The Fourth of July means food, fireworks and fun. Still wondering how to celebrate the holiday? For those who live in the 209, there are plenty of options for the perfect place to spend Independence Day. Whether you’re looking to beat the heat in Lodi Lake or spend the afternoon looking at classic cars, here are a few cities that will put a spark into your Fourth of July.
Modesto: The Modesto Kiwanis Club is throwing Modesto’s annual Fourth of July Parade, with a theme of “United WE Stand!” The downtown parade kicks off at 9:30 a.m. on Tenth Street and will feature a float with community members who were born on July 4. After the parade, celebrate at the All American Festival in the Tenth Street Plaza. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., there will be live music, food from local merchants, activities for children and arts, crafts and gift vendors.
Stockton: Bring your family and friends to Weber Point in Stockton to enjoy live entertainment, food and fireworks. The gates open at 6:30 p.m., so bring your lawn chairs, blankets and picnics and prepare to watch the firework show, presented by the Stockton Ports, over the beautiful Delta.
Turlock: Turlock’s annual Fourth of July Downtown Parade and Street Fair will take place on Main Street, with the street fair opening at 8 a.m. in Central Park. This year’s “Stars and Stripes” themed parade begins at 10 a.m. and will travel down Main Street from Canal Drive to South Broadway Street. A car show will also be held downtown from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. After some fun downtown, head over to Stanislaus State for the fireworks show where there will be live music, vendors and kids’ activities from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. The fireworks begin when the sun goes down!
Lodi: Celebrate the Fourth of July at Lodi Lake Park where food vendors and children’s activities will be available all day, free of charge. Plus, you can cool off in the Lodi Lake Beach from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The cost of admission for the swimming area is $1.50 for children ages 3-17 and $3 for adults. Bring a picnic and end the night with a fireworks display at 9:20 p.m.
Tracy: Celebrate a Hometown Independence Day in Tracy as the Tracy Chamber of Commerce and City of Tracy hold the San Joaquin County’s largest Fourth of July event. The free Tracy Independence Day celebration is an all day event, starting at 6 a.m. with a Hot Air Balloon launch and a Pancake Breakfast in Lincoln Park. The festivities kick into high gear with the 4th of July Parade which starts at 10 a.m. at 6th and Central Avenue and ends at Lincoln Park. This year’s festivities include a rib cook-off, carnival rides and a fireworks show at the Tracy High School football stadium.
Oakdale: The Cowboy Capital of the World will celebrate the Fourth of July with a bang this year, with its annual fireworks display over Woodward Reservoir. The event is free of charge, so bring seating, food and arrive with plenty of time to find a spot because according to Woodward, this is one of the most popular times of the year.
Ripon: Enjoy a family-oriented, concert event in Ripon’s Mistlin Park. From 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., there will be live entertainment, food vendors and of course, a fireworks show beginning when the sun goes down. The celebration is hosted by the Ripon Chamber Foundation.
