Old Town Founder’s Day Festival To Commemorate The Tapestry of San Diego
In the August issue of the Presidio Sentinel, I referred to the 250th Commemoration of San Diego and the State of California that is occurring here in our own backyard. Though there have been events taking place around the City of San Diego over the past year, there was a significant event this past July 16 at the Junipero Serra Museum in Presidio Park. It was the first time that representatives from different tribes of Native Americans have assembled at this location to share with the public at large information about their heritage. The dedication of the Kumeyaay flag at Presidio Park also took place at this event. It was a memorable and historic occasion.
To continue to commemorate the 250th anniversary of San Diego, Old Town San Diego Chamber of Commerce will be holding a Founder’s Day Festival from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, September 14 and 15 in Old Town San Diego. There will be historical enactments, cultural performances, and lots of activities for people of all ages.
The volunteer team who has been working to coordinate this event want it to be a testiment to the tapestry of San Diego, it’s history, cultural diversity, the people and industries that have influenced the makeup of this city, from the past to current times.
The Founders’ Day Festival is free and open to the public. Founders’ day will include activity booths from many local organizations, including Save our Heritage Organization, Old Town Community Foundation, Campo Reservation, Kumeyaay College and more. Guests can also enjoy artisan vendors, cultural entertainment and purchase tickets to the Old Town Beer Festival.
16 breweries from San Diego and around Southern California will join together in Old Town to bring you unlimited two-ounce samples of the best beers around the county. Enjoy the music of Victor Santana as you sample your way through Heritage Park in Old Town San Diego.
Since Old Town San Diego has numerous venues and opportunities to share the tapestry of San Diego, artists, entertainers and educators will be situated throughout the area to share and offer visual, auditory and palate-pleasing experiences:
Eva Salazar – Kumeyaay Basket Weaver
Meet Eva Salazar as she demonstrates her basket weaving skills in a booth on San Diego Avenue. Salazar is talented in creating traditional Kumeyaay baskets featuring the traditional designs of her culture. Salazar’s beautiful works of art will be available for sale at her booth.
?Whaley House
Join Seth Mallios, Professor of Anthropology at San Diego State University, on the Whaley House lawn as he describes and displays artifacts found around Old Town San Diego from early settlement. The Whaley House Museum will host family friendly activities on the grounds of the Whaley House, including making corn-husk people.
Classic Car Showcase
The Classic Car Showcase will feature vintage Model A cars.
Roaming Entertainment
Write Out Loud’s giant historic figure puppets will roam through the festival. Greet them to get a memorable Instagram photo.
Museums Open Around Old Town
Be sure to check out all of Old Town while you are visiting the festival. Many free museums will be open during the event: the Mormon Battalion, the Whaley House, Heritage Park, and Old Town State Historic Park.
Three micro-stages of cultural entertainment
Both Saturday and Sunday there will be a variety of cultural performers to enhance your visit to Old Town: The Gift of Dance Folklorico Group, Old Town Band of Pueblo Indians presenting historical comedy, Yesteryears Dancers presenting historical dances, Los Califonios performing music of Spanish colonial and Mexican California.
On Sunday only enjoy the Judy Taylor Wild West Show.
This is just a glimpse of what to expect the weekend of Saturday and Sunday, September 14 and 15 in Old Town San Diego. More is expected to make this a unique and memorable weekend.
As I also mentioned in the August issue, we should sincerely thank all of the civic-minded people who continue to play an active role in furthering the history, culture and traditions of San Diego. Please, support their causes, efforts and events in whatever way you can, including volunteering, donating and participating.
Hope to see you at the Old Town San Diego Founder’s Day Festival.
Category: Education, Entertainment, Events, Featured Articles, Local News, Music
