If your family is getting a bit stir crazy dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Manteca Recreation & Community Services as well as Crossroads Grace Church may have the perfect outing.

They are teaming up for a free double-feature drive-in movie night at the church’s parking lot on Moffat Boulevard on Saturday, Oct. 17.

The movie “Cars” starts at 6 p.m. followed by “Star Wars: The Phantom Menace” at 9:30 p.m.

You can watch the free movies from your car or socially distanced in your own lawn chair.  The event area opens at 5 p.m. Admission to the free movies is on a first-come, first-served basis.

COVID-19 safety guidelines will be enforced. Those not following these rules will be asked to leave.
* Do not attend if you are ill.
* Maintain at least 6 feet of distance from others.
* All guests must stay with the vehicle/ bubble they arrive with. You may sit outside of your vehicle within your parking spot or in the designated area; masks are recommended.
*Vehicles must park in the open parking spaces as directed by staff.
*Large SUVs and trucks will be directed toward the sides or back to allow for better viewing. No buses or RVs allowed.
*Masks required when using restrooms.
* You may bring your own food and refreshments. (Please keep your area cleaned).
* Tune into the FM radio station provided at check.

The drive-in movies on Oct. 17 are just one of the many ways the City of Manteca Recreation & Community Services has tried to keep people engaged during the pandemic.

While most have been virtual activities, the Manteca Rec effort has been slowly bringing back what in-person activities they can with social distancing in mind.

They have offered a modified Kids Zone at several elementary campuses for youth whose parents work. It has allowed them a placed to attend distance learning classes with supervision as well as participate in pre and after school activities.

After School Athletic Club

& Fall Camp being offered

The city is now offering Afterschool Athletic Club Sessions 2 and 3 at Northgate Park Tuesdays and Thursdays for two weeks beginning at 5:30 p.m. for ages 7 to 9 and 10 to 14.

The second session is Oct. 6-15 while the third session is Oct. 20-29.

The cost is $35 for residents and $45 for non-residents.

The youth outdoor fitness and sports conditioning program is designed to help participants stay active after school. The program will focus on physical fitness, sports motor skills, and fun. Participants will go through a variety of physical activities and games with other kids their age while playing in a fun and safe environment.

Manteca Rec is also offering a Fall Camp that coincides with the Manteca Unified School District Fall Break.

The camp will take place in the Kids Zone classroom at Stella Brockman School, 763 Silverado Drive, Oct. 12-16 from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

The fee is $175. There is a $10 discount for each additional sibling from the same family. Registration closes Oct. 8.

The camp includes arts, crafts, games, outdoor play, movies, and more. Morning and afternoon snacks will be provided. Each participant must bring a sack lunch.

All third graders and above are required to wear face masks. Other COVID-19 safety measures will be employed.

For more information call 456-8600.

To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com