Wanna Be Part of a Really, Really Big Hug?

From Mission San Juan Capistrano:

As part of the celebration marking Orange County’s 125th birthday, Mission San Juan Capistrano plans to set a world record for “largest hug around a California mission” with its Hands Around the Mission event on Saturday, Sept. 13.

The Mission is looking for approximately 1,000 volunteers that will combine to hold hands around the perimeter of the Mission San Juan Capistrano grounds, which measures about 11 acres.

Those interested in being a part of history can sign up by going to missionsjc.com and clicking on the Hands Around the Mission link. Participants are asked to show up at their designated spots at 10 a.m. Hands will be joined at 10:45 a.m. and held for 10 minutes to set the record, which will be documented via aerial photography.

All participants will receive an official certificate of participation.

The Mission also is offering free admission to all Orange County residents, with proof of residency, on Sept. 13.

Mission San Juan Capistrano, recognized as the birthplace of Orange County and the county’s most historic landmark, is the primary donor for San Juan Capistrano’s celebration throughout the city.

There will be plenty of activities throughout the city during the day’s celebration, taking place at the San Juan Capistrano Library, the Los Rios District and the Historic Town Center Park.

PHOTO Patch photo credit: Penny Arévalo