Independence Day celebrations in Manteca come a day early this year as part of a municipal strategy to avoid over $10,000 in holiday overtime costs for public safety personnel and street crews.
The decision to shift every traditional Manteca celebration of the birth of the nation to Friday, July 3, was predicated by the city’s looming $11.3 million deficit expected to develop in the fiscal year that starts today. As of now, the city through cuts and the implementation of cost recovery fees has narrowed the gap to less than $3 million.
The budget deficit has also changed the format of the City of Manteca’s family-orientated gathering at the Big League Dreams sports complex where you can find kids’ games, food, entertainment, vendors, and other activities including aerial fireworks after dusk from 4 to 10:30 p.m. on Friday. That change includes a $2 admission charge for adults, $1 for those between 13 and 17 while those 12 and under are free.
A large chunk of the $20,000-plus tab for the fireworks and day’s events is being picked up by part of the proceeds from the Manteca Police Officers Association fireworks booth at Union Road and Yosemite Avenue. The association gives about 40 percent of its proceeds to help underwrite part of the community celebration’s costs.
The Kiwanis Club of Manteca will be conducting its annual Independence Day celebration pancake breakfast from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Friday, July 3, at David and Sylvia’s Family Dining restaurant, located at 1020 North Main Street, in the Cardoza Shopping Center. The breakfast will include pancakes, eggs, ham, coffee, milk and juice. Drive-thru serve will also be available for those families that wish to take their breakfast home.
The annual breakfast event has been conducted by the Kiwanis club for several decades in celebration of America’s independence. Monies raised from the local event are distributed by the club to other local organizations and activities within our community that focus and serve the needs of our children.
The cost of breakfast is $7 per adult (12 years and older) and $4 per child. Pre-sale tickets are available by contacting Pat at 249-2204 or Ben at 825-7215.
It starts on North Main Street at Jason Street directly across from Golden West School. The route goes south down North Main Street and turns right on Center Street and ends at Library Park.
Firefighters bring up the rear pulling the parade’s most popular feature – a hose cart that has fire hose that is then unrolled, hooked to a hydrant and then provides a minute or so of a cooling cascade of water.
The concert at the Manteca Presbyterian Church, North and Main streets is free although a freewill offering will be taken.
Admissions are $2 for adults, $1 for those 13 to 17 and those 12 and under are free. The gate is being used exclusively by the city to offset costs of the celebration including the aerial fireworks.
There is entertainment from 4 to 9:45 p.m. as well as food, games, activities, and 21 vendor booths.
No outside food and beverage is allowed. Also prohibited are tailgating, soliciting, coolers and pets.
Aerial fireworks will be shot off after dusk from over the wastewater treatment giving those in the stands at Big League Dreams the best seat in Manteca.
To make sure all 2,400 flags are placed, the chamber still needs volunteers. Call the chamber at 823-6121 for more information.
Saturday’s film is “Indiana Jones.”
There are also concessions such as popcorn and soft drinks. There are still opportunities for vendors at the weekly movie showing that drew up to 500 people a week during its inaugural run last year. For information on vendor booths call White at 922-2673.
The gates open at 5:30 p.m. Saturday in the storm basin. There is a $1 charge for those 12 and over to help cover city costs. People are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets and jackets. Mosquito repellent is also suggested.
The movies are being presented by DeCristo Productions.
Other upcoming films are:
•July 11, “Tales of Desperaux.”
•July 18, “Bolt.”
•July 25, “Inkheart.”
