The forecast calls for a high of 96 degrees on the Fourth of July with local “showers” in six blocks of Yosemite Avenue in downtown Manteca.

The source of the reoccurring showers for more than two decades — except during declared California drought emergencies — is the Manteca Firefighters Association using old-fashioned hose carts.

This year as the “last” parade entry passes, two teams — reserve freighters and Fire Explorers — will be running from hydrant to hydrant pulling a hose cart.

They will unreel the hose, couple it to a hydrant, turn the water on, and point it skyward above Yosemite Avenue allowing water to fall on kids — and the young at heart — that don’t mind getting a bit wet to cool down on a hot summer morning.

The crews will then uncouple the hose, reel it back up, and head on the next fire hydrant.

The parade staged by the Sunrise Kiwanis takes place Saturday, July 4, starting at 10 a.m.

It goes from Library Park through downtown and ends at Garfield Avenue by Manteca High.

The parade’s theme this year is “250 Years of Liberty”.

Before the parade starts, the Manteca Rotary will stage a $10 breakfast from 7 to 10 a.m. at the Deaf Puppy Comedy Club, 127 N. Main St. just over a half a block from the parade route

The 46th annual Three Rivers Indian Lodge Pow Wow is also on July Fourth.

The free event is actually over three days from July 3-5 at the grounds of the Three Rivers Lodge on the west side of Union Road north of Del Webb at Woodbridge and south of Lovelace Road.

The exact address is 13505 S. Union Road.

There will be more than 30 vendors selling arts, crafts, and Native American apparel alongside food such as Indian taco, fry bread, and Rez Dogs.

Attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs.

Admission is free to the public for the entirely drug-free and alcohol free event.

The grand entry starts at 5 p.m. on Friday, July 3.

Events on Saturday, July 4, as well as Sunday, July 5, start at 11 a.m. with the Gourd Dance followed by the Grand Entry.

Aerial fireworks

There will be City of Manteca sponsored aerial fireworks.

They will be launched starting at 9:30 p.m. on the Fourth of July near 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.

There is no community Independence Day celebration event per se this year besides the parade.

To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com