Livestock, entertainment, carnival & more
Long known as The Biggest Little Fair Anywhere, the 2014 California Mid-State Fair will run July 16- 27, with a theme of Discover More!
The annual Fair is held on the grounds of the Paso Robles Event Center, located on Riverside Ave. just off Highway 101. Fairgoers enjoy an endless supply of entertainment, education and fun including equestrian shows, livestock shows and auctions, a cattle drive, and performances by local groups.
Buildings at the event center overflow with various exhibits – agriculture, arts and crafts, flowers, industrial and home arts, photography and more – as well as vendor offerings and demonstrations. Check out the apple pie contest and find out the winners of this year’s Central Coast wine, oil and home brewing competitions. The carnival area is open daily and late into the night with rides, games, shooting galleries, food and more.
Special promotions
Season Passes are offered through a “2-Fer Tuesday” promotion throughout the month of May – on each Tuesday only, between 9 a.m.-4 p.m – and may be purchased at either the California Mid-State Fair box office, 2198 Riverside Avenue in Paso Robles, or by calling 1-800-909-FAIR. The promotion is not good in conjunction with any other offers or discounts.
Carnival wrist bands are $23/day if purchased in advance from any local Albertsons store from June 1 through midnight on July 15.
Check midstatefair.com for current list of specials, including discount days.
Favorites return
On July 26, the Country Rodeo Finals, an exciting night of local rodeo action, kicks off with the spectacular Skydiving Flag carrier landing in the arena. Featured events include bronco riding, bull riding, team penning, barrel racing, match roping, ranch rope & brand, double mugging and mixed ribbon roping. In addition to the competitive events, fans will be treated to a variety of specialty acts throughout the performance.
On July 27, the Toughest Monster Truck Tour featuring Bounty Hunter, Double Trouble, and El Perro Loco along with Captain USA, Iron Outlaw and So-Cal’s Terminator. The evening of fun will also feature freestyle Motocross with riders from the X-Games and Red Bull X-Fighters.
Concerts
Concerts at the Mid-State Fair bring visitors from near and far. Confirmed concert acts for 2014 include:
July 16: Zac Brown Band
July 17: Kid Rock
July 21: Reckless Kelly
July 21: Florida Georgia Line
July 22: Lady Antebellum with special guest Jana Kramer
July 23: Journey & Steve Miller Band with special guest Tower of Power
July 24: Train with special guests The Wallflowers
July 25: An Evening of Music & Wine featuring The Doobie Brothers
July 25: Kristian Bush
The California Mid-State Fair is held annually at the Paso Robles Event Center, located at 2198 Riverside Ave, just off Highway 101. For more information, ticket sales and current list of events, call (805) 239-0655 or visit midstatefair.com.
— Meagan Friberg
