Reprinted from The Visitors and Convention Bureau:
August 27, 2014
St. Augustine Commemorates Founder’s Day
St. Augustine, Fla. (August 27, 2014) — On Saturday, September 6, Florida Living History, Inc., Mission Nombre de Dios, the Diocese of St. Augustine and the Fountain of Youth Archeological Park will present the annual historical re-enactment of Admiral Don Pedro Menendez de Aviles’ landing and founding of the city of St. Augustine in the year 1565 along with the first feast of Thanksgiving.
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In September 1565, 449 years ago, Admiral Don Pedro Menéndez de Avilés stepped ashore off Matanzas Bay on behalf of Spain and founded St. Augustine, Florida, the oldest continuously occupied, European city, port, and parish in the continental United States.
Founder’s Day activities begin at 10 a.m. at the Mission Nombre de Dios, 27 Ocean Avenue, with a re-enactment of the landing of Pedro Menendez and his crew and a Catholic Mass of thanks and celebration. Period liturgical music will be performed by volunteers from Cantorae St. Augustine. The event at the Mission is free and open to the public with free parking. Seating is limited so participants are encouraged to bring a folding chair.
At noon, the re-enactors will process from the Mission up Magnolia Street to the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park, the original location of Menendez’ first settlement of St. Augustine.
Once there, a blessing and re-enactment of the first Thanksgiving will occur as Timucuans, nobles, priests, Captains, and commoners celebrate the successful founding of the settlement four and a half centuries ago.
There will be a demonstration kitchen set up using foods and techniques from the 1500s as the first documented Thanksgiving in the Continental US is re-enacted. In addition, local restaurants will offer heritage inspired foods for sale to the public in the Fountain’s 3,000 square foot Events Pavilion.
Standard park admission rates of $12 for adults, $11 for seniors and $8 for children ages 6-12 apply for entry to the Fountain of Youth. St. Johns County residents receive 50% off admission.
Located midway between Daytona Beach and Jacksonville, Florida’s Historic Coast includes historic St. Augustine, the outstanding golf and seaside elegance of Ponte Vedra, 42 miles of pristine Atlantic beaches For more information on events, activities, holiday getaway and vacation opportunities in St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches, go to the Visitors and Convention Bureau website at www.FloridasHistoricCoast.com become a fan, Facebook/OfficialStAgustine or call 1.800.653.2489.
