Manteca’s Recreation & Community Services is conducting a citywide Christmas decorating contest.
The contest is open to any home, apartment or business in the 95336- 95337 zip codes within the city limits. You must register by Thursday, Dec. 8. Judging will start on the following Thursday, December 15.
Prizes will be awarded for best holiday spirit, best lawn display, best classic, best themed and staff choice.
To register, call (209) 456-8600 or visit: https://bit.ly/3GAVmEI
Downtown twilight
Christmas parade
The 50th annual downtown Manteca Twilight Holiday Parade is set for Saturday, Dec. 10, at 5 p.m.
The deadline for parade entries is Thursday, Dec. 1, at 5 p.m.
Entry forms are available at manteca.org. The entry fee is $50.
This year’s theme is Winter Wonderland.
Kitty Walker of the Manteca Veterans of Foreign Wars will serve as the grand marshal.
Categories include floats, musical units, twirling, visual marching, automotive, novelty/miscellaneous, and equestrian.
The parade route is down Yosemite Avenue from Library Park to Garfield Avenue at Manteca High.
Parade sponsors are American Chevrolet and Dairy Queen on the platinum level; Precision Automotive and Valley Strong Credit Union on the gold level; and Golden Valley Federal Credit Union, Delicato, and P.L. Fry & Son on the silver level.
Entry forms for the Manteca Chamber of Commerce event are available at manteca.org.
Christmas in the
Promenade, Dec. 3-4
The Manteca Chamber of Commerce holiday fair dubbed “Christmas in the Promenade” takes place Saturday, Dec. 3, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 4, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Promenade Shops at Orchard Valley at Union Road and Atherton Drive.
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 spaces for chamber members are $150 for commercial ($200 for non-chamber), $125 for homemade crafts ($150 for non-chamber), and $75 for non-profit. ($100 for non-chamber).
Chamber Executive Director Joann Beattie indicated there are only a handful of vendor spaces left. Call (209) 823-6121 or email joann@manteca.org for more details.
Vendor applications as well as tree decorating contest entry forms are available at manteca.org.
Stuff the Bus
for Kids’ Sake
The City of Manteca’s Stuff the Bus for Kids’ Sake — an annual Christmas drive for toys and other gifts for distribution to needy kids — takes place Saturday-Sunday on Dec. 3-4 and Dec. 10-11 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Anyone can "adopt" a child or family this holiday season by purchasing gifts and dropping them off at the bus that will be parked outside the Manteca Walmart.
To apply for the program, families must live within the boundaries of Manteca Unified School District and have at least one child attending an MUSD school.
To apply for your family to be considered for the program, or to "adopt" a family, please email StuffTheBusForKidsSake@gmail.com
Hospice trees of lights
in Ripon, Manteca
For 34 years, Hospice of San Joaquin’s Tree of Lights program has been lighting up communities across San Joaquin County.
Every light on the trees represents the life of a loved one. The Tree of Lights program helps those left behind transition from grief and sorrow to remembrance and honoring.
The Ripon Tree of Lights event is at the Ripon Veteran's Memorial Wall, 311 1st St., on Monday, Nov. 28, at 6 p.m.
The Manteca Tree of Lights event is at Doctors Hospital of Manteca on East North Street on Thursday, Dec. 1, at 5:30 p.m. .For more information, visit hospicesj.org or call 209-957-3888.
Taste of Ripon
The 27th annual Taste of Ripon returns on Thursday, Dec. 1.
The wine stroll consisting of over 20 participating downtown businesses, offering a variety of foods paired with wine tastings served up in a commemorative glass provided by McManis Family Vineyards. Taste of Ripon – hosted by the Ripon Chamber of Commerce – is scheduled from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Participating places for this event will also be open for business, just in time for the holidays. Cost is $55 for general admission. Tickets are available on www.eventbrite.com.
Almond Blossom
Christmas boutique
The annual Christmas boutique at Almond Blossom Mobile Home Park, 150 Pestana Ave. Manteca, takes place on Saturday, Dec. 3.
There are 10 vendors selling homemade items for Christmas. There will also a bake sale and will offer a lunch for $5. There also will be raffle prizes.
To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com
