For 5-year-old Charlotte Oliveira, the Fourth of July is “America Day.” For “Miss Melon” Michelle Padilla, it’s her birthday. And for Travis Regalo, executive director of the Turlock Downtown Property Owners Association, it’s just one day in part of a larger celebration … not to mention an opportunity to wear his Uncle Sam costume.
“The Declaration of Independence was actually signed on July 2,” said Regalo, festooned with a star-spangled top hat, coat and pants. “The Independence Day celebration deserves more than just one day. It’s a season, and we kind of want to get into the habit of Turlock being the kickoff to the season.”
Turlock kicked off local Independence Day festivities Friday night with a downtown parade, and concluded the evening with a drone show.
The parade made its way westward on Main Street and turned north onto Broadway, ending up at Broadway Park.
Abe Rojas, the longtime director for the city’s Parks and Recreation Department who also served as a trustee for the Turlock Unified School District and the Yosemite Community College District, served as grand marshal.
At the intersection of Main and Palm streets, Leroy and Kelli Rocha sat with daughter Sierra Oliveira, 8-year-old grandson Jameson, and 5-year-old granddaughter Charlotte.
“I grew up here, my husband works for TID, and my brother-in-law was in the parade on one of the tractors,” said Oliveira, who lives in Ceres. “So, the kids came to see their Uncle Jimmy.”
As for her favorite part of the parade, Charlotte said: “When we got the golf balls,” referring to the freebies handed out by parade participants.
“My favorite part was seeing my uncle pass by,” said Jameson.
About a block and a half up the street, in front of Crivelli’s Shirts and More, sat the Crivelli family: Mark (brother of store owner Greg Crivelli), Anissa, Abby, and Joe.
“I like watching all the cheerleaders,” said Abby, who recently earned her nursing degree from Fresno Pacific University.
“I always like seeing the tractors and the old cars,” said Joe, who just graduated from Cal Trade Welding School in Modesto.
Padilla, who lives in Salida but has family in Turlock, will see her reign as Miss Melon come to an end in September.
When asked what the Fourth of July means to her, her response was quick and decisive.
“Well, the Fourth of July is actually my birthday,” said Padilla. “I’ve always loved all the fireworks and celebrating my birthday, but also the country’s independence. It’s very important to me.”
Regalo, joined along the parade route by wife Alicia who was dressed as Lady Liberty, already has an eye on the nation’s 250th birthday in 2026.
“Two hundred and fifty years … we’re going to make sure we have something big,” said Regalo.
