When the sun goes down on Saturday during the 35th annual Sunrise Kiwanis Pumpkin Fair in downtown Manteca the fun is just starting.
Not only is there going to be a band playing on the Main Stage for the first time past 6 o’clock — Gunpowder & Lace performs from 5 to 6:30 p.m. — but there is also the free “Pumpkin Fair after Dark” event.
Both are in Wilson Park where Manteca Avenue meets Sycamore Avenue.
The movie “The Nightmare Before Christmas” is being show for free on a giant outdoor screen. It takes place from 7 to 9 p.m. The snack bar and beer garden will be open until 8 p.m. that evening.
A review notes. “The film follows the misadventures of Jack Skellington, Halloweentown’s beloved pumpkin king, who has become bored with the same annual routine of frightening people in the “real world.” When Jack accidentally stumbles on Christmastown, all bright colors and warm spirits, he gets a new lease on life — he plots to bring Christmas under his control by kidnapping Santa Claus and taking over the role. But Jack soon discovers even the best-laid plans of mice and skeleton men can go seriously awry.”
A pumpkin carving contest also takes place during the Pumpkin Fair after Dark. Bring your carved or decorated pumpkins at 6 p.m.to compete for $50 gift cards given to the most creative and most traditional entries.
The actual street fair is Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. within the downtown triangle created by Main Street, Center Street, and the railroad tracks.
The main stage entertainment beneath the stately sycamore trees under stately Sycamore trees at Wilson Park where the beer garden is also set up on Saturday includes Jeremy Norris from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Jim Anderson from 1 to 2:30 p.m., Cali Celtic from 3 to 4:30 p.m., and Gunpowder and Lace from 5 to 6:30 p.m. The Sunday lineup includes Dakota and Johnny from 11 a.m. until noon, Mario Flores from noon to 1:30 p.m., and the Mike Torres Band from 2 to 5 p.m.
Between the performers the Main Stage there will be pumpkin pie eating contests.
The Community Stage has been shifted to the shade and grass of the Library Park.
The Saturday lineup is Charlize Price at 10 a.m., Jadyn Snaer at 10:30 a.m., Taberna’s Tae Kwon Do Academy at 11 a.m., Manteca Youth Focus at 11:30 a.m., a doggie parade at noon, Jenn Morrow at 12:30 p.m., Cortez Full Circle Martial Arts at 1 p.m., Manteca Police K-9 at 1:30 p.m., Blackout at 2 p.m., Runnin’ on Empty at 2:30 p.m., Ritecha at 3 p.m., Estoric at 3:30 p.m., Insomnia at 4 p.m., Break the Pradox at 4:30 p.m., Nebula at 5 p.m., and How it Ends at 5:30 p.m.
On stage for Sunday is Dreama Diaz at 10 a.m., Ground Zero at 10:30 a.m., Brenna Lay at 11 a.m., Pumpkin Growing Contest winners at 11:30 a.m., doggie parade noon, TBA at 12:30 p.m., Heartshine Foundation at 1 p.m., Manteca Police K-9 at 1:30 p.m., Blackout at 2 p.m., Tailsman at 2:30 p.m., Turbulence at 3 p.m., and TBA acts at 3:30, 4 and 4:30 p.m.
The car show is Sunday, Oct. 6, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the 100 block of North Main Street. The entry fee is $25. Information and entry forms can also be found on the website at mantecapumpkinfair.com
To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com
