Fireworks, grills and American flags - doesn't get much better than that this time of year.

Fourth of July is almost here and so are the red, white and blue celebrations across the county. Whether you are looking for a day festival or a nighttime firework spectacular, there are a few options for all, from Stockton to Tracy.

On July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was adopted by the Second Continental Congress. The Declaration of Independence was written by Thomas Jefferson and other contributors.

Jefferson, though, is the one credited with writing the document we know today that calls for “unalienable rights” including “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” However, the declaration's famous words did not apply to everyone in the 13 colonies, such as enslaved people, Indigenous populations and other groups.

Much of that has changed today. There's still a ways to go.

Fun Facts:

• The Continental Congress didn’t vote for independence on just July 4. Twelve of the 13 colonies had approved a resolution calling for independence on July 2, 1776.

• Many of the original signers didn’t ink their names on the Declaration of Independence until Aug. 2, 1776.

Here are 10 things to do this Fourth of July across the county.

Stockton

Venice Island Patriots Jet Team Air Show

The Patriots Jet Team will be having an air show at Venice Island starting at 6:30 p.m. Monday. Fourth of July events have been hosted at the island for over six decades by the Venice Island owners Barron Hilton and the DiNapoli family.

• Location: Venice Island in Stockton

• Hours: 6:30 p.m. Monday, July 3

• Information: patriotsjetteam.com/

Venice Island Fireworks Show

If fireworks are what you are looking for, they will have that too. The Venice Island fireworks show is scheduled to begin at 9 p.m. at Mandeville Tip County Park.

• Location: Mandeville Tip County Park in Stockton

• Hours: 9 p.m. Monday, July 3

• Information: bit.ly/3pi4Oq8

Stockton's Fourth of July Parade

Stockton's celebration will kick off with the United Veterans Council of San Joaquin County parade. The parade will begin at 11 a.m. this year at the corner of Weber Avenue and El Dorado Street, traveling north on El Dorado, turning left onto Oak Street, turning left on Center Street, and then turning south on Center Street.

The first grandstand will be in front of the Janet Leigh Plaza. A second grandstand will be in front of the Civic Auditorium.

This year’s parade Grand Marshal is Tim Ulmer.

“He gives so much back to the community. He is basically the community photographer; he goes to multiple events and takes pictures at no cost and does it for these nonprofit organizations," said Linda Vasquez, Event Coordinator, United Veterans Council of San Joaquin County. "And so, we wanted to highlight and honor him for what he does for our community."

This year's parade will include the Dirty Jeep Sister Society and the Rescue 22 Foundation, American Virtuous Women Pagent Queens, classic cars and other veteran organizations.

“It's a long tradition in the city of Stockton to have a Fourth of July parade and we just want to continue that tradition and provide an opportunity for families to come out and gather and celebrate,” Vasquez said.

• Location: Downtown Stockton, parade begins at the corner of Weber Avenue and El Dorado Street

• Hours: 11 a.m. parade begins, Tuesday, July 4

• Information: bit.ly/434RhQQ

Stockton's Fourth of July Festival

The City of Stockton is once again celebrating July 4th with a festival.

The festival which started in the late 1980s has changed over the years, city spokesperson Connie Cochran said. Not only will there be food, and music at the free family-friendly event but also fun activities for kids.

“The Downtown 4th of July event is a unique experience given the diversity of the food and artisans, as well as a fireworks display, on the waterfront,” Cochran said.

This year the festival will begin earlier at noon just after the parade concludes.

Entertainment on the main stage includes: 

• 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. Brandon Leake

• 4-6 p.m. Flat Busted

• 7-9 p.m. Latin Magic

• Location: Weber Point Events Center, 221 N Center St in Stockton

• Hours: 12-10 p.m. Tuesday, July 4

• Information: bit.ly/432N1Rv

Stockton's Fireworks Show

Watch the sky shine from the Weber Point Events Center. Bring your blankets or lawn chairs and enjoy the show. The fireworks show will start at around 9:30 p.m. and will last for about 20 minutes, Cochran said.

• Location: Weber Point Events Center, 221 N Center St in Stockton

• Hours: 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 4

• Information: bit.ly/432N1Rv

Celebrations outside of Stockton are also planned for the communities of Lodi, Manteca and Tracy. Here are a few of them.

Lodi

Lodi's Celebrate America

Fourth of July celebrations kick off on Monday, July 3 for Lodi. Head over to Hutchins Street Square West Park in Lodi for an American celebration. Pack your picnic dinner and enjoy some live music at this free family event. If you are one of the first 500 guests you will receive a free American Flag.

• Location: Hutchins Street Square, 125 S. Hutchins St. in Lodi

• Hours: 5-8 p.m., Monday, July 3

• Information: bit.ly/3PubRqv

Fourth of July at Lodi Lake

The celebration kicks off with the Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast early morning starting at 7 a.m. through 11 a.m. Gates will open again at 2 p.m. with vendors as well as the beach and boat house. The fireworks will start at 9:30 p.m.

• Location: Lodi Lakes Beach, 1101 W Turner Rd, Lodi

• Hours: 7 a.m. Festivities start, Tuesday, July 4

• Information: bit.ly/3pka4K0

Tracy

Tracy's Fourth of July Parade

A balloon lift-off and Tracy Lions Pancake Breakfast will kick off the festivities at 6 a.m. at Lincoln Park on Tuesday, July 4. The parade will begin at 10 a.m. in Downtown Tracy at 10th and B streets and will end at 6th and Central Avenue.

There will also be an awards parade, Kona Ice, face painting and a new Drone Show later that evening. An event presented by Valley First Credit Union and co-hosted by the City of Tracy, Tracy City Center Association, and Tracy Chamber of Commerce.

Event schedule: 

• 6-10 a.m. Ballon Lift off and Tracy Lions Pancake Breakfast at Lincoln Park

• 10 a.m. Parade Begins in Downtown Tracy at 10th and B streets

• 11:30 a.m. Parade Awards Presented, Kona Ice, face painting all at Front Street Plaza at 6th St. And Central Ave.

• 7 p.m. Gates open for New Drone Show at Tracy High School, entertainment for children by Sparkles and Ravioli

• 9:15 p.m. Drone Show begins (for tickets call the Tracy Chamber of Commerce at (209) 835-2131.

• Location: Downtown Tracy, 10th and B streets

• Hours: 6 a.m. Festivities begin, Tuesday, July 4

• Information: bit.ly/43TGauZ

Manteca

Manteca's Independence Day Parade

Manteca will also kick off its celebration with a parade presented by Manteca Sunrise Kiwanis and the City of Manteca. The parade will begin at 10 a.m. at Main and Jason Streets and will end at Center and Sycamore Avenue. This year’s celebration theme is “A Celebration Honoring Service to the Community.”

They will have pancakes at Mountain Mikes Pizza.

• Location: Main St. and Jason St in Manteca

• Hours: 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 4

• Information: bit.ly/44itLAA

Manteca's Fourth of July Fireworks

Want to see the sky sparkle? Head over to Big League Dreams Sports Park in Manteca for the fireworks show. The show will start at 9:30 p.m. Admission is $2 for everyone over 12 years old. Gates open at 7 p.m. Tuesday night.

There are also alternative viewing locations which include: Bella Vista Park at 1580 Bella Terra Dr., Dutra Estates Park at 2701 Ancestry St., Dutra Estates Mini Park at 1523 Hearthstrong Dr., Dutra Southeast Park at 1850 Sparrowhawk St., Kevin O'Neill Park at 1282 Lauren Park Cir., and Roberts Estates Park at 1740 Rail St.

• Location: Big League Dreams Sports Park, 1077 Milo Candidi Dr. in Manteca

• Hours: 9:30 p.m. fireworks show starts, Tuesday, July 4

• Information: bit.ly/3JwaXGe

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. Support local news, subscribe to The Stockton Record at https://www.recordnet.com/subscribenow.

This article originally appeared on The Record: Things to do this Fourth of July in Stockton area