The Turlock Downtown Property Owners Association is gearing up for America’s 247th birthday, putting the final touches on its annual downtown Fourth of July celebration.
A parade will start at 10 a.m. at the intersection of Main and Palm streets, and will progress approximately four-tenths of a mile to the intersection of Main and Broadway. From there, the parade will head northeast on Broadway for another four-tenths of a mile to Broadway Park.
Vern Silva, a veteran of the Vietnam War who earned a Bronze Star, and former FBI Special Agent George Piro, who served as the lead interrogator of former president of Iraq Saddam Hussein after his capture, will serve as parade grand marshals.
The event is sponsored by Vail Creek Jewelry Designs, 111 E. Main St., Turlock.
“Our community is built of amazing people,” said Turlock Mayor Amy Bublak. “How can we not be proud of these amazing people being honored at our parade?”
Following the parade, a classic car show — sponsored by Taqueria La Primera, 144 S. 1st St., Turlock — will be held on Main Street. There will also be about two dozen vendors on hand to peddle their wares.
The regularly scheduled Turlock Certified Farmers Market will be relocated to the stretch of Broadway located in front of City Hall, 156 S. Broadway.
The Makers Market, normally held on Sunday mornings, will also be held on Saturday (this week only) to give the day an even greater celebratory feel. The Makers Market will be set up on Broadway, Market Street, and Lander Avenue.
There won’t be any fireworks shows in Turlock, but there will be displays nearby.
The Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors will hold its 27th annual fireworks celebration Saturday at Woodward Reservoir, 14528 26 Mile Dr., Oakdale, at approximately 9:30 p.m. Entrance price is $25 per vehicle (added fees for dogs and vessels).
The Modesto Nuts will hold a fireworks show following their California League game against the Stockton Ports on Tuesday — the actual holiday. Game time is 7:05 p.m.
In Merced County, there will be fireworks shows in Livingston, Atwater and Gustine on Tuesday night.
In Livingston, the event gets under way at 6 p.m. Tuesday, with entertainment, arts and crafts and food vendors. The fireworks will begin at 9:30 p.m.
In Atwater, KABX Radio personality Dave Luna will serve as the master of ceremonies for a show at the Castle Air Force Base parade grounds. Entry fee is $15 per car or $5 per walk-in. Gates open at 6 p.m. and close at 9, just before the show begins. Numerous food trucks and vendors will be on site.
In Gustine, visitors can gather at the high school football field, 501 North Ave., when the gates open at 7:30 p.m. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs.
