Oakdale Rodeo
Held in the “Cowboy Capital of the World”, The Oakdale Rodeo is always the second week in April. It started in 1946 as the Clover Round-Up when Oakdale’s population was 3,435. The Clover Roundup consisted of 11 amateur events including calf roping, bull riding, half mile race, saddle Broncs, fancy roping, team roping and more. The Oakdale Saddle Club purchased 20 acres on the east side of Oakdale to build the grounds that included stables, a ½ mile racetrack, bleachers, chutes and a rodeo arena. In addition to the Clover Round-Up, the Oakdale Stampede was also hosted at the Oakdale Saddle Club. This professional event saw Oakdale local John Bowman become a three-time, steer roper world champion, inducted into the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame in 2013.
In 1954, the Oakdale Saddle Club held its first professional rodeo, keeping the name the Oakdale Clover Round-Up, but by 1957 the name of the rodeo officially changed to the Oakdale Rodeo. The primary goal of the decades long tradition of the rodeo is aimed at celebrating Oakdale’s western heritage and to create a family themed event to be shared with the community and world beyond. Events include team roping, a queen coronation, tie down roping, steer wrestling, women’s breakaway roping and more. For more information on this traditional, annual event visit: oakdalerodeo.com
Ripon Almond Blossom festival
The Ripon Almond Blossom Festival is always the last full weekend in February. Started in 1962, the festival is Ripon’s largest tradition of the year, a season of tradition, memories and Ripon comradery. Festivities include the crowning of Miss Almond Blossom / Miss Ripon, a parade, carnival, vendor fair, diaper derby, cute pet contest, bake off contests and fun runs ( 1mile and 8k races). For more information on this annual festival visit: riponchamber.org/almond-blossom-festival
(kimchi braised bacon, house cracker, black garlic and potato puree, yuzu and bacon vinaigrette)
Modesto Bacon Fest
A Celebration of all things bacon!
A celebration of all things bacon!
Join us in downtown Modesto for a day of community, flavor, and unforgettable memories at Modesto Bacon Fest. From crispy bacon strips to creative bacon infused drinks, there are culinary experiences for bacon enthusiasts of all ages. Enjoy live music, a vendor fair, corn-hole tournament and fun, family friendly activities for everyone. Come check out the culinary delights.
Greek Food Festival Modesto
The annual event is located at the Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation in Modesto, California. Of course the food is the main purpose for the event however, there are many other activities to get involved in that include tours of the Byzantine-style church, with its colorful iconic frescoes, an agora (marketplace), and a coffeehouse with live Greek music and dancing.
Merced Shakespeare Fest
The summer Shakespeare festival is fun for the whole family and our summer production is still free of charge. It happens during daylight hours in the beautiful green Applegate Park in Merced, California.We offer a quality, fast-paced performance with a minimal set in an abridged version, usually 90 minutes long. Local performers are cast in open auditions two to three months before each show.
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