The Paso Robles Event Center, formerly California Mid-State Fairgrounds, is an entertainment complex located in Paso Robles, California. The site opened in 1946[1] for the annual "California Mid-State Fair" (originally known as the "16th District Fair" or "San Luis Obispo County Fair" [1946-80] and "San Luis Obispo County Mid-State Fair" [1981-85]).
In addition to the fair with a variety of rides, games and activities, concerts, trade shows, conventions, equestrian showcases, craft brewing festivals, roller derby competitions,[2] and other events have taken place at the Event Center.
A small decorative flower garden is seen near the main entrance to the complex during the summer of 2023.
The fairgrounds were approved by the state fair board in 1946.[3] In the late 1940s, exhibits included livestock, agriculture, horticulture, domestic science and arts displays, dairy products, bees and honey, poultry, and horse shows.[4]
Aflower show building was constructed on the center's grounds in 1968.[5] The fair's flower show began in 1948 and by the early 1990s had grown to feature nearly 2,000 entries annually, either in the fresh-cut or arrangement categories.
In 1972, a moderately sized rock waterfall was added near the main entrance to the fairgrounds.[6] The location added a life-size, thousand-pound bronze statue (sculpted in clay) of a horseback cowboy, named Cool Water, in 2003.[7]
The waterfall was renovated as part of Maynard's Mountain in 2007, named in dedication to former longtime fair manager Maynard Potter.[8]
The neighboring decorations, featuring marigolds, petunias, and ageratum, are now dedicated to Lawrence W. Lewin, formerly the manager of the 16th District Agricultural Association.[9]
Chumash Arena within Paso Robles Event Center is pictured in July 2023.
The facility was renamed from the California Mid-State Fairgrounds to Paso Robles Events Center in February 2006 to reflect the variety of functions held at the location year-round in addition to the summer fair.[10]
In February 2020, the California Department of Food and Agriculture awarded $1.39 million in funding to the event center.[11] The funds were set to be used to improve Estrella Hall within the center.[12]
The center's Ponderosa Pavilion has served as an evacuation space during area flooding.[13]
At the shallow basin to the Maynard's Mountain waterfall, Paso Robles Event Center displays a thousand-pound, clay-sculpted bronze statue of a horseback cowboy seeking a drink, entitled "Cool Water."
^"Paso Robles Fair Ready to Greet Crowds Tomorrow". San Luis Obispo Telegram-Tribune. September 12, 1946. p. 1.
^Freeman, Alicia (November 23, 2010). "Local roller derby rolls with the punches". Mustang Daily. Cal Poly Journalism Department. p. 1.
^"District Fair Asks $10,000 to Assist In Site Purchase". San Luis Obispo Telegram-Tribune. May 21, 1946. p. 1.
^"Fair Schedule For Opening At Paso Robles". San Luis Obispo Telegram-Tribune. September 10, 1947. p. 1.
^Dirkx, Phil (July 30, 1991). "Flowers have been her focus since fair began". San Luis Obispo Telegram-Tribune. pp. A3.
^"Tumbling water at fair entry". San Luis Obispo Telegram-Tribune. June 19, 1972. p. 7.
^Manese-Lee, Angela (July 24, 2003). "Bringing Home the Bronze: The California Mid-State Fair Wants to Make a Cowboy Statue a Permanent Addition to Its Grounds". San Luis Obispo Tribune. pp. N1.
^Etling, Leah (July 25, 2007). "A Midsummer Revamp for Paso Fairgrounds". The Tribune (San Luis Obispo, CA). pp. B1.
^"Experienced Group Heads County Fair". San Luis Obispo Telegram-Tribune. August 9, 1963. p. 2.
^Wilson, Nick (February 14, 2006). "Fairgrounds Gets a Name Change". The Tribune (San Luis Obispo, CA). pp. B1.
^McIntyre, Ashton (February 19, 2020). "Paso Robles Event Center receives funding for building improvements". KSBY TV. NBC.
^Hanamoto, Bryce (February 20, 2020). "Paso Robles Event Center awarded $1.39M for building improvements". KEYT TV.
^Gillies, Andrew (January 9, 2023). "Paso Robles issues evacuation order for portions of Riverbank Lane neighborhood". KCOY TV.
^Steers, Dennis (August 16, 1984). "Richie's Olympic encore". San Luis Obispo Telegram-Tribune. pp. A1.
^Dirkx, Phil (August 11, 1986). "Dolly Parton: She 'makes my ears hum'". San Luis Obispo Telegram-Tribune. pp. 4A.
^Haley, Kathleen (March 29, 2002). "Fair's Acts Expected to Pay for Themselves". The Tribune (San Luis Obispo, CA). pp. A1.
^Middlecamp, David (March 8, 2021). "Photos from the Vault: Fan frenzy surrounded Britney Spears concert at Mid-State Fair in '99". The Tribune (San Luis Obispo, CA). pp. 5A.
^Rodriguez, Adrian (July 28, 2001). "Paso's Dance With Destiny". The Tribune (San Luis Obispo, CA). pp. A1.
