News Release

For Immediate Release August 22, 2005

Contact: Susan McGourty

Mission San Miguel

Ph: (805) 467-2131

Fx: (805) 467-2141

Mission San Miguel Renews Old Fiesta Traditions

Fiesta Prelude : An Enchanted Evening at Chapel Hill

In Old California, Fiesta was a time for entire communities to get-together and celebrate with wine, song and dance.

Reviving old tradition, Mission San Miguel will kick-off its 208^th Fiesta celebration under a full moon, Saturday evening, September 17^th at 7:00P.M., with its second annual benefit concert, hosted by Judge and Mrs. William Clark, at their beautiful private chapel, Chapel Hill, in Shandon. The evening will begin with a “getting to know you” social hour at 6:00 P.M. Wine pourings from local wineries, other beverages including fruit drinks and bottled water as well as delectable hors d’oeuvre appetizers will be available during the pre-show social hour. All proceeds will benefit the Mission Preservation Fund.

The gala event sponsored by the Clark Family and the New World Baroque Orchestra, reminiscent of the old Chautauqua, traveling, entertaining summer lecture and musical variety shows of the 19^th and early 20^th centuries, will feature talented local artists, performing a wide variety of musical selections, from classical offerings to Broadway show tunes. 

Performers will include vocalists James Brescia, Kristie Dart and Margaret Montgomery, as well as other talented musicians including guitarist Marilyn Blodget, flutist Jeri Knott, vocalists Susan Bevin and Marjorie Hamon. Musicians and singers from St. Rose Church in Paso Robles and Mission San Miguel as well as members of the New World Baroque Orchestra will round-out the musical entourage.

There is no admission charge, but a free-will offering donation of $5.00 per person is suggested. 

The Chapel may be reached by traveling 17 mi. east of Paso Robles on Hwy. 46, turning left on McMillan Road just before reaching Shandon and following the signs about 1 1/4  mi. to the parking area.  Shuttle buses will be available to take guests up to the Chapel.  For more Concert information, please call (805) 467-2131 or (805) 239-3022, or visit: www.missionsanmiguel.org or www.newworldbaroque.org .

Don’t miss this rare musical event! Come and share a charming and enchanted musical evening under the stars at Chapel Hill with your family and friends and help restore Mission San Miguel as a spiritual and historical center of our community life now and for generations to come.

Annual Fiesta Barbecue

Then on Sunday, September 18^th, Mission San Miguel will hold its annual Fiesta barbecue.

At 11:00 A. M. there will be a special outdoor Fiesta Mass celebrated on the Mission picnic grounds under the trees. It will be followed at 12 P.M. to 4 P.M by a delicious old-style California barbecue of meat (choice of chicken or top sirloin), salsa, beans, salad and garlic bread. Drinks and desserts will be available for purchase separately.

Price is $8.00 for adults ; $5.00 for children.

All proceeds will benefit the Mission Preservation Fund.

Mission San Miguel is everybody’s Mission and needs your support! Although it’s closed due to earthquake damage, thanks to your help, renovation and retro-fitting has already begun. Plans are to re-open the Gift Shop in late Fall.

You can help repair and preserve the historic Mission, and enjoy a good meal and music at the same time. Come join us on September 18^th, the third Sunday in September, and see the changes in progress. Invite friends and family. Plan ahead and include this in your September’s calendar of events!

For more Barbecue information, call (805) 467-3256 or Monica Cisneros (805) 467-3376 or visit www.missionsanmiguel.org .

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