GUSTINE — A full slate of red‑white‑and‑blue festivities is set to unfold in Gustine as the community heads into a week of celebrations leading up to the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
The events begin Friday, June 28, with the return of the Westside Color Run/Walk, followed by the 41st annual Truck and Tractor Pulls on July 3 and culminating in Gustine’s traditional 4th of July parade and Independence Day in the Park celebration on Saturday.
Color Run kicks off the week June 28
After last year’s postponement, the Color Run returns from 8 a.m. to noon on June 28, hosted by the Gustine High School Class of 2027 and the City of Gustine Recreation Department. The run begins at 9 a.m. on 5th (Main) Street, with some participants completing two laps for a full 5K.
The event features bursts of washable colored corn starch, and organizers note that nearby properties may see some powder drift. A street sweeper will clean the route afterward. Street closures begin at 8 a.m.
Proceeds support senior class activities and graduation events. Registration and details are available at www.cityofgustine.com.
Truck and Tractor Pulls roar back July 3
Gustine High School FFA will host the 41st annual Truck and Tractor Pulls at 5 p.m. Friday, July 3, at the high school football stadium. The event, organized with the Valley Tractor Pullers Association and Ag Boosters, is one of the community’s most popular summer traditions.
The pulls feature powerful trucks and tractors dragging a weighted sled down a dirt track, with resistance increasing as the sled moves forward. The fundraiser supports FFA students’ leadership conferences, judging competitions, speaking contests and agricultural education.
Concessions will include Silva linguica sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs, nachos, candy and drinks, with both cash and cards accepted. A 50/50 raffle will also be held.
Fourth of July parade and park celebration set for Saturday
Gustine’s 4th of July celebration — marking the nation’s 250th birthday — begins Saturday with the Chamber of Commerce parade stepping off at 10:30 a.m. Parade entries must register by June 30, with check‑in at 9 a.m. at 5th and 1st Avenue. Floats, community groups, youth organizations and local leaders will make their way through downtown in a patriotic procession.
Independence Day in the Park will follow from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Henry Miller Park, featuring kids’ games, food booths, cold drinks and a beer and margarita garden. The Aquatics Center will be open for public swim from noon to 2 p.m., and a cornhole tournament will run from noon to 3 p.m. Vendors may still register online.
Adding a lighthearted twist is the Chamber’s Cow Herd Fundraiser, which has seen wooden cow cutouts “MOOved” from yard to yard as residents donate to support the city’s fireworks show.
The day will conclude with fireworks lighting up the Gustine sky, capping a week of community pride, tradition and celebration on the Westside.
