Unfortunately for the residents of Turlock, the days of families taking their blankets and chairs to the grounds of Stanislaus State to watch a fireworks show on the 4th of July are no more. University and City of Turlock budget cuts saw the loss of a Turlock fireworks show in 2010, and while it saw a return for a couple of years with the help of private donations, it may never make a full comeback.

Turlock is showing its patriotic spirit with a parade down Main Street starting at 10 a.m. Saturday, followed by a classic car show and expanded farmers market. Locals who wish to see a professional fireworks show this holiday weekend don’t have to travel far, however. Here are a few places in the area where the lights still shine bright in the night in honor of Independence Day:

—     The Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors will present the annual fireworks celebration at 9:30 p.m.  July 2 at Woodward Reservoir, 14528 26 Mile Rd., Oakdale. Entrance price is $25 p/vehicle.  

—     The City of Atwater will host a 4th of July Centennial Celebration on Monday. Events will begin with the Run for Independence 5K at 7:30 a.m. followed by a downtown parade at 9 a.m. A festival will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Ralston Park. A concert and fireworks show will be held from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Castle Commerce Center. Cost is $10 per car for the fireworks show. For more information, visit atwater4thofjuly.org 

—     The City of Gustine will host a full-scale Independence Day celebration this weekend. A parade sponsored by the Gustine Chamber of Commerce will roll through downtown Gustine bright and early in the morning at 10:30 a.m. July 4 to kick off the eventful day. Activities are being planned in Henry Miller Park following the parade including activities for the kids, a cornhole tournament, a beer and margarita booth, and lots of food and other vendors on hand at the park. As part of the celebration the pool will be open from noon to 2 p.m. with free admission for kids 12 and under. Fireworks will provide a grand finale to the Independence Day festival. The Gustine High Stadium located at 501 North Ave. will once again be a viewing spot for the pyrotechnics. Gates open at 7:30 p.m.