The end of 2019 and the start of 2020 has seen a multitude of festivities in the region and 209 Magazine has been on hand to help memorialize the celebrations. Want to have your organization’s event featured in 209 Magazine? Email sstafford@209magazine.com.

Hmong New Year

People came from all over the area to mark the Hmong New Year celebration at the San Joaquin County Fairgrounds in Stockton on Nov. 16. The two-day party featured folkloric dance performances, music, arts, and Hmong cuisine. The event was hosted by the Lao Family Community Empowerment. For more information visit http://lfcempowerment.org/.

Downtown Sonora Christmas Parade

The annual Downtown Sonora Christmas Parade lit up downtown Sonora and kicked off the holiday season for many 209 residents and visitors from further afar. Marching bands, dancers, floats, antique cars and Santa Claus on a firetruck paraded in festive lights to celebrate the season. For more information about the event, visit www.visittuolumne.com.

‘The Great American Trailer Park Christmas Musical’

Sierra Repertory Theatre got into the holiday spirit with their production of “The Great American Trailer Park Christmas Musical.” The theatre offers productions year-round with a talented troupe of actors from the 209 and beyond. For information about upcoming shows visit www.sierrarep.org.

First Taste of the Season

The Copperopolis Community Center held their annual fundraiser First Taste of the Season to kickoff the festivities for the Copperopolis 160th anniversary, which will be celebrated in April. The event drew in wineries from around the area and attendees eager to try out the selections. 

Modesto JaneCon 

All things Jane Austen were feted at the first Modesto JaneCon. The event featured workshops, like how to make a bonnet, lectures, games, contests, costumes, dance lessons, a high tea ceremony, and the premiere of the “Mansfield Park” opera from Opera Modesto. The event drew in visitors from the 209 and around the country. For more information visit https://www.modestojanecon.com/.

Crab Feed

The start of the new year brings many things to the 209, including crab feed season. The Turlock Masonic Lodge #236 hosted their crab and shrimp feed in January and drew in a hungry crowd, including Jean Mayhall and John, Kyle and Jennifer Matter, all of Turlock. John Matter was recently sworn in as the lodge’s Worshipful Master. For more information about the lodge visit www.facebook.com/pg/TurlockMasons/posts.

Stockton Heat

The 209 is home to the Stockton Heat, a professional ice hockey team in the American Hockey League and is affiliated with the National Hockey League Calgary Flames. The Stockton Heat plays their home games at the Stockton Arena and draws in hockey fans from all over the 209 area. For a schedule of games and more information visit stocktonheat.com.