Want to see your event in Scene in the 209?
If you’re hosting a community celebration, performance, festival, or standout gathering in the 209 area, we’d love to hear from you. Send your event details to Sabra Stafford at sstafford@209magazine.com for a chance to be featured in an upcoming issue. Let’s spotlight the moments that make our region shine.
Pageantry, Performance and Pride Shine at Newman Fall Festival
Photos by Dan Gomes
From sparkling crowns to spirited routines, the Newman Fall Festival delivered a vibrant showcase of community pride and youthful talent over Labor Day weekend.
Little Mr. Newman Roman Rodriguez Gonzalez, 4, and Little Miss Newman Sophia Johnston, 5, lit up the front row with proud smiles after earning top honors in this year’s pageant. Behind them, newly crowned Miss Newman 2025 Melany Rios stood center stage, flanked by first runner-up Rosario Mendoza and Miss Congeniality Samira Iniguez Anderson, as festivalgoers cheered the winners.
The celebration continued with high-energy performances during the festival parade. The Gustine High School Marching Reds impressed judges with their precision and enthusiasm, earning first place in the Bands category and second in Color Guard. Orestimba High School Cheerleaders marched with pride, taking first in the Novelty Dance Group category and receiving the Best Newman Entry award for their dynamic display.
Adding tradition and flair, the Merced County Sheriff’s Posse rode through downtown Newman with coordinated presentation and horsemanship, earning Mounted Sweepstakes honors.
The festival drew families, performers and spectators from across the region, highlighting the heart of Newman’s fall season.
Festa Crowd Cheers Cultural Celebration
Photos by Dan Gomes
Spectators gathered for the annual Our Lady of Miracles Festa bloodless bullfight in Gustine in September, a Portuguese cultural tradition that blends pageantry, precision, and community pride. The event featured skilled forcados and cavaleiros performing daring maneuvers, honoring heritage while thrilling the crowd.
Greek Flavors and Festivities Fill Stockton at 65th Annual Festival
Photos by Sabra Stafford
St. Basil Greek Orthodox Church in Stockton celebrated its 65th annual Greek Food Festival in September, drawing crowds with a lively mix of traditional music, folk dancing, and cultural goods. Guests sampled a variety of authentic Greek dishes, including spanakopita, souvlaki, dolmades, and loukoumades, while sipping imported wines and spirits. The long-running event offered a vibrant taste of Hellenic heritage and community hospitality.
