There will be a traditional Manteca Christmas parade after all.
The Manteca Chamber of Commerce has found a way the twilight Christmas parade can take place to allow those watching to comply with social distancing guidelines required by the COVID-19 pandemic
The parade is being moved to The Promenade Shops at Orchard Valley.
The route will use Perimeter Drive that encircles the shopping complex anchored by Bass Pro Shops.
Since it is significantly longer than the traditional four-block route on Yosemite Avenue through downtown Manteca the 7,000 people that normally crowd along the curbs will be able to leave space between others. People also would be able to watch the parade from their vehicles if they so wish.
The chamber originally looked at a “static” parade with entries lined up along the edge of Woodward Park for spectators to view as they drove by in vehicles. That was deemed problematic due to traffic issues such a static parade would create.
The parade is breaking with another longstanding tradition by taking place the second Saturday in December instead of the first.
That will allow the chamber to separate the community’s biggest holiday events — the Christmas parade and Christmas in the Park. The latter is also being moved to the shopping center at Union Road and Atherton Drive and rechristened Christmas at the Promenade.
“This way we can spread out Christmas cheer,” said Manteca Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Joann Beattie.
The entry fee is $50 for the parade themed “Home for the Holidays”.
The deadline for entries is Dec. 1. The entry form can be found at the chamber’s website at manteca.org.
Christmas at the Promenade
The holiday fair now billed as Christmas at the Promenade will take place Friday, Dec. 4, from 5 to 9 p.m., and Saturday, Dec. 5, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
It will take place in the parking lot near the corner of Atherton Drive and Union Road. There will be temporary perimeter fencing with touchless temperature checks. Social distancing protocols including the wearing of face masks will be required.
It will include food trucks, Christmas tree competitions, children’s activities, petting zoo, pony rides, pictures with Santa, carnival rides as well as craft and gift vendors.
Beattie said Fun & Games will employ the required COVID-19 protocols for their various rides.
Information on the parade or park event can be obtained by contacting Beattie at 209-823-6121 or emailing joann@manteca.org. Entry forms for the parade and Christmas in the Park can be downloaded from the chamber’s website at manteca.org.
To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com
