It’s springtime, which means it’s the perfect time to be out and about enjoying the sunshine. Check out this list for ideas of upcoming community events that might be of interest.
1. Modesto’s annual BunnyCon is on Friday, March 29 starting at 7 p.m. Meet at the Fat Cat on 930 11th Street and be ready to hop to a new bar every half-hour. Come dressed up in your most creative bunny attire and prepare for a fun night. This event is for the 21 and over crowd.
2. If you are going to be around Sunday, March 30, make sure to check out the Modesto Certified Farmer’s Market Easter Celebration, located in Downtown Modesto on 16th Street, between H and I Street. The celebration goes from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. There will be photo-ops with the Easter bunny and an egg hunt for the little ones. Fresh produce from local farms will also be available for purchase. More information can be found at modestocfm.com.
3. California State University, Stanislaus students will host this year’s Relay for Life in the quad on campus. The event starts on April 12 at 6 p.m. and ends on April 13 at 6 p.m. Throughout the event, members from each team will walk laps around the school. The day will also include luminaria and survivor ceremonies, as well as activities, games, informational booths and food.
4. The 2013 Oakdale Rodeo is the perfect excuse. The event takes place on April 13 and 14, with grand entry starting at 1:30 p.m. each day. The rodeo will feature events such as team roping, barrel racing, bull riding, steer wrestling and more. Saturday will begin with an opening parade at 9 a.m. and end with a rodeo dance at 8 p.m. Rodeo tickets are $15 online at oakdalerodeo.com or $20 at the gate. The dance costs $10.
5. Century 21 M&M and Associates are hosting the 6th Annual Rib Cook-Off on Friday, April 19 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. It will take place at 331 E. Main Street in Turlock. If you love ribs and want to support a good cause, this is the place to be. The cost is $10 at the door and all proceeds go to the American Cancer Society. This year’s goal is to raise $10,500. If you are interested joining a Rib Cook-Off team, contact Howard Hartvickson at (209) 606-3547. For general event information, you can call (209) 668-5098.
6. If you are looking for a way to give back to the community, you can take part in one of three volunteer events: Love Modesto, Love Ceres or Love Turlock. The “love” event for each city begins at 9 a.m. on April 27. Each offers community service projects that you can sign up for, such as collecting food for the homeless, working alongside Habitat for Humanity or planting flowers at local elementary schools. You can sign up for a project at lovemodesto.com, loveceres.com or loveturlock.com.
7. Oakdale’s 21st Annual Chocolate Festival is coming up on Saturday, May 18 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, May 19, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The festival will take place at Wood Park, near the junction of Highway 120 and 108. Following the theme of “Cowboys ‘n’ Chocolate,” there will be western performances and many delicious chocolate treats. There will be over 200 vendors, as well as arts and crafts booths, local bands and a classic car show. Find out more information at oakdalechamber.com.
8. Saturday, May 25, Turlock’s Neon Night Run begins at 8 p.m. All participants will meet at the Stanislaus County Fairgrounds on 900 N. Broadway. Registration is $45 if you sign up before April 2.  If you think it’s just another 5K run, think again. Participants are encouraged to show up in their brightest and craziest ‘80s costumes, with an opportunity to win individual and team prizes. The course will be brightly lit with fun illuminations in an effort to keep runners safe. Once the race is finished, there will be an “After-Glow” party, with beer, music and dancing. For more details visit neonnightrun.com.