First Landing inaugural commemoration

Davis Walker reported to the local Historic City News desk that The Company of Juan Ponce de León will present its inaugural commemoration of Ponce de León’s April 3rd, 1513 landing on the shores of what is now the continental United States.

This heritage event, memorializing Don Juan’s arrival in Florida and of the birth of America, will take place on Saturday, April 2nd, and Sunday, April 3rd, at Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park located at 11 Magnolia Ave., in St. Augustine.

The cost of admission to see the living history group perform is:
Adult – $10.00 / Seniors (over 60) – $9.00 / Child (6-12) – $6.00
Child (under 6) – Free / St. John’s County Residents – free with individual ID

First Landing is part of the Florida Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs “Florida Heritage Month”; the state’s annual, month-long tribute to Florida’s rich, cultural heritage.

The First Landing heritage Event will feature:

• The new lecture series – “This Other World”: Ponce de León and the Founding of Florida
• An early 16th-century Spanish encampment
• The military arts of the period
• Maritime arts and displays
• Historical culinary and foodways demonstrations
• Period children’s activities

The Company of Juan Ponce de León is a living history group created to portray the 16th-century company of the founder of Florida, who led the first documented European expedition to what is now the continental United States in 1513.

The group will play an exciting, colorful role in Florida’s 500th anniversary observances in 2013.

Florida Living History, Inc., is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, educational organization; dedicated to the support of living history activities, events, and portrayals related to the history of colonial Florida.