The long July 4 holiday weekend is fast approaching; with the actual July 4 falling on Tuesday. In Escalon, the celebration will get started a little early, as the Escalon Covenant Church is planning a fun-filled evening for the community on Sunday, July 2. After taking a one-year hiatus last year, the church is once again hosting an Independence Day Celebration and festivities are planned at the city’s Hogan-Ennis Park adjacent to the Escalon Community Center.