08 Aug Celebrate St Augustine History – Founder’s Day 2017
The Mission of Nombre de Dios and The Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park are sightseeing musts all year round, September brings the a very special annual event – the Founder’s Day Commemoration. This birthday party for St. Augustine celebrates the founding of a “Noble and Loyal City” on September 8, 1565, by Don Pedro Menéndez de Avilés. He named the new settlement San Agustín to honor the patron saint of Aviles, his home in Spain. He and his men built the first fort on the grounds of what is now the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park (Wikipedia).
The 452nd anniversary celebration begins at 10:00 am on Saturday, September 9, 2017, at the Mission of Nombre de Dios with the reenactment of the landing of Menéndez’s and his crew, complete with cannon and musket salutes, and the Mass of Thanksgiving the Spanish celebrated on reaching land safely. In the afternoon, the celebration moves to the Fountain of Youth Park for re-creation of the First Thanksgiving and an encampment with living history demonstrations from 1:00 to 5:00 pm.
Every day of the year, history surrounds you at the Casa de Solana. Built over 250 years ago, it is the seventh-oldest house in St. Augustine, located on the oldest street in the country’s oldest city. Beginning with the Solana family who built the house in 1763, its tradition of offering respite to travelers continues to this day. We are waiting to welcome you to our bed and breakfast’s unique blend of Old-World charm and modern hospitality. Please give us a call or go online to book your stay for Founder’s Day or any other time of the year -our historic inn and city await you.
St. Augustine Founder’s Day Commemoration
Date: September 9, 2017
Times: The landing, Mass, and First Thanksgiving begin at 10:00 am to noon, and the encampment is held from 1:00 to 5:00 pm
Locations: The Mission Nombre de Dios, 27 Ocean Avenue, St. Augustine FL 32084
The Fountain of Youth, 11 Magnolia Avenue, St. Augustine FL 32084
Admission to the events at the Mission are free
Regular admission rates apply for the Fountain of Youth: Adults $15, seniors ages 60+ $14, Children age 6-12 $9, children under 6 are free
Parking: Free parking is available at the Mission