In the pre-dawn hours of April 18, San Francisco marks the 120th anniversary of the massive 1906 earthquake and fire with a moving annual tradition. Hosted by Guardians of the City and the San Francisco History Association, a free, family-friendly gathering at the downtown Lotta’s Fountain landmark invites attendees to step back into a critical moment of the city’s history at this longstanding and charmingly quirky event.
Beginning at 4:30 a.m., attendees can warm up with complimentary coffee and tea before a program led by Bay Area actor and Candlestick Park-era “voice of the 49ers” announcer Bob Sarlatte presenting a dramatic retelling of the events of 1906. At 5:12 a.m., the exact moment the earthquake struck, the ceremony pauses for a moment of silence, followed by an ear-shattering siren salute blasting from a fleet of historic fire apparatuses.
This year includes the launch of a legacy registry, which will allow participants to have their names recorded in museum archives, as well as the rare appearance of a 1928 Kleiber Light Wagon, a piece of San Francisco firefighting history not seen at the ceremony in more than two decades.
Expect to hear from from city leaders, including Mayor Daniel Lurie and Fire Chief Dean Crispen, and enjoy living history interpreters, lots of campy period attire and community togetherness with a communal sing-along of “San Francisco.” The commemorative event is set to be capped off at 5:45 a.m., with the traditional repainting of the “Little Giant,” a golden fire hydrant credited with saving the Mission District.