La Mesans Turn Back the Clock for Mormon Battalion Commemoration

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints recently announced the following:

Light rain couldn't deter  patrons from enjoying the many hands-on booths in the Old Town State Park during the 2013 Mormon Battalion Commemoration event on Saturday, Jan. 26.

Several La Mesa residents, including Matt Read, a skilled musician and vocalist, led attendees in a day of music and celebration. He was dressed in a typical Mormon Battalion uniform while he accompanied and led the singing.

Kathy Johnston from Temecula assisted Matt throughout the day. Kathy has a beautiful voice and was a wonderful addition to the booth.

Many patrons enjoyed dressing up in period garb along with the organizers creating a nice visual of what things might have looked like in the 1800s. All were a little wet, but in very good spirits as they sung-a-long to some great old tunes like “Oh My Darling Clementine” and “On Top of Old Smokey”.

A number of La Mesa residents were responsible for the success of the day. Many thanks to the hours put into the Frontier Music booth by San Diego East Stake history specialists Paula & Jess Richardson, Mike Raleigh, Area Public Affairs liaison, Linnae Pierce, media specialist, and  Robin Gephart, the Director of Public Affairs for the LDS Church in the La Mesa area.