If you ask Joe Brocchini what he likes the most about Manteca, you might want to pull up a chair.
You’re going to be sitting a spell as he nostalgically recalls the Ely Rey Theatre, Oakwood Lake, the old Manteca High tower, stories of Milo Candini, and the Great Pumpkin Feud between Half Moon Bay and Manteca that graced the pages of national publications.
And pulling up a chair and chatting about Manteca is exactly what Brocchini hopes you’ll do for the first Park Fest set for Saturday, July 30, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Woodward Park Picnic Pavilion.
It’s being billed as a time for “classmates, friends, and neighbors to share the history of Manteca.”
The event itself is free. Those attending are encouraged to bring their own chair, old photos and plenty of stories to share.
There will be a BBQ, raffle prizes, antique ag show and music by disc jockey Angel Soto.
Exhibitors include the Manteca Museum, Manteca Mural Society, East Union Memorial Cemetery, Great Valley Bookfest, The Cpl. Charles Palmer Troop Support and the Gone but Not Forgotten Committee.
There will also be food booths such as Top Dogs Hot Dog Stand as well as soda and water available for purchase.  And what Manteca gathering would be complete when it comes to food if Fagundes Meats wasn’t there offering their tri-tip sandwiches?
For more information go to www.facebook.com/History of Manteca, call Brocchini at 209.247.2034 or email josephbrocchini7@gmail.com