Entries are being sought for the Manteca Fourth of July parade returning in three weeks after being cancelled last year due to the pandemic.

The Sunrise Kiwanis are hoping to see families and friends — as well as clubs and businesses — to come up with entries for the parade themed “Hats off to the USA.”

All entries — except for equestrians — are free. That’s because the cost of the parade is covered by the service club’s annual Manteca Pumpkin Fair.

Entries typically run the gamut from decorated vehicles and bicycles, youth groups, tractors, floats, cultural entries and more.

The service club is inviting 2020 graduates of Manteca, East Union, Sierra, and Calla high schools that were unable to have a traditional commencement ceremony to serve as grand marshals due to COVID-19. Plans are to reach out and invite all the graduates to march at the head of the parade. They will be invited to wear their caps and gowns if they have them.

The parade takes place Sunday, July 4, starting at 10 a.m. It is being staged at Jason Street across from Golden West School. The parade route heads south on Main Street and then turns west on Center Street and ends at Library Park.

Registration forms can be found at the sunrisekiwanis.org website along with additional parade information.

Nancy Loewen and Monica Mendoza are serving as co-chairs for the parade.