Presidio Trust Invites the Public to Pasados del Presidio
Annual event will commemorate the 1776 founding of the Presidio
Presidio of San Francisco (June 13, 2008) — The Presidio Trust is pleased to announce Pasados del Presidio, an annual event to commemorate the 1776 founding of the Presidio, the birthplace of San Francisco.
The event kicks off on Friday, June 27th at 11 a.m. when early California descendants (Los Californianos) honor their ancestors and the founding of the Presidio of San Francisco with a ceremony featuring costumed riders on horseback. The ceremony will take place at the flagpole in front the Officers’ Club at 50 Moraga Boulevard.
“This is an important celebration of the Presidio’s rich history,” said Craig Middleton, Presidio Trust Executive Director. “We encourage everyone to join us to learn more about the Presidio’s past and the latest findings of the Presidio archaeology department.”
From noon to 3 pm families are invited to take part in an “Afternoon of Fun” at the Presidio Officers’ Club. Presentations of Ohlone songs, early California music, dance and cooking, and living history will take place throughout the afternoon. Food will be available on-site for purchase. Kids can tour the old El Presidio site, participate in hands-on activities and crafts, meet the Amigos de Anza Equestrian Drill Team, and experience early California life.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for children to meet descendants of the Ohlone and the Spanish settlers; the first people at the Presidio,” said Dr. Randolph Delehanty, Presidio Trust historian.
Following the days’ events, the renowned Coro Hispano de San Francisco directed by Juan Pedro Gaffney will hold a concert, “Evening Fandango”, celebrating the songs and dances of early California. This year’s featured artists are Los Cenzontles, a local and international favorite. The concert will take place from 7 to 9 pm. A free evening PresidiGo shuttle will run until 9 pm to connect visitors to Muni lines 43 and 45.
Please refer to the Trust’s website for program additions and updates, or call (415) 561-5418 for program information.
The Presidio Trust was established by the United States Congress in 1996 to manage the Presidio of San Francisco, a former army base located at the base of the Golden Gate Bridge. The 1,500-acre site contains the infrastructure of a small city as well as expansive open space, a 300-acre historic forest, spectacular views, and rare and endangered plants and wildlife. It comprises nearly 6 million square feet of buildings, including 469 historic structures that contribute to its status as a National Historic Landmark District, making it unlike any other national park. In establishing the Trust, Congress mandated that it make the park financially self-sufficient by 2013. The Trust is the only federal agency with this mandate.