The social hub of Manteca today can be found at The Promenade Shops at Orchard Valley as well as at Dutra Southeast Park.

The Stockton Certified Farmers market is kicking of their weekly sales of produce and fruit from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Orchard Valley where the sixth annual Manteca Cinco de Mayo Celebration is taking place from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

A bit to the west at Dutra Southeast Park in the neighborhood southeast of Airport Way and the 120 Bypass, the Punjabi American Association of Manteca is staging their second annual Vaisakhi festival.

The Orchard Valley farmers market that runs weekly on Saturdays through November is taking place across from Bass Pro Shops.

The Central Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce-sponsored Cinco de Mayo event takes place at The Promenade Shops at Orchard Valley between JC Penny & Best Buy at the 120 Bypass and Union Road. Admission is free.

More than 60 vendors at the Cinco de Mayo event are offering everything from food to crafts as well as commercial offerings.

The Brown Persuasion Cars of Stockton is staging a low rider car show with at least 50 entries.

Manteca Camper & RV will have recreational vehicles on display while the Eagles Nest will have a number of Harley Davidson motorcycles at the event.

There are two entertainment stages.

Among the Main Stage acts will be the Cesar Chavez High School Mariachi performers at 1:30 p.m., the Cebollita Y Rabanito Clown Show at 1:30 p.m., Cortez Musical at 2:30 p.m., and bands from 4 p.m. on including Group Inquietude and Banda Nor Cali.

The Community Stage includes Manteca Martial Arts at 12:30 p.m. Velma Folkloric Group at 1 p.m., Power House dance Company at 2 p.m., Ballet Folkloric de Frank Zapata at 2:15 p.m., and Guadalupe Folkloric Group at 4 p.m.

There will also be kids’ carnival rides and games.



Punjabi festival

More than 400 people attended the Punjabi American Association of Manteca’s first Vaisakhi festival last year.

The cultural celebration marks the beginning of a new year after the harvest featuring sports, games and food in addition to bridging the cultural gap.

Free and open to the public, the event will offer a little bit of everything for everyone – attractions for kids, adults and seniors in addition to food and refreshments that are being provided free of charge.

Popular games from the Indian subcontinent will be featured.

The sports festival is being pitched as a cultural event to bridge the gap between the ancient culture and non-Punjabis interested in learning more about their Eastern friends.

 “The whole community is invited to be a part of this,” said Parminder Sahi who is helping organize the festival. “We welcome everybody.”

Folk dances from Punjab – Bhangra and Gidha – will be performed by participants from neighboring cities and awards will be presented to prominent members of the Punjabi community being recognized for their services and their contributions.

Dutra Southeast Park is located on Sparrowhawk Street – accessible by Atherton Drive off of Airport Way.