Fourth of July View
By Chris Murphy
Modesto has a special place in all things 4th of July since 1874. For 145 years, Modesto USA has hosted a 4th of July Parade, making it one of the longest running in the western USA. Held on the 4th, the Modesto Fourth Parade brings out thousands of people, all celebrating out independence and freedom. People line the streets, enjoy cocktails on restaurant patios and best of all, the parade of people, companies, animals, scouts, bands, public servants and first responders are the real show. The parade starts at 9:30 am so get there early to get a great spot on 10th, J, 11th and I streets. It is a really fun, festive and patriotic time and I am very honored to be the parade announcer along with my friend DJ Walker of KAT Country 103 and the legendary Al Menshew. This year we will celebrate as Grand Marshal, MoBand, (the Modesto Band of Stanislaus County) for celebrating 100 years of serving our community with music and parade Champion American Legion Post 74. Singing the National Anthem will be American Idol’s Ryan Hammond. Get your spot on the parade route and enjoy this slice of Modestocana. The announcing booth is on the courthouse lawn so we hope to see you there. Look for the ModestoView/SPWG pirate ship!
All American Festival
The fun doesn’t stop after the parade. As soon as the parade passes by, please head to 10th Street Plaza for the All American Festival with food, music and fun until 3 pm. This is a free event for the whole family. There will be a flag raising right after the parade and the awards from the parade float contest will be announced along with food and drink specials from 10th St Plaza businesses. There will be a DJ on the ModestoView Pirate Ship with Laser Voodoo to mix up the music. Please plan on being in the plaza on the 4th.
www.modestojulyparade.com/
July 4th Events Around the Region
Modesto Fourth of July Parade in Downtown Modesto 8-11 am
All American Festival in Downtown Modesto 11-3pm
Downtown Turlock 4th of July Parade and Car Show Downtown Turlock 10am-2pm
Liberty Festival at Big League Dreams Manteca 11 am-10pm
4th of July Celebration at San Joaquin Rivers Club, Tracy 11-5pm
Annual 4th of July Pancake Breakfast at Angelano’s, Manteca 7-11am
Fourth of July Celebration at Weber Point Stockton 5:30-10pm
KaBoom at the Stockton Marina 6-10pm
4th of July Block Party in Downtown Jamestown 4 pm-8pm
4th of July Celebration at Lincoln Park, Tracy 6am-10pm
July 5th
24th Annual Fireworks Celebration at Woodward Reservior, Oakdale 9 pm
