There is a unique magic to standing in the heart of San Francisco in the quiet pre-dawn hours. 2026 marks the 120th anniversary of the Great Earthquake and Fire, and there has never been a better time to join this storied tradition. Because the anniversary falls on a Saturday this year, we invite all San Franciscans—from families to history buffs—to experience this "bucket list" event. It is a free, family-friendly morning that truly captures the soul of our city.
Be Part of San Francisco History: The 120th Legacy Registry
This year, we are doing something special to mark this landmark anniversary. We are inviting all attendees to register for a free Legacy Registry Ticket.
By registering, your name will be permanently captured in the Guardians of the City Museum records as an official participant in the 120th Anniversary Commemoration. A century from now, when historians look back at how San Francisco remembered 1906, your name will be part of that story.
Registration is free and ensures you are included in our historical roll call.
The Program: A Riveting Retelling
The main attraction of the morning is a riveting storytelling of the events of 1906, delivered by our Master of Ceremonies, the legendary Bob Sarlatte. A celebrated actor, comedian, and the unmistakable "voice of the 49ers" from the Candlestick Park era, Bob will take us back in time to the moments that changed San Francisco forever.
The morning sequence includes:
4:30 AM: Public gathering begins. Guardians of the City will provide complimentary hot coffee and tea for all attendees to keep the morning chill at bay.
4:45 AM: The formal program commences with Bob Sarlatte’s signature storytelling.
5:10 AM: The ceremonial wreath-laying on Lotta's Fountain.
5:12 AM: A profound moment of silence, followed by a deafening "Siren Salute" from a fleet of visiting and historic fire apparatus, marking the exact moment the earth shook in 1906.
5:15 AM: Everyone joins together for a community sing-along of our hometown anthem, "San Francisco," led by the spirit of the city herself, Lillie Hitchcock Coit (brought to life by a Living History Interpreter in her signature period attire).
A Historic Return: Light Wagon 2
This year, the Guardians are proud to present a rare treasure from our collection that has not been seen at Lotta’s Fountain since the 100th anniversary in 2006: 1928 Kleiber Light Wagon 2. Built by the San Francisco-based Kleiber Motor Truck Company, this unit served with SFFD Searchlight Company No. 2 from 1928 to 1950. It is the last truck in existence built by Kleiber, and its appearance is a true once-in-a-generation sight.
Distinguished Guests
We are honored to be joined by the city’s leadership to mark this milestone:
Mayor Daniel Lurie
Fire Chief Dean Crispen
Police Chief Derrick Lew
Director Mary Ellen Carroll (Department of Emergency Management)
Sheriff Paul Miyamoto (San Francisco Sheriff and Guardians Trustee)
Event Details
Admission: Free, family-friendly, and open to all.
What to Wear: Dress in layers! April mornings downtown are famously brisk.
The Tradition Continues: Immediately following the ceremony, we move to 20th and Church Streets at 5:45 AM for the annual painting of the "Little Giant" Gold Hydrant.
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