Changes? Sure — but the area's plentiful July Fourth activities prove you can't keep a good party down

By Lisa Millegan
lmillegan@modbee.com

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Celebrate America’s 233rd birthday with parades, picnics and even pony rides.

The region’s celebrations include plenty of options, including fireworks and a laser show. While some events have been scaled back because of the economy or moved to new locations this year, there should be enough family fun for everyone.

Some events are July 3, some July 4, and some span over more than one day. Read on for a look at Fourth of July activities throughout the valley and foothills:

(Laurie McAdam / lmcadam@modbee.com)

MODESTO: JULY 4

• The Modesto Jaycees’ 135th Fourth of July celebration will light up the sky with lasers rather than fireworks this year as a change of pace.

Sam Garrett, a Jaycees member, said the show will have the feel of a rock concert with recorded music and fog. It will be at Enslen Park rather than John Thurman Field as in the past, with pre-show entertainment provided by Nadine the Band and Dam, among others.

“We wanted to do something with a little pizazz,” he said, adding that he hopes the show will raise residents’ morale in this bad economy.

Pennsylvania-based Lightwave International, which will stage the Modesto laser show, has put on similar productions for Madonna concerts and NBA and NHL games.

All the other traditional Independence Day activities held earlier in the day will be the same. The fun kicks off with a downtown parade featuring more than 75 entries fitting the theme “Celebrate the Past, Present, & Future!” The grand marshal is Marie Gallo.

After that, the action moves to Graceada Park for the annual Picnic at the Park (right by Enslen Park). There will be about 50 vendors, food booths, children’s activities and musical entertainment.

10 a.m. parade, downtown Modesto; 10 a.m.- 8 p.m. Picnic in the Park at Graceada Park, Sycamore Avenue and Needham Street (live music noon to 8 p.m. in Mancini Bowl). 6 p.m. live music and 9:30 p.m. choreographed laser show at Enslen Park, 501 Stoddard Ave. 450-3810, 480-9226 or www.jayceesmodesto.org.

• The Central Valley Media Center is presenting an All American Music Show. Entertainers are the Michelle Richardson Band (blues and jazz) and the River Lights Chorus (barbershop music).

5 p.m. concert, Foster Theater, Gallo Center for the Arts, 1000 I St., Modesto. $10-$30 in advance or $15-$35 at the door. 338-2100 or www.galloarts.org.

ARNOLD: JULY 4

• The parade theme this year is “Small Town America — Stepping into the Future” with John and Kim Hamilton, owners of thepinetree.net, serving as grand marshals. The parade route begins at the Arnold Byway just east of town and ends at Cedar Center. There will be a marching band, floats, classic cars and more.

10 a.m. parade. Highway 4, Arnold. Free. 795-5394.

ATWATER: JULY 4

• Get up early for the annual Run for Independence, 2-and 5-mile run/walk races. Next up is a downtown parade and a community festival with vendors and music at Ralston Park. Fireworks are at Buhach Colony High with music by bands Killola, Kowhoon & the Ramblin’ Rowdies, the Roger Tripp Band and Jerod Meese and the Grown Children.

7:30 a.m. run Ralston Park, Third Street and Grove Avenue. 10 a.m. parade starts on Winton Way. 6:30 p.m. concert, followed by fireworks. $5 parking. Free admission at the gate; festival free. 358-2260.

COLUMBIA: JULY 4

• Columbia has been celebrating the Fourth of July in a big way since 1852. The town’s Glorious Fourth of July Celebration includes a flag raising, cannon firing and parade. There also will be nail-pounding and pie-eating competitions, egg races, greased-pole climbing, watermelon-eating contests, bucket brigade, tug of war, cake walk, barbecue, live music and more. Tri-tip barbecue at 4 p.m. www.columbiacalifornia.com.