The California Mid-State Fair is here this week. It kicks off Wednesday. More than 400,000 people will visit the Paso Robles Event Center over 12 days.
There are plenty of new attractions for the entire family, including new carnival rides, artisan sales, a farmers market and pig races. The theme this year, ‘Ole! It’s fiesta time!’
"12 days of solid partying," said California Mid-State Fair CEO Michael Bradley. "Party for kids, party for adults, party for young and old."
But first, the calm before the storm. On Monday, vendors were driving in, setting up their booths. The rides stood still. It’s quiet for now.
"Well, in the carnival we have a brand new ride called the Star Tower which is the tallest ride in North America," said Mid-State Fair representative Tom Keffury.
"You start on the ground level and you get in this little tiny seat and you go all the way up 110 feet," Bradley said. "And you get to swing around with your favorite friends."
Also new this year: a career fair for graduating seniors and adults.
"Not every kid goes to college," Keffury said. "People want to stay here. We’ve heard so many downed stories about how tough it is to make it in our county. But there are good, solid, high-paying jobs available here. So we teamed up with four different local unions who have apprentice programs to show kids exactly what it’s like to become an electrician or plumber."
And for the younger kids:
"Farming experience where kids can get down and dirty and find out what it’s like to be a farmer and grow dahlias or dragon fruit," Keffury told KSBY News.
"You get to milk a cow, feed baby calves, learn about strawberries," Bradley said. "There are pony rides, petting zoos and crafts for kids."
Mid-State fair reps say concert ticket sales are strong this year. Eric Church and Luke Bryan are reportedly sold out. If you’re headed to see Florida Georgia Line on Wednesday, be sure to check out the free local shuttles and shuttles from the south county to the fairgrounds — and be ready for a security bag check.
Admission is $12, children under 6 are free. If you want a discounted ride bracelet for your child, you can save $10 if you get it at Albertsons and Vons by 5 p.m. Tuesday. Otherwise, they are $35 starting Wednesday.
