Newman Fall Festival kicked off with a fashion show celebrating America’s 250th birthday. The models showcased fashions from local retailers including Ida E Volta Boutique, Pretty Thrift Co., The Boutique at Serendipity, Wild Mane Designs, and Macy’s.

Models included the 2025 Newman Fall Festival Court: Miss Newman Melany Rios, 1st Runner Up Rosario Mendoza, Miss Congeniality Samira Iniguez Anderson, Little Mr. Newman Roman Rodriguez and Little Miss Newman Sophia Johnston; and the 2026 Miss Newman contestants: Jazlene Diaz, Lupita Ochoa, Abby Watson, Kimberly Hurtado Coria, Juliana Figueroa, Lindsey Starr, Marbella Ojeda and Vanessa Perez.

Also modeling at the event were local U.S. military veterans and auxiliary members:

Captain Carrie M. Stephens: United States Navy, Judge Advocate General’s Corps Retired, Stephens served in the U.S. Navy for 33 years in the Judge Advocate General’s Corps. She was commissioned after law school and was stationed at the Naval Legal Service Office Treasure Island and then the Naval Construction Battalion Center, Port Hueneme, CA where she served as Defense Counsel, Claims Attorney, and base Staff Judge Advocate while on active duty. In the Reserve Corps she traveled frequently for assignments. She served as both a military trial judge and an appellate judge. Among many other assignments, she was the Commanding Officer of two units and held the rank of Captain. She retired in February 2024. For Carrie the hardest part about being in the military was leaving her family and missing out on many family events. The most rewarding part of her service was the opportunity to meet incredible people from all facets of life. Carrie is currently a Superior Court Judge for Stanislaus County Superior Court where she handles a felony criminal calendar. Her kids are in college or are working in their professions.

Kay Lagrutta: Kay has been a member of the American Legion Auxiliary for the past 10 years. She originally joined to spend time with her husband of 50 years, Jim, who is very active in both the Legion and the Honor Guard. She continues to find it rewarding to help with any projects that they have. Kay retired 11 years ago from NCLUSD where she worked in the food service department for 26 years. They have 3 children and 4 grandchildren. Kay enjoys camping and spending time with friends and family.

Lorena Johnston: At just 17 years old, Lorena enlisted in the U.S. Army National Guard. For 10 years, she served as a 91D Tactical Power Generation Specialist, where she supervised and executed complex overhauls on critical power systems. She has earned multiple leadership awards and coins of excellence. She realized, however, that the true reward wasn’t something she could wear. It was knowing that her sacrifices were keeping others safe. While she was taking care of her country, she missed irreplaceable milestones, family celebrations, and precious moments in her son’s life. Later, Lorena earned her Bachelor of Science degree. In 2019, she became a Sheriff Correctional Deputy, where she has been for 7 years. Lorena is married and has two children, a boy and a girl (Little Miss Newman).

Clare Caetano: Clare served in the US Marine Corps Reserve for 8 years as a personnel clerk. She feels that the hardest part of her service was being away from friends and family and missing important events or milestones. She felt it was rewarding to try new things and challenge herself in ways she never would as a civilian. Today, she is married and has a 23-year-old daughter. Clare works for a small farming operation and is also part-owner of Pizza Plus. She is proud to give back to the community by supporting the Newman Fall Festival, local recreation teams, and various school activities.

Mrs. Audrey Matos Mcintyre: Audrey has been a member of the VFW Auxiliary Joseph G. Rose #7635 for 15 years where she has held the office of President and is currently the Senior Vice President. Audrey has also been a member of the American Legion Auxiliary Manuel M. Lopes Unit 240 for 12 years where she is serving as the current President. She feels the most rewarding part of being in both auxiliaries is supporting our Veterans, sending a student from Gustine and Orestimba High Schools to Girls’ State, and awarding a scholarship to a deserving student. She has been a para-educator for Merced Office of Education for 14 years. She has been married for 62 years, has 2 sons, 4 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren.

Katie Pagni: Katie proudly served in the United States Marine Corps for 10 years where she held administrative and personnel support roles. For Katie, the most rewarding part was to serve something greater than herself and be part of a team built on honor, courage, and commitment. She found that the hardest part of being in the military was being away from family and missing holidays and milestones. She feels the Marine Corps challenged her physically and mentally every day, but it also taught her how to push through adversity, stay disciplined, and remain focused no matter the circumstances. The friendships, leadership experience, and opportunity to make a difference are things she’ll carry with her for the rest of her life. Katie currently works as a Program Administrator for the Strategic Military & Veterans Program at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory where she supports veterans, service members, military families, and Gold Star Families. Outside of work, she enjoys running half marathons, CrossFit, and challenging herself through new fitness goals. Her military service continues to influence both her career and the way she approaches life every day.

Lizbeth York: Lizbeth served in the US Navy for 16 years as an Aviation Machinist and Naval Air Crewman. She feels the hardest partly on her career was being one of a few women in a male-dominated role. Later it was having to leave her 2 children for an undisclosed period of time and missing milestones like their first words and first steps. Her son, who is now 40, says that he loved the smell of jet fuel, ‘because it meant that my mom was home.’ The most rewarding part of being in the military during the early 80’s was knowing that as a military member, she made a contribution to the end of the Cold War. In addition, the early 90’s enabled her to be one of the first female Flight Engineers-she was #2-which paved the way for future women to fly in combat roles. Lizbeth is a retired Financial Advisor. She enjoys time with her grandchildren, traveling, and baking.