WhatÕs old is new again in Old Sacramento this summer, when the historic district comes alive with entertaining new attractions.

The Historic Old Sacramento Foundation Ñ in partnership with the city of Sacramento, California State Parks, Old Sacramento Business Association and participating merchants and businesses Ñ will offer a new street theater program on weekends, starting Saturday and continuing through Aug. 26.

The program will showcase historic re-enactors, 19th century craftsmen and other performers who will entertain visitors to Old Sacramento with historic sports, gambling, re-enactments of the Pony Express, military encampments, parades, historic events and other planned and impromptu performances.

Entertaining and history-rich ÒOld Sacramento UndergroundÓ tours will provide visitors with a glimpse into the massive and dramatic undertaking that took place when the streets were painstakingly raised in the 1860s through the 1870s, to protect the city from devastating flooding.

Old Sacramento has the distinction of being the only California city to raise its streets, and also is one of the very first cities in the nation to do so. Underground tour visitors will have the opportunity to view disappearing windows and doors, dipping alleyways and exposed retaining walls, walk into underground hollow sidewalks and tour historic buildings, all while being entertained and educated by costumed tour guides and docents, who will portray characters true to the period.

Beginning on Saturday, July 10, ÒOld Sacramento UndergroundÓ tours will take place hourly, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., on Thursdays through Sundays. (Each dayÕs final tour will depart at 5 p.m.) Tours will last approximately 45 minutes; tickets are $15 general, $10 children.

Advance reservations are available at (916) 808-7973 or http://www.historicoldsac.org.

Interested visitors are encouraged to secure reservations early, as tickets are expected to sell out quickly. Underground visitors must be prepared to walk on uneven surfaces, in areas that have low ceilings, and in occasional small spaces.

While this yearÕs final underground tours will take place on Sunday, Oct. 31, the program will resume in April 2011 and continue indefinitely.

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