Mike Loureiro is nearing his 90th birthday.

This milestone event for the long-time Manteca resident is July 7.

However, family and friends will begin the celebration in his honor today at the Sunrise Kiwanis Fourth of July parade.

 “This will be a great way to kick off his birthday week,” said daughter, Georgiann Rose.

She’s expected to be among the immediate family – included are his grandchildren and great-grandchildren – and friends to ride with Loureiro in the parade.

The group will share the ride with him in the trailer that’ll be pulled by a Ford tractor while traveling along Louise Avenue on to North Main Street shortly after 10 a.m.

Rose said Friday that her father and family members and friends are expected to convene bright and early on parade day at Jason Street between Rite Aid and Fagundes Meats & Catering.

This year’s parade theme is “The Gift of Freedom.”

About 100 entries are expected, including floats, marching bands, mounted horse teams, and antique and show vehicles, to name a few.

Loureiro was part of Manteca during a simpler time. He still lives on the same property – 20 acres of vineyard on East Lathrop Road near Austin Road – where he was born.

According to Rose, he stays busy by continuing to work on the farm.

“He doesn’t even look his age,” she said.

Loureiro retired almost 28 years ago from TriValley Growers in Stockton. Back then, he was 62.

Before that, Loureiro worked at Manteca Cannery.

Rose indicated that family members had initially joked about getting the patriarch into the Fourth of July parade since his landmark 90th birthday was just a few days shy.

Loureiro can soon share his special moment in front of the community.