No rain is in the forecast but parade goers will be bundling up against the chill as the temperatures are expected to slip below 50 degrees shortly after the Manteca twilight Christmas procession starts today at 5 p.m.

Upwards of 8,000 people are expected to line Yosemite Avenue from Library Park to Garfield Avenue by Manteca High.

The Manteca Chamber of Commerce, that has been staging the parade for more than a half century, has indicated it will be the largest ever.

The theme is “Let it Glow.”

Winterfest is today

The chamber’s Winterfest event — Christmas in the Park — is today at Library Park.

It will feature 59 vendors offering everything from handmade crafts and gifts to food trucks from noon to 9 p.m. It is also open during and after the parade.

There will be kiddie carnival rides, games, Santa, and even a snow machine.

The chamber has also brought back the Christmas tree decorating contest. Those attending will have the opportunity to help select the winners.

Christmas in the Park has free entry.

 Cocoa & cookies Sunday

Karam, Jovan, and Bhavleen — the Sahota triplets are once again raising money to help support Ray of Hope Children’s Services by selling hot cocoa and cookies.

On Sunday, Dec. 7, they’ll be at Woodward Park, at their usual corner on Woodward and Bridewell avenues from 10 a.m. to noon.

Donations will also be accepted using the Venmo or Zelle apps.

In the past, Karam, Jovan, and Bhavleen managed to raise over $1,000 in donations.

Manteca Museum open

house is this Sunday

The Manteca Historical Museum annual Holiday Open House Sunday is from 1 to 4 p.m.

The museum located at 600 W. Yosemite Ave. also will have its gift shop open.

It features costume jewelry as well as antique pieces, a variety of Santas, and one-of-a-kind glassware.

 Wreaths Across America
Dec. 13 at EU Cemetery

Manteca City Ambassador Nihar Jain is leading the first-ever “Wreaths Across America” project at East Union Cemetery on Saturday, Dec. 13.

The community has stepped up with $17 donations per wreath assuring all 467 veterans buried at the cemetery at Louise Avenue and Union Road will have a wreath placed on their graves.

Among them is a veteran who served with the Union during the Civil War.

 Every veteran’s name will be read aloud as a wreath is placed on their grave following a noon ceremony on Dec. 13.   

Jain attends East Union High where he is the student leader for the JROTC.

To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com