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Newman Fall Festival showcases local talent in baking, music, and softball competitions
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Members of “It Is What It Is” pose after winning the Local Division championship at the Newman Fall Festival co-ed softball tournament. Back row: Zach Anglin, Little Malibu, Eric Alvarez, Mike Dueñas, Marisa Longoria, Stephen Delacruz, Cesar Anaya. Front row: Andy Guzman, Mellisa Kelly, Jenny Muller, Mauria Reed, Becca Hinojos. Not pictured: Jade Gomes. - photo by Photo Contributed

NEWMAN — The Newman Fall Festival brought a spirited close to summer over Labor Day weekend, drawing crowds for a full slate of contests that celebrated creativity, skill, and community pride.

Among the highlights was the annual baking competition, which featured dozens of entries across six categories and a children’s division. Judges praised the range of flavors and presentation, with several bakers earning multiple placements.

In the Cakes and Coffee Cakes category, Lily Plata took first place with her strawberry lemonade cupcakes. Silvia Fernandez earned second for her triple chocolate fudge, and Sara Barcellos placed third with a classic coffee cake.

Victoria Sanchez won first place in Cookies and Macaroons for her caramel apple snickerdoodle. Cathleen Trayer earned second with hot cocoa cookies, and Carmen Funez took third with chocolate chip cookies.

Eric Martinez claimed the top spot in Bars and Brownies with his campfire brownies. Dominique Brown placed second with pecan pie apple bars, and Nicole Pereira earned third for her chocolate chip mint brownies.

In the Bread and Muffins category, Nicole Pereira won first place for her mint chocolate chip banana bread. Carmen Funez earned second with sweet bread buns, and Silvia Fernandez placed third with blueberry muffins.

Fernandez also took first place in Pies and Cobblers for her blueberry cheesecake with blueberry compote. Audrey Roadlander earned second with a caramel apple cobbler, and Yoana Belo placed third with Portuguese rice pudding.

The Children’s Division, open to ages 8 to 14, showcased impressive young talent. Marlayna Barcellos won first place with pumpkin crumb cake muffins. Kaylee Watson earned second for her “pumpkin pie” cupcakes, and Emily Robinson placed third with banana, pumpkin and nut bread.

In addition to the baking contest, the festival hosted a lively Battle of the Bands. The Frogs took first place, followed by The Indecisives in second and Fuze in third.

The co-ed softball tournament drew teams from across the region. “It Is What It Is” from Newman won the Local Division championship, while “Aim 4 The Bushes,” also from Newman, earned second place. In the Out-of-Town Division, “The Leftovers” from Merced and Atwater claimed the title, with “Wasted Talent” finishing as runners-up.

Festival organizers said the weekend’s turnout exceeded expectations, with strong participation and enthusiastic support from the community.