For the month of July the City of Riverbank will be hosting ‘Wednesday Night Out’ at the Community Center Park in Riverbank from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. There is no cost to attend and each Wednesday night features musical entertainment, food vendors, crafts, and many other booths and activities to enjoy.
The group ‘Mother Teresa and the Sinners’ kicked off the festivities on Wednesday, July 10 and entertained the vendors and guests alike. The day was warm and had a nice breeze swirling around each booth.
Mayor Richard O’Brien noted that Scott Pettit, owner of Riverbank Black Belt Academy and Karate For Kids, donated funds to assist in making the event possible.
“We are most appreciative of Scott’s commitment to the city, which he demonstrates regularly with contributions of time and energy, as well as money, to community events,” added City Manager Jill Anderson.
Vendors came from all around the area including the communities of Escalon, Ripon, Murphys and Modesto to name a few. Kathy Paioni, Paparazzi consultant from Modesto had her booth filled with jewelry priced at $5 each and a section for kids that had jewelry for $2. Rosa’s Bakery from Escalon brought a variety of Portuguese sweet bread and pastries. Sienna Farms brought their Modesto-produced organic olive oil. Murphys Mustard Company shared samples of their gourmet mustard and had bottled product on hand.
The event also had a variety of food to choose from with the Riverbank Lions Club serving up hot dogs, chips, and a cookie for dessert. Quitito Tamales from Riverbank had a cart stationed at the event and were selling homemade tamales and drinks. Castro’s Bar-B-Que Shack and Filipino Food out of Manteca had a booth and offered cheesesteak sandwiches, carne asada tacos, Shanghai Lumpia and much more. For those that were looking for a snack and not a meal, Dale’s Gourmet Kettle Popcorn, from Ripon, may have done the trick.
The Kiwanis Club and the Riverbank Historical Society had booths there as well ready to share information.
Travis Price, owner of The H.I.I.T. Club, had members out on the grass displaying some boxing moves by their booth that was set up and ready to take on new members.
“There was a steady flow of people throughout the evening,” said Anderson. “I think the event will build momentum throughout the summer. People will come out and enjoy the park on a wonderful summer evening.”
The fun will continue every Wednesday for the next three weeks, on July 17, 24, and 31. On the last night of the event, Wednesday, July 31 they will have a DJ and present Riverbank’s Got Talent.
For more information contact the city’s Parks and Recreation Department at 209-863-7150.
