On July 11, 2010, the San Diego Union Tribune (
visit link) reported the following story:
"Mission hosts Festival of the Bells next weekend
By By PAM KRAGEN - pkragen@nctimes.com midnightJuly 11, 2010
SAN DIEGO ---- California's oldest mission will celebrate its birthday next weekend with the 241st Festival of the Bells at the Mission San Diego de Alcala.
Situated in the heart of a region that bears its name, Mission Valley, Mission San Diego de Alcala was founded by Father Junipero Serra in 1769 as the first church in California.
The church's location near Qualcomm Stadium actually dates to 1774. The Franciscan friars decided to move the mission six miles east from its original hillside location near Old Town San Diego because they needed better soil conditions to grow crops, and because the Indians who lived and worked at the mission were intimidated by the military presence in Old Town.
Although rampaging Indians burned down the mission and killed its parish priest in 1775, Serra built another church on the spot, and it has survived ever since. In 1931, the church was renovated to look like it did in the 1830s, and it is now revered as the first Christian church in America's far West.
To celebrate the founding of Mission San Diego de Alcala, the annual Festival of the Bells will feature three days of church-related activities. A party is planned from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, featuring a talent show, raffle and other events. The festival's main events are planned from 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Saturday and from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. July 18. All weekend there will be children's game booths, face-painting, food booths and live entertainment.
Saturday's program begins at 10 a.m. with something new ---- a 3-on-3 basketball tournament that organizers hope will become an annual tradition. Live music will be performed outside the mission from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., with performances by the San Diego Banjo Band, Mariachi Fiesta Mexicana, Novamenco, the Academy of Dance Arts, K to Z and The Legends.
On July 18, the day begins at 8 a.m. with a pancake breakfast, followed at 10 a.m. with an anniversary Mass. The afternoon entertainment program features youth performers from Vernetta's and Pualani Hula dance studios. The mission choir will perform at 2 p.m. and the day's highlight is a Blessing of the Animals, where the public can bring pets for a special blessing in front of the church at 3 p.m.
Admission is free. Mission San Diego de Alcala is at 10818 San Diego Mission Road. Call (619) 283-7319 or visit www.missionsandiego.com."