JOLON — Step back in time to California’s mission era while attending Mission San Antonio de Padua’s annual Mission Days event this Saturday, April 6.
Located within the Valley of the Oaks near Fort Hunter Liggett in Jolon, Mission San Antonio will host the family-friendly celebration from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., featuring historical re-enactors in costume portraying soldiers, artisans, vaqueros, musicians and dancers.
Demonstrations of mission crafts and activities will be shown, including weaving, blacksmithing, candle and tortilla making and panning for gold, in addition to docent-led tours of the historic site. Authentic mission-era food will also be available for purchase.
Members of Los Arribeños de San Francisco will perform Californio music and dance from the mission period, and local artists will display original artwork for sale.
Parking and admission to Mission Days is $10 per vehicle.
Mission Days is an annual fundraiser for Mission San Antonio, which is in the final phase of a multi-million-dollar restoration project to meet state-mandated seismic standards for buildings. About three-fourths of the project — more than $9 million worth — has been completed, with another $3 million needed to finish the required structural and electrical upgrades.
Founded by Junipero Serra in 1771, Mission San Antonio de Padua is the third oldest Spanish mission in California and remains an active Catholic parish and retreat center, located at 1 Mission Road in Jolon.
Visit the website www.missionsanantonio.net or call 831-385-4478 ext. 17 for more information.
