Pancakes, parades, fireworks, and community celebrations mark today’s 235th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Activities start in Manteca with the traditional Manteca Kiwanis Club’s pancake breakfast from 7 to 11 a.m. at the former Dave and Sylvia’s Restaurant on North Main Street.  The cost for adults is $7 and children $4.

The breakfast is by the starting point of the Independence Day parade at North Main Street and Golden West School. The Sunrise Kiwanis-sponsored parade gets underway at 10 a.m.

Bringing up the rear is the perennial crowd favorite featuring the Manteca firefighters pulling a hose cart. They run from hydrant to hydrant to hook up the hose and then spray whoever wants to cool off in the middle of the street.

Then at 6 p.m. Ripon’s first arch-to-arch non-motorized parade along that community’s Main Street takes place.

You can still decorate your bike, scooter, wheelchair, wagon, stroller, and such and participate. A $1 donation is requested to help fund the fireworks but it isn’t mandatory. Registration begins at 5 p.m. today on Nourse Avenue across the street from the car wash.

After the parade, enjoy the atmosphere including a bounce house, food, and music provided by Kid Red Entertainment at Ripon Elementary School on Main Street. Right next door at the Ripon Christian Schools a similar event will take place.

Then at 9:15 p.m. aerial fireworks will be launched over the Ripon High football stadium