This Friday, June 28 will see the start of fireworks sales for the community, running through the Independence Day holiday, July 4.

Several years ago the Escalon City Council voted to allow the sale of the Safe and Sane Fireworks, as approved by the U.S. Fire Marshal, for use by local residents. None of the fireworks leave the ground and Escalon is one of a handful of San Joaquin County communities that allow the fireworks. They are illegal in the county itself, but the local ordinance supersedes the county one.

In Escalon, there are four fireworks stands, already put up and with the inventory soon to arrive for sales to start on Friday.

“Eight different organizations applied,” said Recreation Department spokesperson Bridget Gaines.

One booth is set aside for the city, this year being run by the Parks Foundation to raise money for the Railtown Skate Park project. The city booth is always in the parking lot at Escalon Center, adjacent to Hula’s and D’Boni’s along Jackson Avenue.

At the MarVal Main Street Market parking lot at 1900 McHenry Avenue, Trinity Church Assembly of God will have their booth this year.

Also receiving a booth in the random drawing of qualified applicants, the local American Legion Gustafson-Thompson Post will be set up at Big Boy Market, on the corner of Highway 120 and Elizabeth.

Finally, Escalon Sports Boosters will set up their stand at The Barn, 25105 Highway 120, just across the tracks at the west end of town.

“They can open at noon on Friday and operate daily until midnight on (Thursday) July 4,” Gaines said.

Hours for the stands are set by the organizations, with the only day they have to open at noon the first day, Friday. After that, most are open by 10 a.m. daily and typically stay open for 12 hours a day.

Organizations applying for the fireworks sales must meet specific criteria and have liability insurance. Proceeds from the sales go to a variety of projects, depending on the sponsoring organization.

Along with the fireworks sales for the holiday, the local Escalon Covenant Church will be hosting its traditional Independence Day celebration, a few days early, on Sunday, June 30. Festivities will be offered at the Escalon Community Center Park at 1055 Escalon Ave.

This is a community wide event and geared toward the entire family, said church officials, with everyone welcome. The event runs from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. with a barbecue dinner served from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Throughout the evening there will be a bounce house, obstacle course, watermelon eating contest, sno cones, popcorn, face painting, ice cream, games for kids, music, prize drawings and the evening ends with fireworks when it gets dark enough. The suggested donation for everything is $3 per person with a maximum of $10 for a family.

Tickets are now available at D’Boni’s Pizza, Escalon Covenant Church and online at www.escaloncovenant.org.

Those planning to attend are advised to “come hungry and prepared to have fun.” Bring lawn chairs for watching the fireworks. For more information, call the church at 209-838-7600.