Downtown Manteca will be the place to be this holiday season as the City of Manteca is bringing a temporary ice skating rink to the municipal parking lot at the corner of Yosemite & Main acquired with the purchase of the IOOF Hall.

Is it part of the city’s stepped up drive to “activate” public places in downtown to encourage residents to come together as a community.

Also, on tap for downtown are:

*Thursday and Friday jam sessions where local bands can play in the parklet area created as part of Mural Alley at Yosemite and Sycamore avenues. The space was used earlier this week for an outdoor Zumba class.

*Rooted in Community, the second annual Farm to Fork experience under the stars in the 100 block of North Maple being staged by the City of Manteca and United Way of San Joaquin to help fund local non-profits on Saturday, Oct. 10, at 6 p.m. It includes a band, dancing, silent auction, spirits & wines, and more.

*Music on Maple on Thursday, Oct. 15, from 6 to 9 p.m. in the 100 block of North Maple. The free entry event features the R&B Rewind band, a soul train line, vendors, beer garden, and food truck.

*The Spooky Skate at Library Park on Saturday, Oct. 17, from 6 to 9 p.m., for all ages. The free entry event encourages people to strap on their roller skates, get out their bicycle, or grab their skateboards. It includes a disc jockey, food trucks, and games.

*The downtown Trunk or Treat will take place Saturday, Oct. 31, from 10 a.m., to noon on Maple and Yosemite avenues. The free family event includes food trucks, vendors, character meet and greets, a disc jockey, and mini pumpkin painting.

Manteca Rotary will also have Santa Claus at the Santa Hut as part of the Christmas activities at the Yosemite and Main parking lot where the ice rink will be located.

The Downtown Manteca Business Association is also planning a Wine, Beer, & Spooky Spirits Stroll downtown on Friday, Oct. 30.

To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com