Downtown Manteca will glow Saturday as the twilight Christmas parade gets underway at 5 p.m.

“It’s our biggest parade ever,” said Joan Beattie, who serves as executive director of the Manteca Chamber of Commerce that stages the annual Yuletide event.

At the same time, the chamber’s Winterfest event — Christmas in the Park — at Library Park has 59 vendors offering everything from handmade crafts and gifts to food trucks from noon to 9 p.m.

“I like it (Christmas in the Park) as I can always find unique Christmas gifts,” Beattie said.

There will be kiddie carnival rides, games, Santa, and even a snow machine.

The chamber has also brought back the Christmas tree decorating contest. Those attending will have the opportunity to help select the winners.

Christmas in the Park has free entry.

Ann King will serve as the grand marshal for the parade that starts at Library Park, travels down Yosemite Avenue, and ends at Garfield Avenue by Manteca High.

King has coordinated the chamber’s Flags Over Manteca effort for the past five years in addition to other volunteer work.

The theme of this year’s entry is “Let it Glow.”

Many of the 79 entries have multiple vehicles.

Santa, as is the tradition, will bring up the rear.

Lathrop’s parade is

also this Saturday

Lathrop’s “Christmas in Paradise” will take place Saturday at 5 p.m. starting on Thomsen Road.

The parade route heading east and on to 5th Street (north bound), and then turning west on to J Street while concluding at Grace Community Church parking lot at 850 J St.

The lighting of the tree, adjacent to the Lathrop Community Center parking lot on 5th Street, is scheduled to start after the parade.

In addition, the tree lighting event will feature parade entry awards, Christmas performances, cookies & cocoa, vendor fair, and photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

For more information, call 209.941.7372 or log on to www.ci.lathrop.ca.us/parksrec.

Ripon parade Dec. 11

Thursday, Dec. 11, is the annual Christmas Light Parade in Ripon.

The holiday event will begin at 6 p.m. – rain or shine – at Almond Valley CRC and proceed down Main Street through Historic Downtown, ending at Industrial Avenue.

The Ripon Christmas Light Parade is the collaborative efforts of the Ripon Consolidated Fire District, the Ripon Police Department, and the Ripon Chamber of Commerce.

Log on to www.riponchamber.org for more information