St. Augustine to celebrate 444 years & Landing reenactment is Sept. 5

In the News: with selected highlights.

St. Augustine to celebrate 444 years

"Here comes another birthday. St. Augustine will be observing its 444th next weekend, although the actual date of the town's founding is Sept. 8, this year a Tuesday."

Landing reenactment is Sept. 5

"Sept. 5, beginning at 9:30 a.m. at the Mission Nombre de Dios, 27 Ocean Ave., there will be an historical reenactment of the landing by the city's founder, Don Pedro Menendez de Aviles..."

"Reenactors will conduct the landing ceremony, and Richard Lani [sic] (Its Lanni) will portray Menendez."

"We are making extra efforts this year to have a more authentic reenactment of the landing and presentation of the cross and flag," says Eric Johnson, Mission executive director. "There will be more pageantry, cannon fire and opportunity for those attending to participate in the ceremony. Mass is celebrated at the end to commemorate the celebration of the first parish Mass celebrated immediately after Menendez arrived 444 years ago."

For the past couple of years this hasn't the most fun event for me, so I'm skipping this years festivities. I wish them the best of luck.