Light up the sparklers and prepare to celebrate America’s Independence Day with a bevy of parades, festivals and fireworks (or patriotic drones).
For the second year, Turlock will celebrate the holiday the weekend before the 4th of July with a night parade followed by a car show the day after. The festivities get underway on Friday with a downtown parade. Opening ceremonies are at 6 p.m., with the parade officially getting underway at 6:30. The parade begins at Palm and Main streets, and then makes a right on Broadway and concludes at Broadway Park. Later that evening, at 9, a drone show will be featured. Spectators are encouraged to assemble on Center Street, between Main and Olive Avenue, for the best viewing experience.
The Downtown Car Show, as well as the Farmers Market and Makers Market, will be held from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday. A Downtown Property Owners Association panel of judges will award three car trophies: Best in Show, Best Engine, and Best Interior. Additionally, another 40 trophies will be awarded by individual sponsors to their favorite cars.
Those looking to extend their holiday festivities have a number of options around the area. Here are just a few:
Atwater
The Atwater 4th of July events will begin with the Run for Independence at 7:30 a.m. July 4 at Ralston Park. The 2 and 5 mile fun runs go through and around the city of Atwater. The annual 4th of July parade will start at 9 a.m. at the corner of Elm and Winton Way, then left onto Broadway, left onto 3rd Street and ends at the corner of Juniper and 3rd streets. From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. there will be a festival at Ralston Park complete with games, rides, vendors and food booths. After the Festival at Ralston Park, the celebration moves to the Castle Commerce Center for a concert and fireworks show. Gates open at 6 p.m. and close at 9:15 p.m., just before the fireworks start. Entertainment includes KABX Radio Host Dave Luna as the MC, followed by performances from Troublesome. Numerous food trucks and vendors will be onsite including a vendor with light up toys for the kids. The celebration then concludes with the largest fireworks show in the Central Valley. Entry fee is $20 per car or walk-ins $5 per person with all proceeds going to help fund next year’s celebration.
To sign up for the Run for Independence, visit: https://mercedrunningclub.com/
For more information on the Atwater 4th of July festivities, visit: http://www.atwater4thofjuly.org/
COLUMBIA
Columbia State Historic Park will celebrate the nation’s birthday the old-fashioned way with many activities the 49ers enjoyed way back when. A glorious parade will make its way up Main Street starting at 12 noon on July 4. A patriotic concert by the Great Mother Lode Brass and Reed Band, dancing in the street, and contests popular in the early days of Columbia, including the greased pole climb, egg relay race, watermelon eating, bucket brigade, cake walk, nail pounding, egg toss, and a five-way tug-of-war, will be held until 4 p.m. Come early for the best parking and bring lawn chairs. The festivities begin with a ceremonial flag raising and black powder musket salute at 11 a.m.
GUSTINE
Gather your family and friends for a day of patriotic fun at Gustine’s Fourth of July celebration. The Gustine Chamber Of Commerce 4th of July Parade kicks off the festivities at 10:30 a.m. with a colorful procession through Main Street to Henry Miller Park. After the parade, head to Henry Miller Park for the City of Gustine 4th of July In The Park Celebration. Enjoy live music, DJ entertainment, and a variety of kids’ games. Don’t miss out on the Aquatics Center, cornhole tournament, and delicious food and craft vendors. As the day winds down, grab your blankets and chairs for the spectacular 14th annual fireworks show at Gustine High School Football Field. It’s a day of community celebration you won’t want to miss.
MODESTO
Since 1874, Modesto has honored the Fourth of July with a lively parade winding through downtown streets. This year’s parade, organized by the Modesto Kiwanis Club, promises to be a highlight of the holiday festivities. Join the crowd on July 4 at 9:30 a.m. and enjoy the themed floats, marching bands, and community spirit that define this beloved tradition. It’s a chance to come together with your neighbors and celebrate the red, white, and “bloom” of Independence Day in the heart of Modesto.
LA GRANGE
Head to Don Pedro Lake for a spectacular Fireworks-on-the-Water show at 9:30 p.m. July 4. Set against the stunning backdrop of the lake, this annual event promises an evening of enchantment and celebration. Reserve your campsites early and make a weekend of it, enjoying the beauty of the lake during the day and the magic of fireworks at night. Whether you’re camping with family or friends, don’t miss this opportunity to create cherished memories under the starlit sky at Don Pedro Lake.
