By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
BUSY MANTECA WEEKEND
100th MRPS Festa, Three Rivers Lodge powwow
powwow
A participate in a previous Three Rivers Lodge powwow is shown in full ceremonial dress. - photo by Bulletin file photo

The upcoming weekend promises plenty of pageantry as two long standing events showcase parts of Manteca’s wide array of cultural heritages.

It includes the 100th annual Manteca Ripon Pentecost Society Holy Ghost celebration on Saturday and Sunday plus 42nd annual Three Rivers Lodge Fourth of July Powwow Friday through Sunday.

The three-day powwow takes place at Three Rivers Lodge on North Union Road about a mile from Lathrop Road and just before Lovelace Road.

The powwow begins Friday with gourd dancing at 7 p.m. followed by bear dancing at 10:30 p.m.

Saturday’s first grand entry is at noon with the evening ceremony at 7 p.m. Sunday’s festivities are from 1 to 5:30 p.m.

While observing the powwow events are free, there will be Indian tacos and other items for sale as well as vendors offering Native American jewelry, shirts, purses, and other similarly themed items.

The 100th annual MRPS Holy Ghost celebration starts Saturday at 6:30 p.m. with a rosary led by Father Chad Wahl in the MRPS ballroom at 133 N Grant St. in downtown Manteca. There will be a special presentation and a musical performance by Generations Band. Refreshments will be served.

On Sunday, the parade departs the MRPS Hall for St. Anthony’s Catholic Church where mass will be offered with Bishop Cotta as the presider. Afterwards, a procession will go back to the hall where there will be a lunch served followed by an auction. Then at 7 p.m. on Sunday a sopas dinner will be served followed by the presentation of the Queens and MRPS officers. It will be followed by adults performing a folkloric dance presentation. The Generations band will provide dance music afterwards.

The parade will feature all past MRPS presidents.

The community, as always, is invited to join the MRPS celebration that includes the two free Portuguese sopas meals. 


To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com