Kids during the Christmas parade in downtown Manteca wait for Santa to bring up the rear.
But the reception the jolly old guy in a red suit gets is downright subtle compared to when kids see Manteca Fire reserves in turnout gear bring up the rear of the Fourth of July parade.
The firefighters get a response as if they are rock stars.
That’s because they will be running from hydrant to hydrant with a hose cart, rolling out the hose, and giving any kid — or wannabe kid — in the street a chance to cool down under streams of water pointed skyward.
It’s one of the enduring traditions of the annual Fourth of July parade staged by the Sunrise Kiwanis.
The Sunrise Kiwanis are being recognized as the Fourth of July parade they stage sports a theme of “40 Years of Pumpkin Pride & Patriotic Spirit!”
The 10 a.m. Fourth of July parade takes place this year along Yosemite Avenue from Library Park to Manteca High due to road construction on North Main Street.
Fourth of July event
3 to 9 p.m. at BLD
YupUp has teamed with the City of Manteca to stage a family festival today from 3 to 9 p.m. at the Big League Dreams sports complex.
The rewards app concern on their yupup.com website as of Thursday was still offering advance tickets at $45 apiece. The price the day of the event, providing there are tickets available, is $50.
Those attending the event can stay for the best place to see the City of Manteca’s aerial fireworks display that starts at 9:30 p.m. and is launched from a location just north of the BLD complex.
Admission to the event gives you access to all six themed entertainment zones.
Not included in the general admission are pony rides, access to gaming trucks, Gellyball, and the photo booth
There will also be food trucks as well as a food and beer garden.
There will be a lawn hangout zone. People are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets and kick back to listen to music.
There will be in-and-out access allowed throughout the day with your wrist band and valid admission ticket.
Aerial fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
The grand finale to the Fourth of July starts Friday at 9:30 p.m. when the City of Manteca launches its annual aerial fireworks display over the Big League Dreams sports complex.
Recommended viewing locations are:
*Bella Vista Park, 1580 Bella Terra Drive.
*Dutra Estates Park, 2701 Ancestor Street
*Dutra Estates Mini Park, 1523 Hearthsong Drive
*Dutra Southeast Park, 1850 Sparrowhawk Street
*Kevin O’Neill Park, 1282 Laurel Circle
*Roberts Estates Park, 1740 Rail Street.
People are encouraged to bring their lawn chairs and blankets to the parks.
No parking will be permitted at the Great Wolf resort.
To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com
