Lots of upcoming events planned for the Mission City
The city of San Juan Bautista is rich in history just waiting to
be explored. There is something for everyone to enjoy and learn of
the many facets of this gem of a city of 1,700 people.
San Juan is home to one of the 21 California Missions, two state
parks, part of the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail
and a thriving business community with many antiques shops, art
galleries, wide variety of restaurants and specialty stores.
Lots of upcoming events planned for the Mission City
The city of San Juan Bautista is rich in history just waiting to be explored. There is something for everyone to enjoy and learn of the many facets of this gem of a city of 1,700 people.
San Juan is home to one of the 21 California Missions, two state parks, part of the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail and a thriving business community with many antiques shops, art galleries, wide variety of restaurants and specialty stores.
Starting with Mission San Juan Bautista, founded in 1797 by Father Fermin de Lasuen, the successor to Junipero Serra, it is the 15th of the 21 California Missions built.
For movie buffs, Alfred Hitchcock’s movie “Vertigo” was filmed on the Plaza by the Mission in 1957 along with a few other movies. The Mission’s church still holds weekly masses and is available for weddings. To find out more, visit its Web site (www.oldmissionsjb.org.) Mission tours are available daily except major holidays from 9:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. and admission is $3 per person. School field trips may be arranged by calling the Mission Gift Shop at (831) 623-4528.
The San Juan Bautista Historic Park is located next to the Mission’s Plaza. The park is home to many historic buildings, including the Castro-Breen Adobe. This recently reopened structure underwent a $1.65 million, three-year rehabilitation project. The changes include exciting, innovative exhibits that transform this building into a unique learning environment for people of all ages.
This park also showcases the Plaza hall, stables and hotel, blacksmith shop and jail. The park is open daily except Thanksgiving and the day after, and Christmas and New Year’s Day. Admission is $2 for adults 17 years and older, children 16 and younger are free. Mark your calendar for June 17 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. when the San Juan Bautista State Historical Park sponsors Early Days and the Victorian Ball. For more information, call 831-623-4881.
The first Saturday of each month is host to Living History Days at the Plaza sponsored by the Plaza History Association. Basket weaving, candle making and other interesting activities are conducted by docents.
Fremont Peak State Park is located 11 miles south of San Juan Bautista off State Highway 156. The 159-acre park features the 3,169 foot peak with trails that lead from the upper parking lot to a spectacular 360-degree daytime view and nighttime visual feast for stargazers. There are primitive campsites on a first-come, first-served basis. A group campground must be reserved by calling 1-800-444-7275.
There is a delightful historic walking tour that includes 48 sites that winds through the downtown area. Some are private residences and several structures house various businesses. This detailed tour was researched and provided by the San Juan Bautista Historical Society. Call the San Juan Bautista Chamber of Commerce to have a copy mailed to you, or stop by the office at 33 Washington St. (Plaza Market historic building) during your next visit where copies are available in the lobby.
The Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail places you in San Juan Bautista on the Old Stage Road. Its historic significance is the Anza Colonizing Expedition of 1775-1776 headed by Juan Bautista de Anza, captain of the Presidio of Tubac in Sonora (now Southern Arizona). The historic route starts near the Mexican border of Arizona and ends in the Bay Area, traveling over 1,200 miles. The San Juan part is 3.5 miles and is a certified and marked trail for horseback or foot and is dedicated for public use. Recently, six college students from the East Coast traveled the entire route by bicycle or by foot and spent one of the nights in San Juan Bautista. A map/guide is available through the chamber or National Park Service.
Other upcoming events: The 2006 Event Calendar is available at www.sjbchamber.com, or you can pick up a copy from our office. You also can call 831-623-2454 or email sj***@sb*******.net for a calendar to be mailed to you. Applications for the chamber’s upcoming events are also now on-line.
The annual Fashion Show and Luncheon is today, May 6, from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., hosted by the San Juan Bautista Chamber of Commerce. Held in the lovely gardens of Jardines de San Juan, “Springtime Serenade of Fashion” will be showcasing fashions from Fool’s Gold, Guatemala Exclusives, Inka Line, Mrs. B’s Z-Place and One Fine Day. Attendees are treated to a full lunch, music and raffle prizes. Tickets are $28. If you’d like to attend today, call 831-245-5488.
May 6 and 7 is the 22nd Annual California Indian Market, Peace Pow Wow, World Cultures and Cinco de Mayo from 10am-7pm. Featuring Amah-ku-Tura and Intertribal California Indian Dancers, Spotted Bear Drum Dancers and Singers, Xipe Totec Aztec Dancers and Drum along with arts, crafts and food. Located in San Juan Bautista with admission only $1. For more information, call (831) 623-2379 or visit www.peacevision.net.
There is an artist’s reception featuring “Spring Scenes” from Karen Nevis on May 13 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Galeria Tonantzin, located at 115 Third St. This event is free and open to the public. For more information or to see the other Galeria receptions scheduled for the year, visit www.galeriatonantzin.com.
Oriana Chorale will present a spring concert at the Mission San Juan Bautista on May 16 at 7 p.m. “Steppin’ Out- from Broadway to Rock” promises to be a delightful evening, featuring songs from the 1930s to the ’70. Tickets are available at the door or call 831-207-2134 to reserve advance tickets and times/locations of other concerts.
That’s it for now from The City of History … San Juan Bautista.
