BY ANGELINA MARTIN
209 staff
The Fourth of July means food, fireworks and fun. Still wondering how to celebrate the holiday? For those who live in the 209, there are plenty of options for the perfect place to spend Independence Day. Whether you’re looking to beat the heat in Lodi Lake or spend the afternoon looking at classic cars, here are a few cities that will put a spark into your Fourth of July.
Modesto: The Modesto Kiwanis Club is throwing Modesto’s annual Fourth of July Parade, with a theme of “United WE Stand!” The downtown parade kicks off at 9:30 a.m. on Tenth Street and will feature a float with community members who were born on July 4. After the parade, celebrate at the All American Festival in the Tenth Street Plaza. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., there will be live music, food from local merchants, activities for children and arts, crafts and gift vendors.
Turlock: Turlock’s annual Fourth of July Downtown Parade and Street Fair will take place on Main Street, with the street fair opening at 8 a.m. in Central Park. This year’s “Stars and Stripes” themed parade begins at 10 a.m. and will travel down Main Street from Canal Drive to South Broadway Street. A car show will also be held downtown from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. After some fun downtown, head over to Stanislaus State for the fireworks show where there will be live music, vendors and kids’ activities from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. The fireworks begin when the sun goes down!
Tracy: Celebrate a Hometown Independence Day in Tracy as the Tracy Chamber of Commerce and City of Tracy hold the San Joaquin County’s largest Fourth of July event. The free Tracy Independence Day celebration is an all day event, starting at 6 a.m. with a Hot Air Balloon launch and a Pancake Breakfast in Lincoln Park. The festivities kick into high gear with the 4th of July Parade which starts at 10 a.m. at 6th and Central Avenue and ends at Lincoln Park. Activities such as a pie-eating contest, a hot wing-eating contest, and family volleyball and bocce ball tournaments at Lincoln Park (Eaton Avenue & East Street). This year’s festivities include a rib cook-off, carnival rides and a fireworks show will take place at about 9:30 p.m. at Tracy High (East & 11th streets). For cost and information, call 209.835.2131 or log on to www.tracychamber.org.
Oakdale: The Cowboy Capital of the World will celebrate the Fourth of July with a bang this year, with its annual fireworks display over Woodward Reservoir. There is a $25 per vehicle fee to enter. Bring seating, food and arrive with plenty of time to find a spot because according to Woodward, this is one of the most popular times of the year.
Ripon: Enjoy a family-oriented, concert event in Ripon’s Mistlin Park on River Road from 5 to 10 p.m. Four radio stations will be broadcasting live from the park including 103.3 Kat Country, 95.1, The Hawk, Rock Station, and 98.3 KWIN as well as playing contemporary favorites. The station DJs will be at the festival from 6 until 10 p.m.
There will also be Ja choice of food vendors and a kids’ zone. Taco Fiesta heads up the group along with offerings of barbecue, hot dogs, lemonade, nachos, sausage and shaved ice. A light show is planned at 9 p.m. before the fireworks show. The celebration is hosted by the Ripon Chamber Foundation.
