Consider an umbrella this weekend. Rain could dampen Modesto Cinco de Mayo parade and more
A rainy forecast will not deter the annual Cinco de Mayo parade in Modesto. Other events could go on as well amid the unseasonable weather.
The National Weather Service forecast up to 0.75 inches of rain Saturday, followed by a sunny Sunday more typical of spring.
The parade will run from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday on Crows Landing Road between Olivero Road and Glenn Avenue. It is put on by South Modesto Businesses United and numerous co-sponsors.
The event will go on rain or shine, said an email Friday from Tony Madrigal, one of the organizers. “Actually, I ordered some nice sunny weather for tomorrow,” the former City Council member added.
The 2023 version had light rain, but thousands of people turned out nonetheless.
The parade is one day before the actual Cinco de Mayo, or May 5. It honors the day in 1862 when Mexico defeated the French in the Battle of Puebla.
Saturday’s celebration will continue from 2-7 p.m. with music, food and more at El Rematito, 3113 Crows Landing Road.
What about Ceres Street Faire and ‘Star Wars’ event?
Another event on Saturday is for fans of the “Star Wars” movie series, created by Modesto native George Lucas. It was still a go as of Friday morning, organizer Middagh Goodwin said by email.
The gathering, May the Fourth be With You, will run from 5-9 p.m. at Tenth Street Plaza. It will feature lightsaber battles, live music, vendors and more. Details are at www.modestoview.com.
The Ceres Street Faire is set for downtown from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. This year, it has added a low-rider car and bicycle show on Sunday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
The organizers at the Ceres Chamber of Commerce could not be reached for a weather update Friday.
Substantial rain is rare on May days in Stanislaus County, which gets most of its storms from November through March. The historical average for the entire month is 0.48 inches at the Modesto Irrigation District’s downtown gauge.
Check back at modbee.com for updates on this story.
