Page 86 - San Luis Obispo Visitors Guide - Summer 2025

86 SUMMER 2025 slovisitorsguide.com
Paso Robles
THE BLENDERS
A UNIQUE WOMENS BOUTIQUE
MERLE NORMAN COSMETICS
538 12TH STREET • (805) 238-5554
Tues-Fri 10-4 • Sat 10-3
We’re off to the races at the
2025 California Mid-State Fair
The 2025 California Mid-State
Fair is the place to be this sum-
mer. Starting July 16, the fair brings
12 days of exhibits, competitions,
concerts, and good old-fashioned
fun to town. There’s a special vibe at
the fair, and its many different zones
create unique experiences for all
attendees.
“We are all about the fun, and
our fair is almost like a reunion,” fair
CEO Colleen Bojorquez says. “There
are some people who don’t see each
other all year until the fair comes
around, and it’s a time to catch up
and have a great time together.”
This year’s theme is Off to the
Races! Bojorquez explained that the
theme is a nod to the history of fairs
and horse racing. “Fairs have a long-
standing tie to horse racing, and our
2025 theme gives off derby vibes.
Organized horse racing in Califor-
nia started at fairs in the 1850s. In
the 1930s, fairs supported legislation
“Attending the rodeo is a way for
SLO County residents to connect
to our rural roots and be proud
of our heritage, and it’s become a
favorite for out-of-towners as well,”
she added. “The junior gymkhana
events are great
for the younger
crowds.”
Local
4-H and FFA
exhibitors
take over the
livestock area,
learning from
each other and
interacting
with the public.
Raising and
attending to
their animals
in the months
leading up to
the fair teaches
students about responsibility,
animal care, communication, team-
work, mentorship, record keeping,
financial and public speaking skills,
sportsmanship, market dynamics,
and more.
“The Livestock Area is the heart
of every fair,” Bojorquez said. “Ours
is covered and a fun place to stroll,
even if you just want to see cute
animals. The livestock auctions take
place here, and it’s where almost ev-
ery fair kid’s
memories are
made.”
The
Chumash
Grandstand
Arena brings
talented
musicians
and perform-
ers to the fair
year after
year. The fair
upped the
fun factor in
recent years
by adding
a hospital-
ity tent, where a limited number
of concertgoers can purchase a
wristband to gain access to an
air-conditioned tent with a private
bar, restroom, and lounge space.
Along with entertainers appearing
to legalize horse racing and in return
received funding from wagering
which, although our fair no longer
receives any of this, it is still a fund-
ing source at many other fairs.”
Rodeo, livestock, and top-tier
entertainment
The Country Rodeo Finals
brings rodeo lovers from all around
the country to Paso Robles. Enjoy
performances from dozens of local
cowboys and cowgirls, many of
whom are top tier in the state.
Top-name
entertainment,
exhibits,
competitions,
carnival, and fun
for the entire family