Hot August Daze!By Monica Barber
Days and nights, August brings with it the heat along with the final days of summer before school starts. Ms. M is in a complete daze trying to stay cool and keep busy, much like everyone else, lately. Today, she finds herself sipping a Sparkling Cold Brew from Penny University while catching up on some summer reading and wishing she could just wish the heat away. While you may not be able to stay cool, you can save while out having fun. Here are some things that won’t ruin August’s budget.
National Night Out is held every year on the first Tuesday in August. This year’s event will be on August 6th. The event encourages neighborhoods to be proactive in stopping crime in their areas. Through events that seek to promote community self-awareness, the National Night Out assists in preventing crime in the neighborhoods. On this night, Modesto area residents and neighborhoods nationally are encouraged to go outside their homes, turn on lights, and host events to get to know their neighbors. Events are held from 6 to 9 p.m., and they can include full-block parties or barbeques. Info: https://www.modestogov.com/
On August 11th, the 14th annual Modstock returns to Graceda Park from 10 a.m. to dusk. This free event is one of the area’s renowned live events because it supports local youth musicians playing their best covers of classic songs and originals and a ton of local and professional musical acts throughout the day. This year’s lineup boasts over 10 bands on four stages. The event includes food, arts and crafts, local vendors, and more. VMI rocks produce most of the youth acts. This year, the organizers are hosting a virtual tip jar for the probands who have donated their time to this event. Info or donation: http://www.modstock.org
A great way to spend a summer evening is to see a movie under the stars. Family Movie Nights in the Park returns for the 2024 season on August 16th. Every Friday night, starting at dusk through September 20th, a different family film will be shown at Family Film Nights in the Park for free. Bring your friends and loved ones, blankets, and snacks weekly to enjoy a different movie. The first movie of the series on August 16th is Super Mario Bros. Info: call: (209) 577-5344 or Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/
Music is powerful. You can’t keep people away from it. Drum Love holds its free monthly drum circle every third Saturday in the MoRo Music Garden at the Gallo Center. This month, it will fall on August 17th from 11 am to 12:30 pm. The family-friendly community drum circle allows people to connect and create music in the moment. All attendees are welcome to bring a drum/percussion or found sound or use one of theirs. Info: https://www.facebook.com/
