The City of Riverbank Parks and Recreation Department is seeking volunteers for this year’s Haunted Hayride and newly added Pumpkin Patch scheduled for Friday, Oct. 26 and Saturday, Oct. 27. They are looking for volunteers interested in running a scare site, assisting with activities for kids, as well as those to help set up and tear down. The pumpkin patch will open at 5:30 p.m. each day and the Hayride will begin at 7 p.m. and run until 9:30 p.m. on Friday and until 10 p.m. on Saturday. To volunteer or for more information, call 209-863-7149.
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The International Heritage Festival will be held on Saturday, Oct. 6 from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. at Modesto Junior College on the East Campus, 435 College Ave., Modesto. The opening ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. and there will be free performances, crafts, music, dance, and International foods. They will also have a parade of International Flags as well as Heritage displays, passport learning activities and much more. Local non-profit Central Valley Community Resources (CVCR) will have a food booth at the event representing Puerto Rico. For more information call 209-521-3852 or visit InternationalFestivalModesto.org.
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Stanislaus State Agriculture Department and Friends of the Fair Foundation present the 16th annual Tastes of the Valley Wine and Cheese event at the Stanislaus County Fairgrounds. The Tastes of the Valley is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 4 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., with food provided by Hilmar Cheese, as well as a variety of other food vendors and restaurants. The event will also include 20 wineries, along with an assortment of craft brews that will provide tasting. Tickets to the event are being sold for $50 each; with the proceeds benefiting the Agriculture Studies Program at Stanislaus State and the Stanislaus County Friends of the Fair Foundation. Tickets to the event can be purchased online at www.stancofair.com or at the Fairgrounds office.
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The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is conducting an art contest to select the design for the state’s 2018-2019 upland game bird stamp. The California Upland Game Bird Stamp Art Contest is open to all U.S. residents ages 18 and over. Entries will be accepted from Nov. 20 through Dec.7. For contest information and entry forms, visit www.wildlife.ca.gov/upland-game-bird-stamp.
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Modesto Junior College Department of Dance presents “Come fly with Jam ‘n Jive – Let us take you to your dancing destination!” with performances from Wednesday, Sept. 26 through Saturday, Sept. 29, nightly at 7 p.m. in the Main Auditorium of the Performing and Media Arts Center on East Campus, 435 College Ave., Modesto. Admission is $11 general public and $9 for students and senior citizens. Tickets are available online at http://mjc.tix.com and at the Auditorium Box Office, or by calling 575-6776 during Box Office hours: Tuesdays through Fridays, noon to 5 p.m. Tickets are also available at the door beginning 90 minutes prior to each performance.
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McHenry Mansion Foundation is hosting its 32nd Annual Fundraising Table Setting Luncheon in October. Two options are offered for this fundraising event. There is a Table Viewing and light refreshments on Monday, Oct. 8 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tickets for viewing may be purchased at the door. Cost is $10. A Luncheon is offered on Tuesday, Oct. 9. Doors open at 10:30 a.m., the luncheon is served at noon. Reservations are required for the luncheon and the cost is $40. Call Penny Binney at 209-576-1059 to make reservations. The fundraiser will be hosted at the Seasons Event Center, 945 McHenry Ave., Modesto.
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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, Oct. 3. For more information, call (209) 869-8200.
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Golden Agers weekly dances are open to those 50 and older from throughout the Central Valley at the Riverbank Community Center. Doors open Wednesdays at 9 a.m.; the center is at 3600 Santa Fe St., and first time guests are admitted free. The annual membership fee is $12 and each Wednesday members pay $5 and non-members can enjoy a few hours of music and dancing for $6.
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All are invited to the weekly meetings of TOPS, Take Off Pounds Sensibly, 1034 that gathers each Monday from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the United Methodist Church, 1480 Poplar Ave., Oakdale. The group features help with weight loss in a supportive setting. Residents of Oakdale, Riverbank, Escalon and beyond are welcome to attend. Call Audrey Oliver at 209-765-7838 for information. You can also visit www.tops.org.
