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 15.
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 docents in historical costumes portraying soldiers, artisans, vaqueros, musicians and dancers.
Demonstrations of Mission crafts and activities will be shown, including weaving, blacksmithing and more.
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. Authentic mission-era food will also be available for purchase.
Parking and admission to Mission Days is $20 per vehicle.
Mission Days is an annual fundraiser for Mission San Antonio, which continues to seek funding to maintain restoration work as well as future conservation projects at the state historical landmark. It is estimated that about $9 million will be needed to sustain the Mission for the next 50 years.
“Of course, this is not all needed up-front,” according to an update from the Campaign for the Preservation of Mission San Antonio de Padua. “It is our goal to continue to engage our ever-widening Mission Community in helping us raise this money.”
Founded by Junipero Serra in 1771, Mission San Antonio de Padua is the third oldest Spanish mission in California and is on the National Register of Historic Places. The Mission remains an active Catholic parish and retreat center, located at 1 Mission Road in Jolon, and is open to the public Wednesdays through Sundays.
Visit the website missionsanantonio.net or call 831-385-4478 ext. 17 for more information.
