The event that has been the highlight of community-based Christmas celebrations for 49 years in Manteca — the downtown twilight parade — is taking place Saturday, Dec. 11, at 5 p.m.

Entries are being sought for the parade that will travel down Yosemite Avenue from Library Park to Manteca High. This year’s theme is “All I Want for Christmas”.

The Manteca Chamber of Commerce is staging its holiday fair dubbed “Christmas in the Promenade” the prior weekend on Saturday, Dec. 4, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 5, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Promenade Shops at Orchard Valley at Union Road and Atherton Drive.

“It’s a way we can spread around the holiday cheer,” said Manteca Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Joann Beattie. “Having both events on the same weekend forced some people to choose between one or the other.”

The two-day affair includes food trucks, a Christmas tree decorating competition, kiddie rides including pony rides, children’s activities, entertainment, craft and gift vendors, as well as photos with Santa.

Vendor space is still available. Call (209) 823-6121 or email joann@manteca.org for more details.

The deadline to enter the parade is Dec. 1. There is a $50 entry fee for the event that has first place trophies and ribbons for second and third.

There are seven categories that each has a number of sub-categories. The categories are floats, musical units, twirling, visual marching, automobiles, novelties/miscellaneous, and equestrian.

The entry form can be downloaded from the chamber’s website at manteca.org.

To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com