Spring in the 209 was alive with excitement, and 209 Magazine was there to capture it all—from the thrilling Oakdale Rodeo to the bustling Ceres Street Faire, the Motors on Main Car Show in Gustine, and the flavorful San Joaquin Asparagus Festival. With sunshine and lively crowds, each event showcased the energy, culture, and traditions that make the 209 special. To have your event featured in Scene in the 209, email sstafford@209magazine.com.
Oakdale Rodeo
Under sunny skies and perfect conditions, the 73rd annual Oakdale Rodeo drew huge crowds for a weekend of PRCA-sanctioned competition, community events, and Western tradition. Held April 12-13, the rodeo wrapped up a week of festivities, including the Queen Coronation, Cowgirl Luncheon, and a lively Saturday parade. Fans packed the stands for thrilling events like bull riding and barrel racing, while Paden Bray of Stephenville, Texas, claimed the All-Around Cowboy title. This year’s Grand Marshal, Colonel Rett B. Burroughs, an Oakdale native and career Army officer, was honored in the Oakdale Saddle Club arena, riding in on a stagecoach with his family.
Ceres Street Faire
Thousands gathered for the 35th annual Ceres Street Faire, enjoying food, arts and crafts, live entertainment, and carnival rides in perfect spring weather. Hosted by the Ceres Chamber of Commerce, Ceres Lions Club, and the City of Ceres, the weekend featured a classic car show, a low-rider showcase, and lively musical performances. Nonprofits, like the Ceres Lions Club and Ceres High School Athletic Boosters, saw strong fundraising success, serving crowd-favorite dishes like linguiça sausage and tri-tip sandwiches.
Motors on Main
Gustine’s Motors on Main brought excitement and nostalgia to 5th Avenue on April 26, as the community gathered for the fourth annual Victor Medeiros Memorial Car and Motorcycle Show. Organized by Bernie Medeiros and her family, the event honored Victor Medeiros, who passed away in 2020, by celebrating his love for classic cars and motorcycles while raising over $28,000 for Jessica’s House in Turlock, which supports grieving families. Despite rain in nearby towns, Gustine enjoyed clear skies, allowing attendees to enjoy live music, raffles, food trucks, and a lively showcase of vehicles. With DJ Dan and Sound Remedy keeping energy high and a variety of prizes up for grabs, the event proved to be another successful tribute to community and tradition.
San Joaquin Asparagus Festival
The 39th annual San Joaquin Asparagus Festival filled the San Joaquin County Fairgrounds with thousands of visitors celebrating all things asparagus. Dubbed the “Biggest Food Festival in the West,” the three-day event featured a full carnival, petting zoo, pony rides, reptile exhibit, axe-throwing, and a scholarship pageant, alongside its signature asparagus dishes. From deep-fried asparagus to asparagus lumpia and bacon-wrapped asparagus, food vendors offered a creative array of options. Live music, chef demos, arts and crafts, and interactive activities kept crowds entertained, making this year’s festival a lively and flavorful tribute to Stockton’s agricultural heritage.
