Manteca’s 21st edition of the Crossroads of California is a week away but the fun has already begun,
The carnival portion opens today for an eight-day run at The Promenade Shops at Orchard Valley and ends on the last day of the street fair on Sunday, April 2.
It is set up in front of the former Best Buy that is being remodeled as a 30,000-square-foot Fitness Evolution health club that will open in mid-April.
The hours today are 4 to 11 p.m. It is then open Saturday, march 25, from noon to 11 p.m., and Sunday, March 26, from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
The rides will be closed Monday and Tuesday. Then on Wednesday, March 29, and Thursday, Mach 30, the carnival will be open from 4 to 10 p.m. Hours on Friday, March 31, are 4 to 11 p.m.; Saturday, April 1, noon to 11 p.m.; and Sunday, April 2, from noon to 10 p.m.
The kickoff event for the street fair being staged by the Manteca Convention & Visitors Bureau takes place Friday, March 31, from 5 to 10 p.m. at Library Park. It includes live music as well as wine and craft beer tasting among other attractions.
Live music will be provided on the Library Park gazebo by The On Track Band.
The On Track Band is a Sierra High jazz ensemble lead by Rick Hammarstrom.
The actual street fair takes place along downtown streets Saturday, April 1, and Sunday, April 2, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission and parking is free.
It also features entertainment in Wilson Park behind the post office and across from the library as well as at the Library Park gazebo stage.
The Wilson Park entertainment lineup for Saturday, April 1, includes:
u10 a.m. to 1 p.m. — Silvermoon: The band played in two USO tours in Japan and Korea in 1977 as well as Spain and Italy in 1980. They have been performing old-time favorites since 1978.
u1 to 5 p.m. — Latin Magic: It will feature a disc jockey for the first hour and then the band featuring Peter Castanon and his fellow musicians who have been playing music ranging from cumbias and oldies to Latin rock since 1989.
The Wilson Park entertainment lineup for Sunday, April 2, includes:
u10 a.m. to 1 p.m. — Jammers:  Fred Stepp and his crew play “a mix of everything” with old standards, country, bluegrass, and rock.
u2 to 5 p.m. — Crystal Image: John Covert and gang offer classic rock, country blues, and more.
 The Library Park entertainment lineup for Saturday, April 1, includes:
u11 a.m. to noon — Bukkyo Taiko: Taiko literally means “fat drum” in Japanese. The music is not only heard but it is also felt.
u1 to 5 p.m. — Kirk Randall & the Backbeat: The distinctive sound is influenced by jazz, blues, country, and hard rock.
The Library Park entertainment lineup for Sunday, April 2, includes:
uNoon to 1 p.m. — Rio Valley Bell:  Talented students from Rio Valley Charter School perform lovely music with bells.
u1 to 1:45 p.m. — Gypsy Phoenix Belly Dancers.
u2 to 3 p.m. — Manteca Martial Arts
u3 to 5 p.m. — Jamaican Music: Disc jockey provides festive music beats.
 There is the Community Emergency Response Team car show on Sunday, April 2, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The street fair also includes vendors offering arts, crafts, and other items. There will be a wine and beer garden as well as food booths and non-profits. Fun & Games will provide rides for little kids. There will also be Bubble Rides on water, pony rides and “Things with Bows.”
Food offerings range from perennial favorites such as Lockeford Sausage to bacon-wrapped hot dogs to teriyaki selections and much more.
For more information on the street fair and late booth rental details go to www.visitmanteca.org or call 209.823.72229.

To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com