Northmead schedules harvest fest

The Northmead Elementary School Harvest Fall Festival will be from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at the school, 625 L St. Plenty of games are on tap for children. Raffle tickets — for prizes such as a Disneyland trip for four people and a Nintendo Wii game system — cost $1 each or six for $5.

For information: Grace McCord, 892-6996.

Rocketry day open to all

October Skies Model Rocketry and Aviation will return to the sports complex from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17. Folks will gather at the large shelter at T.W. Patterson Sports Complex, 16651 Ward Ave. The day’s activities are free and open to all.

For information: 895-8080.

Fiesta membership drive begins

The 40th annual Apricot Fiesta memberships are in the mail, inviting residents to contribute to the fiesta scheduled for June 4 through 6, 2010.

The four levels of membership are as follows: senior, $10 per person; individual, $10 per person; family, $25; and the special Platinum Fireworks Membership, $40. Members will receive a fiesta decal and a 2010 schedule of events, which will be mailed in the spring. Platinum Fireworks members will receive a special gift.

Anyone who has not received a donation letter and wishes to be a member can send donations to Patterson Apricot Fiesta, P.O. Box 442, Patterson 95363.

For information: Marilyn Hoobler, 892- 3118.

Students encouraged to enter contests

The Westside Healthcare Advisory Taskforce will extend its Healthier Choices campaign into schools this fall with two competitions for students.

An essay contest is open to all high school students in Patterson, Gustine and Newman, focusing on the themes of physical, mental and social well-being. Winners will be chosen from each school, with a grand prize winner selected from among all entries.

Kindergartners through eighth-grade students can illustrate a message or activities that exemplify healthy choices. Art contest winners will be selected in four age divisions for a 2010 Healthier Choices calendar.

For information: Keith D. Boggs, 652-1514 or boggsk@stancounty.com.