A full day of fun is planned for Independence Day in Turlock, starting with a downtown parade and ending with festivities and fireworks at the Stanislaus County Fairgrounds.

The Patriotic Parade beginning at 10 a.m. Thursday is along Main Street in downtown Turlock. This year’s theme is “Our American Heritage.”  After the parade, the celebration continues downtown with the Independence Celebration Car show and street festival from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“The parade is so ingrained in the community that people are anticipating this event downtown,” said Dana McGarry, Turlock Downtown Property Owners Association coordinator. “We are anticipating thousands of people to be a part of this amazing celebration.”

The parade has already drawn a number of parade entries, dozens of commercial vendors, and over 30 pre-registered vehicles for the car show.

“It’s a nice mix of parade entries from different organizations, businesses and clubs throughout the community,” said McGarry. “We have individuals bringing in walkers, and unusual hot rods and vehicles that I’m sure the community will enjoy.”

The Patriotic Parade will begin at E. Main and Palm streets, continue to W. Main Street and Broadway Avenue.

The street faire will feature food, arts and crafts, McGruff the Crime Dog and Blue Santa.

 “This year we will have different arts and crafts and a petting zoo,” said McGarry. “We will also have a full service engine providing informal safety for all the kids, but the visual highlight in downtown will be the fire department’s ladder truck with an enormous American flag positioned at the intersection on Broadway as the main attraction.”

The Fourth of July wouldn’t be complete without fireworks. The City of Turlock, Stanislaus County Fair, Turlock Rural Firefighters and the Turlock Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau have partnered to present the Stars & Stripes 4th of July Red, White & BOOM, brought to you by 7up!

Parking and entry are free. Families can bring their own blankets, lawn chairs and holiday picnic dinner and enjoy the show. No alcohol or glass bottles allowed, and guests may not bring their own fireworks.

Gates will open at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday with the fireworks set to begin at 9:30 p.m. The fairgrounds are located at 900 N. Broadway, in Turlock.

— NANCY ANGEL
 / The 209