JOLON — Historic Mission San Antonio de Padua is hosting its annual Fiesta this Sunday, June 9.
The Fiesta was originally held in the 1800s and the tradition continues today. Come early, at 9 a.m., for the Catholic Mass in honor of the Mission’s patron saint, St. Anthony de Padua. The Fiesta starts after Mass and lasts until 3 p.m.
Once again there will be barbecued chicken meals for sale ($12 pre-sale or $15 at the Fiesta, per person) in the Fiesta grounds adjacent to Mission Creek. Homemade desserts, beer, wine, soft drinks and snow cones will also be available for purchase.
A DJ and a live band, Los Missioneros, will provide music for entertainment and dancing.
New this year will be a presentation by honored guest Edie Littlefield Sundby, author of “The Mission Walker.”
After losing her right lung, Sundby undertook a healing 1,600-mile walk along the El Camino Real de las Californias mission trail through the mountain wilderness of Baja California’s Sonoran Desert. She will share her story at 1:30 p.m. and will be available for book signings throughout the event.
A presentation on the history of the Mission and a tour of the grounds, including the recently renovated Mission museum, will be offered at 10:30 a.m. Local artisans will display their wares in the Padres Garden.
This event is a Mission fundraiser, so personal coolers are not permitted.
For those interested in staying the night in the Mission Retreat Center, call ahead for reservations and price information.
Mission San Antonio de Padua, the third oldest Spanish mission in California, was founded by Junipero Serra in 1771. The Mission is located in the pristine Valley of the Oaks in southern Monterey County and is a historical landmark. The Mission remains an active Catholic parish and retreat center.
Mission San Antonio is surrounded by Fort Hunter Liggett, and is conveniently reached by publicly accessible roads. The Mission’s address is 1 Mission Road in Jolon.
Pre-sale tickets are available by calling the Mission Gift Shop at 831-385-4478, ext. 17. For more information, go to http://missionsanantonio.net.
