O.C. Is 125 Years Old and the Party's in San Juan Capistrano

From the city of San Juan Capistrano:

This day-long, city-wide event begins with a “HANDS AROUND THE MISSION” ceremony memorializing different cultures working together to start a new society. A Native American Blessing and Ringing of Mission Bells will follow.

Free events will be held throughout the downtown and the Los Rios Historic District, including art displays, original San Juan Capistrano melodrama music, mariachis, dancers, and more!

What better way to celebrate this landmark birthday than in the County’s birthplace! Be sure to visit Los Rios Street while you are here, which is the State of California’s oldest continuously inhabited residential street.

This Event is part of the City’s Economic Preservation Subcommittee’s efforts to promote the Historic Downtown Area during the I-5/Ortega Improvement Project. For more information and/or sponsorship opportunities call (949) 201-9881.

Just some of the events scheduled (subject to change)

10 a.m. Gather for HANDS AROUND THE MISSION! 26801 Ortega Highway

11 a.m. Acjachemen Blessing and Ringing of Mission Bells

11:30 a.m. Peace and Freedom Ribbon Tying at Mission Grill, 31721 Camino Capistrano

1:30 p.m. Welcome Ceremony, Historic Town Center Park (HTC Park), 31852 El Camino Real

1:45 p.m. Kelly Boys Concert, Business Expo, Second Saturday Art/Antique Fair (HTC Park)

5:30 p.m. Songs of the American West Concerts, SJC Public Library, 31495 El Camino Real

The Los Rios Historic District can be accessed via Verdugo Street/Camino Capistrano. Nearby Los Rios Park, 26711 Verdugo Street, will feature activities and displays. The Camino Real Playhouse, 31776 El Camino Real, will showcase skits from San Juan Capistrano’s past.

PHOTO Patch file photo credit: Judith Anderson