Around the Region (11/24/17)

MODESTO

What: Small Busines Saturday

When: Saturday, 8 a.m. to noon

Where: Get Fit Modesto, 2801 McHenry Ave. Suite D

Info: Get Fit Modesto created an event for both their members and the general public to “shop small” this Saturday following Thanksgiving. There will be several vendors with specialty items, handmade goods, and local photographers Kori and Jared Photography will be taking free pictures of children for any family that brings a new, unwrapped toy or pajamas to be donated to local foster children. No appointment needed. For more information contact Tara Crenshaw at 209-345-7202 or email tara@getfitmodesto.com.

What: Dickens Faire

When: Saturday, Dec. 2, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Where: McHenry Mansion, 906 15th Street

Info: The faire will feature a variety of vendors, crafts, food, carolers and musical entertainment. The event is a free open air fair set in front of McHenry Mansion. The Mansion will be open for tours with Docents in Victorian period dress available to answer any questions about the home's history and furnishings. There is no charge for the Mansion tours. For more information contact the Mansion at 209-549-0428 or email info@mchenrymansion.org or visit mchenrymansion.org.

What: El Concilio Tamale Lunch Fundraiser

When: Thursday, Dec. 7, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Where: El Concilio, 1314 H St.

Info: The event will feature a drive-thru Tamale lunch for $10. All proceeds go to El Concilio’s holiday food basket program for families in need. Lunch includes two tamales, Mexican rice and beans; seating is limited and an RSVP is requested. And for those members of the public unable to sit and eat, you may pick up and go; or free delivery is available on orders of 7 or more in the downtown Modesto area. For more information call the El Concilio office at 209-523-2860 or visit www.elconcilio.org.

ARNOLD

What: Calaveras Big Trees Warming Huts

When: Weekends, noon to 4 p.m.

Where: Calaveras Big Trees, 1170 CA-4

Info: The Calaveras Big Trees Association invites the public and those in need of getting out of the cold. The warming hut will start on Thanksgiving Day and continue through the month of March. The hut will be open every weekend. While getting warm, visitors will be treated to a free hot chocolate, hot apple cider, coffee, tea and a roaring fire. The warming hut is supported by donations from the public and Calaveras Big Trees Park. For more information contact the visitors center 209-795-1196 or email cbta@bigtrees.org or visit bigtrees.org.

CERES

What: Christmas Festival

When: Saturday, Dec. 2, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Where: Smyrna Park, 2650 Fowler Rd.

Info: Pictures with Santa & Mrs. Claus, refreshments, live entertainment, and more. Tickets will be sold for the different booths in Santa’s Village. There will also be a parade through Christmas Tree Lane to help kick off its opening. To avoid traffic congestion, the public is encouraged to walk the neighborhood. For more information contact City of Ceres Recreation Department at 209-538-5629.

ESCALON

What: Craft Boutique Show

When: Weekends through Dec. 23

Where: Country Rose, 20150 Zumwalt Rd.

Info: The Country Rose invites the public to its 25 annual Craft Boutique Show. The show will feature handcrafted gifts, vintage antiques, confections and more. The craft boutique show will be on select days starting Nov. 24 with the following days the show will be open: Nov. 25-26; Dec. 2-3, 9-10, 16-17 and Monday, Dec. 18 thru Friday, Dec. 22. It will end on Saturday, Dec. 23. Doors open at 10 a.m., visitors will be able to schedule apointments for off-days. For more information call 209-576-5370.

TURLOCK

What: Junkyard Christmas 2

When: Saturday, Dec. 2, 2 to 7 p.m.

Where: Turlock Community Theatre, 1574 East Canal Drive

Info: The Center for Urban Performance and Service and Westside Ministries present, Junkyard Christmas 2, an original full length dramatic dance production. The cast of over 130 dancers will move to contemporary Christmas favorites, hip hop, and gospel music. Tickets are a $10 suggested donation and can be purchased at the event one hour prior to show time, or at the ministry in advance. A silent auction will be held before each show to support Community Cultivators 4-H club. For more information call 209-667-9020 or visit www.westsideministriesturlock.com.

75 YEARS AGO: Nearly 1,000 coat hangers were donated to the Hammond General Hospital by the Girl Scouts of Modesto. The Girl Scouts chose the coat hanger donation as their principal service project for the month of November. In addition to the coat hangers; the scouts also collected 200 crossword puzzles that were mounted on heavy cardboard for the recreation of bedridden patients in army hospitals.

This story was originally published November 23, 2017 at 9:03 AM with the headline "Around the Region (11/24/17)."