Chairwomen Sandi Solano and Yoana Belo invite everyone to join them in celebrating the return of the Fall Festival Fashion Show with a “Women Of Service” theme. This year pays homage to a handful of women in the community who have impacted Newman in positive ways.
“I remember the Soroptimist Fashion Show fondly and have wanted to help bring it back,” Solano stated. The last show took place in 2015. At the Fall Festival annual community meeting earlier this year, the Newman Fall Festival Committee urged people to step up to help take on vital roles within the festival, or risk shutting it down after this year. Solano was among the community members who showed up and offered to help. “Yoana Belo approached me and asked if we could do this event together. That’s when I knew it was the right time and said, absolutely, let’s do this.”
Traditionally the fashion show was hosted by the local Soroptimist group. Soroptimist International is a global volunteer organization that aims to improve the lives of girls and women through access to education and training to achieve their full potential and reach their dreams. The Fashion Show was an annual fundraiser for the Soroptimists and highlighted the Miss Newman contestants wearing outfits from local businesses.
“I spoke with Glennis Kidder and Patty Novoa, who both were instrumental in past fashion shows, and what evolved from our conversations was a desire to recognize and highlight women who make a difference in our town,” Solano stated. The community service aspect spills over into the Miss Newman contestants this year as well. “One of the things the contestants are tasked with this year is to come up with a community service project they wish to carry out during their reign as Miss Newman,” Solano mentioned. “Showing the girls how they are supported by these great women creates a bridge between our youths and adults within our town. Women supporting women to do good within our community.”
There are 20 total models showcasing outfits from local places: 1403 Pom, Pretty Thrift Co, and Wild Manes in Newman; Boutique At Serendipity in Patterson; and Macy’s in Modesto. “Our 10 community women are being styled by a personal stylist at Macy’s where the ladies will hand pick their own outfits,” Solano said. The remaining 10 models will also be choosing their outfits from the other businesses to create a one of a kind fashion show. “We don’t have a specific theme for the clothing. They will get to choose whatever kind of outfits they want to wear and showcase. It’s a chance for our contestants to practice on stage in front of a crowd in a low stress environment because this is not a judged portion of the competition. It’s about having fun and feeling empowered,” Solano said.
The 10 community members being highlighted this year include Glennis Kidder, Patty Novoa, Kelly Selman, Angela Mackovich Reyes, Kiyo Yamamoto, Christine Eddington, Janelle Cordoso, Mary Moore, Julie Velez, and Loveada Fresquez. The 2024 Miss Newman Arely Reynoso, Miss Congeniality Anaya Kowalskie, Little Miss Addison Holder, and Little Mister Bobby Corona Salazar will also be strutting the runway. The 2025 Miss Newman contestants Frida Abrego Juarez, Mallory Solano, Kimberly Hurtado Coria, Samira Iniguez Anderson, Rosario Mendoza, and Melany Rios will take the stage to round out the 20 models for this year’s show. The MC for the event will be Hardy Reeves and Skyler Loo will be the dynamic DJ. A few of the store vendors will also be on hand for purchases before and after the show. The theater cash-only bar and concessions will also be open. “It’s going to be a great show. We are excited to see its return after a 10-year hiatus,” Solano mentioned.
The Women of Service Fashion Show will take place on Sunday, August 24th, at 3 p.m. at the West Side Theater. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at Pizza Plus in Newman or through Venmo. Each ticket will also be a raffle ticket for a chance to win a prize. For questions contact Sandi Solano at 209-581-5228.
