It’s only expected to reach 99 degrees today so that means only one thing — it’s time to think about Christmas.

And it might help you brave the heat today knowing that the Manteca Chamber of Commerce is teaming up with the City of Manteca to bring artificial snow to Library Park for the Saturday, Dec. 2, Library Park celebration.

The partnership allow the event to have a snow hill for play replacing the ice rink that was part of last year’s festivities.

It’s part of the two-day Christmas in the Park event that includes food and vendor booths, “reindeer” rides, live music, carolers, children’s activities, and Christmas decoration contests both days. 

The Friday, Dec. 1, activities from 5 to 10 p.m. includes a showing of the class movie “A Christmas Story”.

The snow hill is part of the Dec. 2 events taking place from 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. That is the same day the chamber will stage its 45th annual holiday parade.

“We believe the snow hill will be even more popular than the ice rink was last year,” Manteca Chamber Executive Director Joanne Beattie said.

Beattie noted a Santa fun run will take place on Dec. 2 as well to help raise money to fund next year’s activities for Manteca’s centennial celebration marking 100 years of cityhood.

Based on last year, Beattie expects vendor space will fill up fast.

Non-food booths secured before Nov. 10 for the two-day event are $100 for commercial booths, $75 for homemade crafts, and $50 for non-profit organizations. The prices go up $25 after Nov. 10.

Food vendor fees are $200 for the two-day event before Nov. 10 and $250 after that date.

Vendor forms can be downloaded from the chamber website at manteca.org. You ca also call the chamber at 209.823.6121 for additional information.

To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com