Poway Spotlight: Old Poway Park

"It's like going back in time," wrote a recent visitor to Old Poway Park in a review. "Everything is so cute and quaint."

Old Poway Park brings history to life throughout the year, but there's something special about the fall months that brings the park to life through the diverse array of special events.

October kicked off with Rendezvous in the Park, when encampments filled with mountaineers, soldiers and more came to town, and continues with Once Upon a Hallowe'en on Saturday, Oct. 28, which puts the Old Poway Park spin on a family celebration of All Hallows Eve.

The annual Veterans Day ceremony on Nov. 11 at Veterans Park (adjacent to Old Poway Park) is a moving tribute to all who have served our country and includes the firing of the city's cannon. Guests can also enjoy a celebration of the American railroad at the Train Song Festival happening the same day, complete with model railroad exhibits, rides on the Baldwin steam engine and musical entertainment.

Old Fashioned Christmas on Dec. 8 and 9 ushers in the holiday season, complete with Santa arriving in Poway via the Poway Midland Railroad. The magical celebration takes visitors back in time and has become so popular that it was extended into a two-day event.

Year round, Old Poway Park is the backdrop to countless celebrations and commemorations. Another visitor summed it up best by describing Old Poway Park as perfect:

"Do you need a place to get married? Take senior pictures or family photos? Have a birthday party or just hang? Beautiful setting and lots of photo opportunities! Great place to gather and great parking! The train is definitely a plus!"

Park staff work behind the scenes to ensure the park is ready for all occasions. In addition to the 50+ weddings ceremonies/receptions a year, staff prepare for smaller events/meetings put on by volunteer groups that make up the Old Poway Park Action Committee. Saturdays are typically the busiest for staff with the popular Farmers Market, Poway Midland Railroad train operations, the Artisan Market by the Poway Arts & Crafts Guild, and museum/historical sites hosted by the Poway Historical Society.