Park Fete 2005 is in the books.

And from the nearly picture perfect weather to the crowd-pleasing entertainment, this year's edition of the city's festival can go down in history as a highly successful event.

"It's a great turnout, everybody seems to be having a good time," said Jeff Miller, who coordinated the on stage entertainment for Friday and Saturday. "Things are working well, there have been no incidents, the stage shows have been great."

Local vendors and community groups ran the majority of the booths, featuring both merchandise and food, while there were rides and games for the children and plenty of nonstop entertainment. Following the Friday night Little Miss and Little Mr. Escalon contest, there was music by Escalon's Mark Macsenti and his group, the Taillights, along with the Oakdale-based band Remedy. On Saturday, runners took to the streets for the annual Park Fete run, the parade stepped off at 10 a.m., gunslingers were featured in a number of performances throughout the day and several performers and groups took the stage.

Crowned as Little Miss Escalon in the Friday night pageant was Tatiyana Lovins, 5, while Dylan Mann, also 5, earned the crown of Little Mr. Escalon. Contestants answered a question and performed a dance routine to 'Surfin' USA' before the selection of the winners.

"We're very excited," said Kim Lovins, mom of the new Little Miss Escalon.

"Up on stage, it was fun and it was great," added the new Little Miss, who admitted that the only time she was scared was when a passing train blew its whistle as it passed by the Main Street stage.

Creda Davis, grandmother of the new Little Mr. Escalon, was all smiles after the pageant as well.

"It's very exciting to have him win," she said. "I have to go make a phone call now, to his grandpa."

On Saturday, the parade wound its way along Coley Avenue to First and turned on to Main, the nearly 45-minute event getting rave reviews. Emcee Greg Greeson, Escalon's City Manager, also pointed to the sponsorship of Escalon Premier Brands, with a significant monetary donation helping the Lions Club put on the Park Fete this year. Premier Brands was represented in the parade, one of many entries. Riding as grand marshals were Dave and Rose Ennis.

Entertainment for the day was kicked off by 1989 Escalon High graduate Corinne Cook, who wowed the crowd with her vocals and energetic interaction with the audience. Forgoing the stage, she made her way through the crowd to share the microphone with a fan or two.

She also had copies of her CD for sale, featuring all original music, including one song she penned herself.

"It's very exciting," Cook said in between sets, catching her breath. "'I'm Not Shy' is the single that's out and is being played on about 150 radio stations, mostly in Arizona, Kentucky, Texas and overseas."

The CD shares the 'I'm Not Shy' title and Cook said she was happy to bring her music to Escalon.

She has lived near Nashville for the last several months but said she enjoys coming back to play local festivals, such as Park Fete, the Riverbank Cheese and Wine and the Tracy Bean Festival.

"I was in choir here," she said, noting that the late Pat Coslet was an inspiration to her. "She was a real big influence on me, she gave me my first solo and I sang at her retirement party...I'd really love to give a CD to her family."

Though not yet available in stores, copies of the CD can be purchased through the website, www.corinnecook.com.

Cook was just one of a number of stage favorites this year, with a variety of musical styles represented and keeping the entertainment coming throughout the day and on in to the night.

Tri-tip, pie and ice cream, hot dogs, tacos, sno cones, candy apples, popcorn, all the traditional festival fare was available.

"I like the people and I just kind of do everything," noted local teen Michelle Stuyt, taking it all in.

Young Cheyenne Landreth, 8, was out from Valier, Montana, visiting family and enjoying a spin on the Orbitron.

"I'll go on it again after I don't feel sick...maybe," said David Taliaferro, 10, of Escalon, who went on the spinning ride just before Landreth.

He was also attending the festivities with family and his mom, Kelly Morrill, said she was happy with the bands and "hanging out with friends" at the Fete.

For the Lions Club, which now sponsors the event, meeting up with old friends is what the festival is all about.

"Our theme this year is 'welcome back' and we hope everyone comes out to support us," said Lions Club member and Park Fete co-coordinator Ed Alves as final preparations were being completed.

By all accounts, that support was there.

Escalon resident Barbara McCoy, attending with her husband, Richard, and two grandchildren, was among the satisfied customers.

"I think it's wonderful this year," she said.