Modesto 4th Parade
By Chris Murphy
One of the longest running 4th of July Parades will return in full size this year on Saturday, July 3 at 9:30 am presented by the hard working volunteers of the Modesto Kiwanis Club. This is one of the best community events of the year and last years was a scaled down version that paraded 10th St while there was a ceremony at 10th St Place. This year, get your blankets and chairs out and line the downtown streets of Modesto and cheer on our local dignitaries, our local company floats, the equestrians, the Shriners, Clampers, car clubs, marching band and so many more groups that make our community unique and special.
This year will be a tribute to the late Al Menshew, who for many years was Modesto’s historian, toastmaster, volunteer and parade announcer. I am so deeply honored to carry on Al’s tradition to celebrate and recognize those in our community making a difference. My co-announcer will be Ian Riley of KHOP 95.1 radio. The Grand Marshals this year will be the leaders of our local Modesto Rotary Club celebrating 100 years. There will be vendors on I Street between 10th and 11th and the route will be the traditional route from 10th to J to 11th to I street. The judges stand will be on the Stanislaus County Court lawn. Check out one of the downtown restaurants that will be open for breakfast and get a ringside seat. After the parade, spend the day in downtown and enjoy.
Fireworks, Movie and a Celebrity Rotary Kiwanis baseball game will be held later at John Thurman field along with an all you can eat picnic for $35. Game is at 5:30 and the movie at 7 pm and fireworks follow at dusk. Grab your blanket and get a spot at Muni Golf course or head to John Thurman Field.
For more info, www.modestojulyparade.com
Please see the tribute to Al Menshew in our November 2020 issue. We remember him fondly.
www.modestoview.com/the-magazine
