Independence Day fireworks, parades, more. Find them in Modesto area, Mother Lode

You can start celebrating Independence Day early in the Modesto and Mother Lode regions, with a host of community patriotic events.

Turlock offers two days of festivities, including an evening drone show on Friday, June 27.

The always popular fireworks-over-the-water celebration at Woodward Reservoir also is early, set for Saturday, June 28.

If watching fireworks burst over the water is particularly appealing, bookend Woodward’s show with one at Lake Don Pedro, planned for the July Fourth holiday itself.

Not all communities offer fireworks, but there will be pyrotechnics to view throughout the regions, along with a host of other patriotic events.

Here’s a look at some of what’s planned:

Turlock

June 27-28: The Turlock Downtown Property Owners Association starts the celebrations with a car show, parade and drone show. Opening ceremonies are at 6 p.m. Friday at Central Park before the parade begins at 6:30 p.m., with the drone show at 9 p.m. On Saturday, there will be a car show, farmers market and a makers market from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Downtown Turlock. www.turlockdowntown.com/usa.

Oakdale

June 28: The Stanislaus County Fireworks Celebration at Woodward Reservoir also starts the holiday off early. Saturday’s show is set to begin around 9:30 p.m. at 14528 26 Mile Road. Cost is $30 per carload. It’s recommended people purchase in advance, as the event tends to sell out early. See stancountyparks.com/firework.

Modesto

July 4: The city of Modesto and the Modesto Kiwanis Club present the annual parade with this year’s theme, “Celebrating America’s Youth.” Prior and afterward, there will be a street fair with food, beverages, crafts and entertainment from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on I Street between 10th and 11th streets, in front of the Gallo Center for the Arts. The parade begins at 9:30 a.m. from 10th and F streets to J Street, then back on 11th Street to I Street, ending at 17th Street. See modestojulyparade.com.

Columbia

July 4: Columbia State Historic Park’s annual Glorious Fourth of July Celebration begins with a flag raising and black powder musket salute at 11 a.m. A parade on Main Street begins at noon. The day’s activities include music by Great Motherlode Brass and Reed Band. There also will be greased pole climbing, a bucket brigade, contests, a tug-of-war and more. See www.visitcolumbiacalifornia.com.

Manteca

July 4: Manteca celebrates with a parade beginning at 10 a.m. from Sycamore Avenue to Manteca High School. A “YupUp 4th of July Kids Fest at Big League Dreams” begins at 3 p.m. with entertainment, character meet-and-greets, live music, pony rides, beer, food trucks, games and more. Fireworks over Big League Dreams sports park begin at 9:30 p.m. 1077 Milo Candini Drive. $50, free ages 2 and under. See manteca.org/events/event/yupup-4th-of-july-kids-fest-at-big-league-dreams.

Atwater

July 4: The day begins with a Run for Independence at 7:30 a.m. A parade downtown begins at 9 a.m. with a festival at Ralston Park from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. A concert featuring Troublesome and a fireworks show will be held from 6 to 10 p.m. at Castle Commerce Center, with admission at $20 per car, $5 per walk-in. See www.atwater4thofjuly.org.

Lake Don Pedro

July 4: The annual Fireworks-on-the-Water Celebration will be held at Lake Don Pedro. Parking is limited, so spectators should arrive early for the 9:30 p.m. show. 11500 Bonds Flat Road, La Grange. $40 per vehicle, $20 per vessel. www.donpedrolake.com/recreation-area/fireworks-show.

Gustine

July 4: Festivities include a parade at 10:30 a.m. in downtown. After, there will be activities, food and more at Henry Miller Park beginning at noon. Later, there will be fireworks at the Gustine High football field. See www.members.tripod.com/gustinecofc or call 209-777-9382.

Tuolumne

July 4: The Fourth Of July Drone Show is planned outside the Black Oak Casino Resort. The night sky will feature a display of lights, choreographed by drone pilots, in a variety of colors and patterns. Viewing areas open at 6:30 p.m. with the show expected to begin at 9:15 p.m. 19400 Tuolumne Road North, Tuolumne. Free. Parking and viewing areas may be limited, so visitors are encouraged to arrive early. See www.blackoakcasino.com/play/promotions/drone-show.