Fall Back Festival recreates history in San Diego.

Blacksmith at Fall Back Festival in San Diego's Gaslamp works the bellows.
Blacksmith at Fall Back Festival in San Diego’s Gaslamp works the bellows.

Today I checked out a great event in downtown San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter. Called the Fall Back Festival: the Children’s Historical and Cultural Street Faire, this historical reenactment places visitors in a magical time machine, transporting them back to the 1880’s.

Three blocks of fun included a blacksmith, old western storefronts, pony rides, candle dipping and other educational activities. Many participants wore costumes and clothing from this early period in San Diego’s history. There was also an exciting High Noon shootout–which I unfortunately missed. But I did capture a few pics…

Lady in old-fashioned dress walks with her umbrella past Horton Grand Hotel.
Lady in old-fashioned dress walks with her umbrella past Horton Grand Hotel.

I snapped the above photo as I headed toward the festival. The lady was just walking along through modern, shiny downtown San Diego like an image from the past.

These cowboys, the Alpine Outlaws, have a jailhouse downtown and a hanging noose!
These cowboys, the Alpine Outlaws, have a jailhouse downtown and a hanging noose!

Yikes! The first thing I saw was a bunch of crafty outlaws!

Festival celebrates the diverse and fascinating early history of San Diego.
Festival celebrates the diverse and fascinating early history of San Diego.
Wood cabinet at rear of wagon is packed with wares typical in 1880's.
Wood cabinet at rear of wagon is packed with wares typical in 1880’s.
A table full of rusty irons from the Old West!
A table full of rusty irons from the Old West!
Temecula Valley Prospectors had kids panning for gold.
Temecula Valley Prospectors had kids panning for real gold.
Realistic replicas of Native American tools and weapons were on display.
Realistic replicas of Native American tools and weapons were on display.

An interesting guy named Dave, of San Diego Survival History and Fitness, showed me a very cool display. He made all of the above implements and weapons by hand, using materials and techniques that were used by the Kumeyaay and earlier native peoples in the San Diego area. The Spaniards who built their first California Mission in San Diego feared the throwing sticks which you can see in the above photo. Shaped like a boomerang, they had the power to easily bring down a deer!

Historical exhibit has photos of Japanese settlers and community in San Diego.
Historical exhibit has photos of Japanese settlers and community in San Diego.
San Diego Model A Club had a row of old automobiles at the Fall Back Festival.
San Diego Model A Club had a row of old automobiles at the Fall Back Festival.
Of course, there was live country western music for the crowd to enjoy!
Of course, there was live country western music for the crowd to enjoy!

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Richard Schulte

Downtown San Diego has been my home for many years. My online activities reflect my love for writing, blogging, walking and photography.

8 thoughts on “Fall Back Festival recreates history in San Diego.”

  4. Pingback: Enjoy A Glimpse of November Events in San Diego!

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