Red, white, and blue flags, will be on full display on Thursday, July 4 in downtown Stockton.
Independence Day celebrations will vary from parades to fireworks and pancake breakfasts in San Joaquin County.
In 1776, the Fourth of July began its journey to become a quintessential American holiday when the Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence, according to a USA Today article. The document that declared independence from Britain wasn’t officially adopted until July 4.
On June 28, 1870, Congress passed a bill making Independence Day a federal holiday, USA Today reported. But it wasn't until 1941 that the law was amended to have it be a paid holiday for federal employees.
Here are 7 things to do to celebrate Independence Day in Stockton and nearby cities.
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
Celebrate America in Lodi
Lodi is celebrating Independence Day with their "Celebrate America" event on Tuesday, July 2 at Hutchins Street Square at West Park.
This is a free family event, a flyer states.
"Due to high temperatures, we are pushing back the start time of the Celebrate America event to 6 p.m. We've got plenty of shade on the grass!" the city of Lodi - Government Facebook page states.
There will be live music and free flags for the first 500 guests at the event, a flyer states. Picnics are welcomed at the celebration.
- Location: Hutchins Street Square at West Park, 125 S. Hutchins St. in Lodi
- Hours: 6 p.m. Tuesday, July 2
- Information: facebook.com/LodiParks
4th of July Parade and Festival
The United Veterans Council of San Joaquin County is hosting the 4th of July Parade in downtown Stockton on Thursday, July 4.
The parade will begin at 11 a.m. Former NASA Astronaut José M. Hernández will be the parade grand marshal.
Fourth of July festivities will also include a festival and fireworks. Parade gates will open at 12 p.m. at the Weber Point Events Center, a city news release states.
"Artisanal food vendors and an array of food trucks will be on-site to entice every palate. For more family fun, there will be activities for kids, including inflatable slides, face painting, and the Weber Point Events Center water feature will be available for all to enjoy," the city news release states. "Live performances by Ballet Folklorico Dance and the Latin Magic Band will get everyone up on their feet to dance the night away. Bring towels, blankets and lawn chairs to relax and enjoy the celebration."
The Stockton Ports game against the San Jose Giants will begin at 7:05 p.m. on Thursday.
According to the city of Stockton, fireworks will follow after the game around 9:30 p.m. The show will last about 20 minutes. The Weber Point Events Center will close after the fireworks.
All Fourth of July events are free for the community.
- Location: Weber Point Events Center, 221 N. Center St. in Stockton
- Hours: 11 a.m. Thursday, July 4
- Information: facebook.com/CityofStockton
Annual Barron Hilton Fireworks Display at Mandeville Island
The annual Barron Hilton Fireworks Display at Mindville Island is back with its free event on Thursday, July 4.
"Every year, boaters flock from all over to catch the mesmerizing firework display that illuminates the Delta waters with a dazzling array of lights," Visit Stockton website states. "It's a truly spectacular event that promises a delightful evening for families and folks of all ages."
Reach Mandeville Tip County Park by boat for the show. The air show starts at 6:30 p.m. and fireworks at 9 p.m.
- Location: Mandeville Tip County Park, San Joaquin River in Stockton
- Hours: 6:30 p.m. Thursday, July 4
- Information: visitstockton.org
4th of July at the Lake
Celebrate Independence Day at the Lodi Lake for a full day of activities.
The Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast will kick off the celebration from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Lodi Lake Park. An event presented by the Kiwanis Club of Greater Lodi Foundation.
Tickets for the breakfast are $12 for adults and $8 for children 5 to 12 years old.
The park will close from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. after breakfast for vendors to set up for the day.
At noon, the boathouse will open for reservations. A valid rental reservation is a must to enter the lake, a flyer states.
Gates will open to the public at 2 p.m. The beach will be open from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. The vendors will be open from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m.
"Parking for those with disabilities is available on Laurel Avenue. No parking available on the west side of the lake," a flyer states.
The fireworks show will start around 9:30 p.m. The Nature Area will be closed during the celebration.
Annual 4th of July Parade in Manteca
The annual 4th of July Parade in Manteca will begin at 10 a.m. on Thursday.
The parade will begin at Main and Jason streets and will end at Center Street and Sycamore Avenue, the Manteca Sunrise Kiwanis website states. This is an event by Manteca Sunrise Kiwanis and the city of Manteca.
The theme this year is "Honoring Our Vietnam veterans," the website states.
Anyone interested in participating could register on their website with free entry.
- Location: North Main Street in Manteca
- Hours: 10 a.m. Thursday, July 4
- Information: sunrisekiwanis.org
4th of July Fireworks Show
There will be a Fourth of July fireworks show at Legacy Fields Sports Complex hosted by the Tracy Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, July 4. The event will start at 6 p.m. and end at 10 p.m.
Tickets should be purchased ahead of time as there will be no walk-ins, and no ticket sales at the gate. To purchase tickets call the Chamber of Commerce at (209) 835-2131.
There will be entertainment by Zany Entertainment as well as food, face painting and more, the post states.
Tickets are $30 per car. Tickets can also be purchased online at tracychamber.org.
- Location: Legacy Fields Sports Complex, 4901 N. Tracy Blvd. in Tracy
- Hours: 6 p.m. Thursday, July 4
- Information: facebook.com/tracy.chamber
4th of July Pancake Breakfast and Hot Air Balloon Launch
There will be a Fourth of July Pancake Breakfast and Hot Air Balloon Launch at Lincoln Park at 20 E. Eaton Ave. in Tracy on Thursday, July 4.
The Tracy Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Tracy Lions Club is hosting the Pancake Breakfast. The breakfast will begin at 6 a.m. to 9 a.m.
According to the city's website, if weather permits, the annual hot air balloon launch will be after breakfast.
- Location: Lincoln Park, 20 E. Eaton Ave. in Tracy
- Hours: 6 a.m. Thursday, July 4
- Information: cityoftracy.org
Record reporter Angelaydet Rocha covers community news in Stockton and San Joaquin County. She can be reached at arocha@recordnet.com or on Twitter @AngelaydetRocha. To support local news, subscribe to The Stockton Record at https://www.recordnet.com/subscribenow.
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