Dozens of locals and visitors from all over the state took a
step back in time Saturday afternoon as they enjoyed the
”
Early Days of San Juan.
”
Held at the historical park in downtown San Juan Bautista, the
event which has been going on for more than 30 years, brought
together history buffs who gave demonstrations and shared
information about the area.
Dozens of locals and visitors from all over the state took a step back in time Saturday afternoon as they enjoyed the “Early Days of San Juan.” Held at the historical park in downtown San Juan Bautista, the event which has been going on for more than 30 years, brought together history buffs who gave demonstrations and shared information about the area.
“It’s a way for our community to share its culture and history,” Organizer Andrea Mapes said.
That’s exactly what Delfina Garcia set out to do when she brought her Mexican-Indian artifacts to display. Along with the brightly colored skirts, sandals, pottery and jewelry she had set out, Garcia taught visitors about how her ancestors use to mash corn to make tortillas. It was a lesson her grandmother had passed onto her.
“This is about culture,” she said. “We are out here to show people that we were living here first, and we have feelings.”
San Jose resident Stacy Thompson stood and watched Garcia mash the corn kernels and was impressed. Thompson stumbled across the event while visiting San Juan Bautista for her birthday weekend.
“I just love San Juan Bautista but getting to see all this is like an added bonus,” she said.
Meanwhile across from the booths, the Alta California Dance Company, dressed from head to toe in authentic early days costumes, taught visitors dances from the 1800s like “squash the bug.” The band was complete with an accordion, guitars and fiddles, and the majority of the dances have been kept alive through oral history.
Sharon Bates, a member of the Alta California Dance Company, said demonstrating these dances and teaching others “keeps history alive.”
That’s exactly what the California Historic Artillery Society was trying to do as they paraded their cannon pulled by six horses. The same goes for Highcard Johnny, a gunfighting, gambling, magic enthusiast. In a dark corner of the saloon across from the park, Highcard Johnny was sharing the secrets of the old card game farrow, which was well known during the early days of the West.
Along with the demonstrations all day, visitors continued to celebrated with a Victorian ball at night.
Mike Okey, of Shingle Springs, said he and his wife enjoy coming out to history events and sharing their knowledge because of the hands on learning people get.
“It’s the only place where you can see and get a concept of what exactly happened,” he said.
Christine Tognetti can be reached at 637-5566, ext. 330 or at ct*******@fr***********.com.
