12/07/2025
The Saint Augustine Colonial Night Watch 2025 was an extraordinary success, and we are deeply grateful to everyone who helped make it possible. The Historic Florida Militia and the Saint Augustine Garrison hope you were able to experience what has truly become Saint Augustine’s premier living history event. Thousands of you joined us this year. For those who could not, you missed more than 150 historically attired interpreters bringing the past to life through a remarkable encampment and the Torch Light Parade along Saint George Street.
As we celebrate our tenth annual Colonial Night Watch, we extend our heartfelt thanks to all who contributed to this year’s success. (Please forgive me if anyone is inadvertently overlooked.)
A special thank-you goes to Cindy and John Stavely of the Colonial Quarter Museum for graciously allowing us to use the property for our living history encampment. All day Saturday, thousands of visitors entered the Quarter free of charge to explore our camp and enjoy Native American presentations, blacksmithing demonstrations, the sugar press, sword fighting, musket firings, and much more. The Colonial Quarter remains a truly magical place where history comes alive.
Our sincere gratitude also goes to Billy Triay and the University of Florida Historic Saint Augustine for providing access to your properties. The Governor’s House Museum—especially its balcony—once again served as a perfect and iconic setting for our ceremonies.
Thank you to Steve Roberts, Kristin Brunsman, Chris Leverett, the Law Enforcement Rangers, and the entire National Park Service staff at the Castillo de San Marcos. Despite the challenges and new regulations presented this year, your professionalism and dedication ensured the event’s continued success.
We also extend our appreciation to the City of St. Augustine. With your support, we were able to proudly share the city’s rich and diverse history. Thousands of residents and visitors lined the parade route, celebrating yet another cherished tradition. Our ancient city is a truly special place, unmatched in historical significance anywhere in the nation, and with your continued support, we remain committed to keeping that history vibrant and alive.
Thank you to the St. Johns Cultural Council for your continued support, which is vital to preserving the historical heritage that contributes so strongly to our community’s tourism and identity.
To all who participated—many of whom traveled great distances from Georgia, North Carolina, Maryland, and beyond—thank you for sharing your passion and knowledge with the people of Saint Augustine.
A special note of gratitude goes to Sonia San Juan, Vice Consul of Spain for St. Augustine and Jacksonville, for your exceptional portrayal of our ceremonial governess, and to Danielle Gallman for your beautiful renditions of traditional Christmas carols, which brought joy to the hundreds gathered in the Plaza.
Thank you also to Mother Nature for granting us just enough fair weather to complete our Torch Light Parade before the rain began.
And finally, my deepest thanks go once again to Ria, whose tireless hard work is at the heart of what makes Night Watch so special each year. It was not easy—but it was absolutely worth it.
With sincere appreciation,
Bob Alvarez
President, Saint Augustine Garrison
COO, Historic Florida Militia
