Three events that enable visitors to glimpse California Mission life “once upon a time” will be presented this summer at La Purísima Mission State Historic Park in Lompoc.
“Purísima's People Day” (July 12 and Sept. 6, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.) allows visitors to “step back in time” to 1822, and interact with costumed re-enactors who portray the people who called La Purisima Mission home — Padre Payeras, the Mayordomo, a blacksmith, and the women and children completing their daily chores.
Childrens Mission Life (July 19, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.), emphasizes children's life at the mission, featuring kid-friendly activities and dress-up opportunities.
Village Days (Aug. 23, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.) brings the Tule Village to life as visitors experience the blending of traditional Chumash and Colonial Spanish life ways. Demonstrators help visitors learn a variety of skills such as grinding acorns, basket weaving, building a tule house, making soapstone beads or tule dolls, and playing Chumash games.
Located at 2295 Purisima Road (a mile northeast of downtown Lompoc), Mission La Purísima Concepción was the 11th of the California Missions, founded in 1787. It is now a state historic park (La Purísima Concepción parish is close to downtown), open daily with admission of $6 per private vehicle. Information: (805) 733-3713.
