RIPON — The Ripon Chamber of Commerce, along with the City of Ripon’s Fireworks Committee will be hosting a week-long Community Appreciation Event beginning Wednesday, June 29.

Activities on Independence Day include an old-fashioned non-motorized parade, fireworks, and a family entertainment zone.

During the week of the Community Appreciation Event there will be a theme for every day.  Each participating business will be supplying something, of their choice, that pertains to the theme of the day to visiting patrons. Each participating business will have a poster in their window to let the public know they are a participant. The week will culminate on Monday, July 4, with an old-fashioned, small town parade on Main Street and a fireworks display at Ripon High.

Kids’ Day is Wednesday, June 29; Senior Day is Thursday, June 30; Citizens’ Day is Friday, July 1; Military Day is Saturday, July 2; and Patriotic Sunday is Sunday, July 3.

In support of Citizen’s Day on Friday, July 1, Ripon services are offering tours of their facilities. That includes Ripon Fire Department from 1 to 4 p.m., Ripon Police Department and the City of Ripon (times to be determined).

Also, California Rock Crushers will be giving tours at their facilities throughout the day at 339 Doak Boulevard.

Ripon’s first non-motorized, arch to arch parade takes place on July 4 in downtown Ripon. Decorate your bike, scooter, skateboard, wheelchair, wagon, stroller, and such and enter the half-mile parade down Main Street. This parade is for entrants of all ages, however, 8 years and under must be accompanied by an adult.  

Registration begins at 5 p.m. on Nourse Ave (across the street from the car wash). The parade will begin at 6 p.m. at the Arch on Stockton  Ave and finish at the arch in front of the Ripon Chamber. A donation of $1 per entry is appreciated but not required. Proceeds will help fund the fireworks display. Parade entry forms are available at the Ripon Chamber, Friends Salon, and The Tank House Gift Shoppe.

After the parade, enjoy the fun, family atmosphere including a bounce house, food, and music provided by Kid Red Entertainment at Ripon Elementary School on Main Street. Be sure to bring your lawn chairs for a front row seat to the fireworks beginning at 9:15 p.m.

Visit www.ripon4thofjuly.com for more information.