Parades, fireworks, food, festivals and other fun help us celebrate our Uncle Sam

By MARIJKE ROWLAND
mrowland@modbee.com

E-Mail

Comments (0)

Text Size:

tool goes here

Have a fantastic fourth with everything from old-fashioned bucket brigades to family parades and, of course, fireworks.

Cities large and small across the Central Valley and foothills will celebrate our nation's independence. A look at the Fourth of July activities across the region:

• MODESTO: July 4

Law officers watch for users and sellers of illegal fireworks

The city celebrates America with the Modesto Jaycees' 134th Fourth of July parade. This year, more than 70 entrants will celebrate the theme "Land of the Brave: America's Defenders" with grand marshal Jim Sanders.

Spend the rest of the day at the Picnic in the Park with music, food and children's activities. Music from The Devil Himself, The Preachers, Peaceable Jones and David J Slate and the Rocket 88 at Graceada Park's Mancini Bowl begins at noon. End the day with fireworks at John Thurman Field, courtesy of the Modesto Nuts.

10 a.m. parade, downtown Modesto; noon-6 p.m. Picnic in the Park, Graceada Park; 9:30 p.m. fireworks, John Thurman Field. Free. 968-9369.

• ARNOLD: July 5

Celebrate with festivities from the Greater Arnold Business Association and its 27th annual Independence Day Parade along Highway 4. The parade begins at the byway just east of town and ends at Cedar Center, and this year's theme is "Remembering the Past."

10 a.m. parade. Highway 4, Arnold. Free. 795-4305.

• ATWATER: July 4

Start the Fourth of July with the annual Run for Independence, 2- and 5-mile run/walk races. Continue the day with a downtown parade, vendors, music, family fun and more at Ralston Park. Fireworks at Buhach Colony High School, with music by Los Angeles-based rockers Killola and Atwater band Nadine before the display starts.

7 a.m. run; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. festival at Ralston Park; 10 a.m. parade starts on Winton Way; 5:30 p.m. gates open for concert/fireworks at Buhach Colony High, 6 p.m. concert and dusk fireworks. Fireworks $5 parking, $2 per ticket at the gate; festival free. 358-2260.

• COLUMBIA: July 4

Have a Glorious Fourth of July Celebration with old-fashioned fun including a flag raising and cannon firing. The event continues with the 156th annual parade down Main Street plus nail-pounding competition, 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. 10 a.m. flag raising; noon parade; 1-4 p.m. activities and exhibits. Main Street, Columbia. Free (barbecue $8 adult, $5 children 10 and younger). 533-4176.

• COULTERVILLE: July 5

The 39th annual Fire Brigade Independence Day celebration features a barbecue and more. Enjoy music by The Barn Dogs, a raffle with a grand prize of $500 in gas, deep-pit barbecue, carnival and games. Proceeds go toward renovation and remodeling of Station 26. Noon-6 p.m. Coulterville Park, Junction Highways 49 and 132. $5-$10. 878-3015, 878-3227.

• DELHI: Thursday

Commemorate our Independence with concessions, music and a fireworks display. 7 p.m. event; dusk fireworks. Delhi Educational Park, 16881 W. Schendel Road, Delhi. Free (parking $3-$5, but free also available). 358-1526.

• LAKE DON PEDRO: July 4

Enjoy a fireworks display over the water. Viewing locations from the water, near the dam and from land at Blue Oaks Recreation Area, the Don Pedro Recreation Agency Visitor Center and at two locations adjacent to the visitor center on Bonds Flat Road. Gold Chain Lions Club will have food and beverages available for purchase. 9:30 p.m. fireworks. Don Pedro Reservoir. $6 per vehicle. 852-2396.