. Vendor space is $20. This is an inside event and under a covered area outside. For booth reservations or more information, email: CraftFairInfo@yahoo.com.
Accordion Club Gathers
The Good Time Accordion Club members meet on a regular basis, the first Sunday of the month at 2:30 p.m., hosted at the Escalon United Methodist Church, 2000 Jackson Ave., Escalon. Admission is $5; there are free refreshments provided. The club presents musicians of all levels and many musical styles. Anyone can bring an accordion and play or just come to enjoy listening to the musical performances. The upcoming 2023 gatherings are scheduled for May 7, June 4, July 2, Aug. 6, Sept. 3, Oct. 1, Nov. 5 and Dec. 3.
TOPS Meeting
All interested are welcome to join TOPS (Taking Off Pounds Sensibly) a weight loss support group that meets in Oakdale every Monday morning from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.; they have a new location for 2023, meeting at 7450 River Road, Suite 4, Oakdale. This group is open to the public and anyone interested in improving their life by losing weight can contact Audrey for more information, call 209-765-7838.
Golden Agers Dance
Check out the Golden Agers dance group at the Riverbank Community Center on Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., with dancing, socializing, live music and fun for all. 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.
Widowed Persons Support
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 209-322-2184.
