It looks like Mantecans will be returning to the streets to partake in festivals and parades next month after a 15-month hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Interim City Manager Michael Harden told the City Council on Tuesday barring any change in directives from Sacramento he intends to approve permit requests to allow the Manteca Chamber of Commerce to stage the Crossroads Street Faire on Saturday, June 5, and Sunday, June 6, as well as the Sunrise Kiwanis to conduct the Fourth of July parade.
Mayor Ben Cantu asked Harden if there would be fireworks as well, Harden answered yes. It isn’t clear whether Harden was referring to household fireworks or aerial fireworks that typically are launched near the Big League Dreams sports complex.
Harden noted Gov. Gavin Newsom has committed to reopening California by June 15.
“It is time for it to happen,” Harden said.
There are still vendor spaces left for the June 5-6 street fair that takes place both days from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in downtown Manteca.
They have already lined up more than 90 craft vendors with an overall total in excess of 200.
For the first time in its 21 year history, the street fair will have a theme. It’s being called the “Crossroads Watermelon Street Fair.
There will be children’s activities a car show, a boat and RV show, a BMX bike expo and more.
Vendor and visitor information can be found at www.visitmanteca.net, by calling (209) 823-6121 or emailing joann@manteca.org.
The street fair is typically held the first full weekend in April. It was cancelled in 2020.
Other regional street fairs that normally happen in May and June were cancelled months ago when the state was in the throes of a surge in COVID-19 cases.
The current date was selected last year with the chamber working on making sure they comply with any COVID restrictions. If current conditions continue, the Manteca event will be the first traditional major street fair in the South County since the 2020 Ripon Almond Blossom Festival.
To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com
