COVID cancels big Modesto festival for third year. But other celebrations to go on
While there will be opportunities in April to get out and about in the Modesto region, one of the city’s biggest community events won’t be among them.
Earth Day in the Park, usually held at Graceada Park in Modesto, was canceled again this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Diana Ruiz-Del Re, the city’s communications and media relations officer.
This is the third year the festival won’t happen because of the pandemic.
“This event is one of Modesto’s favorites,” Ruiz-Del Re said in an email. “It’s generally an event for kids with a lot of booths with information for parents, community members.”
But because planning has to start months in advance, a decision to hold the event is “typically made the December prior,” she said.
Coronavirus case numbers remained high at that time, she said in a phone call.
Canceled for the same reason this year is the Cesar E. Chavez Family Day Celebration, according to Ruiz-Del Re.
But Earth Day will be marked by a Drive-Thru Recycling Event on April 23 at O’Brien’s Market, www.obriensmarket.com, in Roseburg Square. Put on by the city of Modesto, it will be open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., with conservation booths set up from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
There will be paper shredding, acceptance of CRV bottles, cans, plastic and scrap metal, as well as e-waste. There’s a $10 donation required and O’Brien’s will match it, with all proceeds going to The Awesome Spot playground. The Awesome Spot is an inclusive playground to be built at Beyer Community Park..
Despite the Earth Day and Chavez Family Day cancellations, there are festivals and events to enjoy this month. Here’s a look at some of what’s planned:
SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY PORTUGUESE FESTIVAL — April 9-10: A Portuguese Fraternal Society of America fundraiser for the Carlos Vieira Foundation’s Race for Autism campaign. There will be traditional Portuguese dancing, music and food. The festival will be kicked off by a Portuguese parade, followed by activities including live entertainment, a wine and cheese tasting, a cultural exhibit, carnival rides and craft vendors. A Portuguese bloodless bullfight will be held Sunday. Festival hours are 9 a.m. to midnight. Stanislaus County Fairgrounds, 900 N. Broadway, Turlock. Free; bullfight on Sunday $15. SJVportuguesefestival.com.
MODESTO POLLINATOR FESTIVAL — April 9: Attendees learn how to identify native and non-native bees and how to build a pollinator garden. There will be activities for children, exhibits, food trucks, face painting, lemonade, crafts and more. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. La Loma Native Garden, 1805 Encina Ave., Modesto. Free.
MODESTO GARDEN CLUB SPRING TOUR — April 23: There will be five homes and gardens open for touring in Modesto, as well as the club’s demonstration garden. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. $25. For locations and tickets, see www.modestogardenclub.org.
STANISLAUS ARTIST OPEN STUDIO TOUR — April 23-24: This year marks the 10th anniversary of the tour, with 41 artists in Modesto, Turlock and Oakdale participating. Meet local artists where they create their work, with studio tours, demonstrations and art to view and for sale. Tour maps are available at Mistlin Gallery, 1015 J St., Modesto and Carnegie Arts Center, 250 N. Broadway, Turlock. Free, self-guided tour hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. See www.stanislausaos.com.
SPRING WINE WEEKEND — April 23-24: Explore Calaveras wine country and sample wine at 27 tasting rooms. There will be live music and other events. Advance tickets required, $40-$60, and include a commemorative wineglass. 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. www.calaveraswines.org/events.
HUGHSON FRUIT & NUT FESTIVAL — April 30-May 1: Vendors, crafts and live entertainment both days. There will be a truck show April 30 and a classic car show May 1. Festival hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. April 30, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 1. Downtown Hughson. Free. hughsonchamber.org.
This story was originally published April 2, 2022 at 7:00 AM.
