The Manteca Educators Association is hoping to make Christmas brighter for foster kids that may go without gifts this year due to family financial situations.

At the same time, they want to spread holiday cheer.

It is why they are staging a Visit with Santa toy drive on Saturday, Dec. 9, from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. in the McFall Room of the Manteca Library, 320 West Center Street.

Bring your own camera to get photos with Santa.

At the same time they are hoping you will consider bringing a new toy to benefit foster youth though Foster Love 209.

Manteca parade &

Christmas in the Park

The Manteca Chamber of Commerce is planning two Christmas events.

*The holiday fair Christmas in the Park is Saturday, Dec. 2, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

*The 51st annual downtown Twilight Holiday Parade in Saturday, Dec. 2, at 5 p.m.

The deadline for parade entries is Friday, Nov. 24, at 5 p.m.

Entry forms are available at manteca.org. The entry fee is $50.

This year’s theme is Winter Wonderland. Categories include floats, musical units, twirling, visual marching, automotive, novelty/miscellaneous, and equestrian.

The parade route is down Yosemite Avenue from Library Park to Garfield Avenue at Manteca High.

 “Christmas in the Park” at Library Park includes food trucks, kiddie rides, children’s activities, entertainment, craft and gift vendors, as well as photos with Santa.

Vendor spaces for chamber members are $100 for commercial ($150 for non-chamber), $75 for homemade crafts ($100 for non-chamber), and $50 for non-profit. ($75 for non-chamber).

For more details call (209) 823-6121 or email taylor@manteca.org for more details.

Vendor applications as well as tree decorating contest entry forms are available at manteca.org.

Hospice Trees of Light

The Hospice of San Joaquin will be conducting Tree of Lights Ceremony in Manteca and Ripon.

Each ceremony will reflect the uniqueness of the community along with the involvement of local organizations.

Community members in the respective cities can recognize those who have impacted their lives via memorial or honorary light dedication.

Donations also support Hospice of San Joaquin’s programs for terminally ill patients and their families.

In Ripon, the annual tree-lighting event will take place at Veterans Memorial Wall at South Locust Avenue and West First Street on Monday, Nov. 27, beginning at 6 p.m.

Doctors Hospital of Manteca will host the annual holiday event on Thursday, Nov. 30, starting at 5:30 p.m.

For more information, call Hospice of San Joaquin at 209.957.3888 or go to www.hospicesj.org

Taste of Ripon

The 28th annual Taste of Ripon wine stroll consisting of 20 to 25 participating downtown businesses will be held on Thursday, Dec. 7, beginning at 6 p.m.

Tickets will cost $60. They are available exclusively online (click on to www.riponchamber.org). 

The participating stores will be open for business that evening.

Taste of Ripon will once again offer a variety of foods paired with wine, served up in a commemorative glass provided by McManis Family Vineyards.

One must be 21 or older to take part in this event. All wine samplings must be consumed inside the participating business.

For more information, call 209.599.7519.

 List your holiday event

If your organization has a holiday event you’d like listed, email the details to dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com with “Holiday Happenings” in the subject line.

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