It’s a special year for Independence Day, and communities throughout the Modesto and Mother Lode regions are getting ready to celebrate in a big way.

Our nation’s 250th anniversary will be marked locally with a host of activities, from parades and festivals to a special train ride. And — natch — plenty of pyrotechnics.

Also different is the usual date for the popular fireworks show over Woodward Reservoir. Don’t head out there the Saturday before, as you might have done in the past.

Bombs will burst over Woodward on the holiday itself this year because July 4 falls on a Saturday, according to an email from a Stanislaus County Parks and Recreation Department spokeswoman.

And the city’s new baseball team, the Modesto Roadsters, will not miss a beat in its first season, taking over hosting fireworks after two evening games, July 3 and July 4.

Here’s a look at just some of what’s planned in the region this year:

MODESTO

July 3-4: The Modesto Roadsters baseball team will offer fireworks shows following its Friday and Saturday evening games against the Oakland Ballers. Game time is 7:11 p.m. both nights. 601 Neece Drive, Modesto. $11-$16. modestoroadsters.com/landing/index.

July 4: The city of Modesto and the Modesto Kiwanis Club present the annual parade with this year’s theme, “Celebrating America’s Birthday, 250 Years.” Prior and afterward, there will be a street fair with food, beverages, crafts and entertainment, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. on I Street between 10th and 11th streets. The parade begins at 9:30 a.m. from 10th and F streets to J Street, then back on 11th Street to I Street, ending at 17th Street. See modestojulyparade.com.

TURLOCK

July 3-4: The Turlock Downtown Property Owners Association and Turlock Chamber of Commerce present a two-day celebration. A parade begins at 6:30 p.m. Friday along West Main Street. Also Friday, a festival from 5 to 10 p.m. is planned at the Stanislaus County Fairground, 900 N. Broadway, with live music, local vendors, food booths and more. A fireworks show begins at dusk. On Saturday, there will be a car show, farmers market and a makers market from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in downtown Turlock. Free admission both days. www.turlockdowntown.com/usa and www.instagram.com/p/DYFBBM0HDQ1.

RIVERBANK

July 4: Love Riverbank and the City of Riverbank Parks & Recreation Department will hold a 4th of July Bicycle Parade & Celebration. Participants can decorate bikes, scooters, wagons and strollers in red, white and blue for a parade beginning at 9:30 a.m., from Plaza Del Rio, 6707 3rd St., to the Community Center Gazebo, 3600 Santa Fe St. At the gazebo, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., there will be kids activities, raffles, face painting, balloon artists, snacks, prizes and swimming at the community pool. Free; must register with QR code on a flyer at www.instagram.com/p/DYSeFZzmrYs.

OAKDALE

July 4: The Stanislaus County Fireworks Celebration at Woodward Reservoir will be held on the holiday this year. Saturday’s show is set to begin around 9:30 p.m. at 14528 26 Mile Road. $40 per vehicle and entry is first come, first served. See www.stancountyparks.com/fireworks.

DENAIR

July 4: A Tractor Parade & Golf Cart Contest starts 9 a.m. at the Denair Community Center, traveling down Main Street. People can decorate golf carts in red, white and blue for the contest with prizes (must register in advance). Free. lovedenair.com.

MANTECA

July 4: Manteca will celebrate “250 Years of Liberty!” during a trio of events. The Manteca Rotary Club plans a Fourth of July Breakfast, 7 to 10 a.m. at the Deaf Puppy Comedy Club, 127 N. Main St. $10. After, a parade is set for 10 a.m. in downtown from Library Park to Manteca High School. Free. www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1242970127751404. Finally, fireworks over Big League Dreams sports park begin at 9:30 p.m.; gates open 7 p.m. 1077 Milo Candini Drive. $2, free ages 12 and under. The city recommends viewing sites outside the sports park at Bella Vista Park, Dutra Estates Mini Park, Dutra Southeast Park, Kevin O’Neil Park and Robert’s Estates. www.facebook.com/cityofmanteca/posts/3acd6483/1455514053282402.

LIVINGSTON

July 4: Festivities include family activities, contests, live music and cultural performances. A kids zone will offer a water slide, petting zoo, arts and crafts. A local artists exhibit, “America Means to Me,” will on display at the Walnut Child Care Center, 2600 Walnut Ave. Events will end with fireworks after dark. 4:30 to 10:30 p.m. at Max Foster Sports Complex. 2600 Walnut Ave. Free, $5 parking. www.cityoflivingston.org/recreation/page/4th-july-festivities.

ATWATER

July 4: A free parade downtown begins at 9 a.m., while a festival at Ralston Park will run 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. A concert featuring Mike Hammar and the Nails and a fireworks show is set for 6 to 10 p.m. at Castle Commerce Center, with admission at $20 per car, $5 per walk-in. Gates close at 9:15 p.m. See www.atwater4thofjuly.org.

GUSTINE

July 4: A parade begins the holiday at 10:30 a.m. on Main Street to Henry Miller Park, 670 2nd Ave. Activities at the park follow with entertainment, kids games, food and craft booths; beers and margaritas for purchase. Later, gates open at 7:30 p.m. at the Gustine High football field, 501 North Ave., for live music and food vendors. Fireworks will go off around 9:30 p.m. Free. fourth-july.com/event/4th-of-july-celebration-eid4a7gr1hph3.

LAKE DON PEDRO

July 4: The annual Fireworks On The Water Celebration is set to return. Parking is limited, so spectators are advised to arrive early for the 9:30 p.m. show. 11500 Bonds Flat Road, La Grange. $40 per vehicle, $20 per vessel. www.donpedrolake.com/recreation-area/fireworks-show.

COLUMBIA

July 4: Columbia State Historic Park suggests people “Celebrate our nation’s birthday the old-fashioned way.” The day begins with a flag raising and black powder musket salute at 11 a.m. A parade on Main Street begins at noon. Other activities include a greased pole climb, egg relay race, watermelon eating, bucket brigade, cake walk, nail pounding, egg toss, a five-way tug-of-war and more. Patriotic music will be played by the Great Mother Lode Brass and Reed Band. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free. www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=27701.

TWAIN HARTE

July 4: A community sing-along will start at 9:30 a.m. along Joaquin Gulley Road, where a parade is set from 10 to 11 a.m. Free. www.twainhartecc.com/events/4th-of-july-parade.

RAILTOWN 1897

July 4: Railtown 1897 State Historic Park will offer a “Star-Spangled Steam Ride,” with patriotic music, lemonade and popcorn. There will be Glo-Stick accessories provided for the 45-minute ride through the Mother Lode Gold Country. Train departs 8:30 p.m. 10501 Reservoir Road, Jamestown. $28, $21 ages 6-17, free ages 5 and under. www.railtown1897.org.

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