Mid-State Fair draws record crowds in 2024
Total overall attendance for the fair was over 335,000, a 2% increase from last year
Total overall attendance for the fair was over 335,000, a 2% increase from last year– The 78th annual California Mid-State Fair returned for 12 days from July 17 to July 28 with the theme “Wide Open Spaces.” The fair featured 4-H and FFA exhibitors, carnival rides, exhibits, food, shopping, and live music, highlighted by sold-out concerts from Carin León and Jelly Roll.
“On behalf of the staff and the Board of Directors, we are thrilled with the results of the 2024 California Mid-State Fair,” CEO Colleen Bojorquez said, “The support from the community to celebrate the traditions of San Luis Obispo County and to see the staff’s hard work is truly inspiring. We couldn’t do it without you.”
Revenue from the 2024 livestock auctions raised $2,607,587 on 797 animals. The Replacement Heifer Sale brought in $801,750, the Junior Livestock Auction raised $1,798,406, and the Small Animal Auction garnered $7,431.
Concerts in the Chumash Main Grandstand Arena saw over 95,000 attendees, an increase from last year’s total of over 91,000. The most popular events included sold-out shows from Carin León and Jelly Roll, the Country Rodeo Finals, Monster Truck Madness, and performances by Zac Brown Band and Nickelback.
The Industrial Arts Auction raised $296,600, the highest in its 24-year history, bringing the total raised since its inception to over $1.3 million.
Total overall attendance for the fair was over 335,000, a 2% increase from last year. Official ticket counts will be available in several weeks.
Helm and Sons Amusements, Inc. of Colton generated $1,710,585 in carnival revenue, a 2% increase from 2023, including a free day of rides on opening day.
The Still Exhibits program featured 1,191 exhibitors. Top Adult Exhibitor was Larry Stallings, Top Youth Exhibitor was Aymie Evenson, Top 4-H Exhibitor was Sophie Pittman, and Top Special Stars Exhibitor was Jacob Hanson.
Over 55 food and beverage vendors reported gross revenues of over $3.3 million.
The fair received over $1.4 million in cash and in-kind donations from over 100 corporate sponsors.
The Central Coast Wine Competition winners included:
- Winery of the Year – Eberle Winery, Paso Robles
- Best of Show/Best of White – Eberle Winery, Paso Robles, 2023 Viognier
- Best Dessert – Glunz Family Winery & Cellars, Paso Robles, Mission Angelica
- Best Red – Volatus, Paso Robles, 2022 Tannat
- Best Rosé – Delicato Family Wines, Monterey, 2023 Sofia Rosé
The Central Coast Olive Oil Competition winners included:
- Producer of the Year – Calivirgin
- Best of Show Robust – Ola, Lindsay
- Best of Show Medium – Toothacre Ranch, Ramona
- Best of Show Delicate – Cobram Estate, Woodland
- Best of Show Flavored – Calivirgin, Lodi
- Best of Label – Single Bottle: Toothacre Ranch
- Best of Label – Series: Boccabella Farms
- Best of Packaging – Single Bottle: Bearbird Ranch
- Best of Packaging – Series of Bottles: Ola
The California Crafts Spirits winners included:
- Best of Show/Best of Class Gin – Griffo, Petaluma, Scott Street Gin
- Best of Class Agave – Catedral De Mi Padre, Paso Robles, Ensamble Mexicano
- Best of Class Liqueur – Griffo, Petaluma, Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur
- Best of Class Vodka – Golden Eagle Vodka, Lake Forest, Golden Eagle Vodka
The Get Crafty Golden Shaker winners were:
- People’s Choice – Templeton Mercantile with Tin City Vodka
- Mixologist Choice – Templeton Mercantile with Tin City Vodka
- Distillers Choice – Luna Red with Bixby Gin
The San Luis Obispo County Wine Industry Awards included:
- Wine Grape Grower of the Year – Niels and Bimmer Udsen, Castoro Cellars
- Winemaker of the Year – McPrice Myers, McPrice Myers Wines
- Wine Industry Person of the Year – Molly Scott, JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery
- Posthumous Lifetime Achievement Award – Mike English, Tin City
The Agriculture Awards included:
- Agriculturalist of the Year – Brian Talley
- Cattle Woman of the Year – Vicki Janssen
- Cattleman of the Year – Aaron Lazanoff
The Country Rodeo Finals winners included:
- All-Around Cowboy: Danny Leslie
- Team Penning: Mathew Hammond, Brian Evans, Ryan Bognuda
- Barrels: Katelyn Hurl
- Ranch Rope & Brand: Pat Boyle, Lane Karney, Joe Roth, Liam Roth
- Mixed Ribbon Roping: Garrett Davis, Claire Johnsen
- Match Roping: Dugan Kelly, Danny Leslie
- Double Mugging: Edgar Machado, Peter Rincon
- Ladies Breakaway Roping: Lilly Thompson
The weekend All-Around winner was Tristan Schmidt. The Ladies All-Around winners were Mattie Work and Cathie Twisselman (tied), and the Top Hand went to Danny Leslie.
The California Mid-State Fair announced that 18-year-old Megan Pagnini of Paso Robles was crowned the 2024 Miss California Mid-State Fair Queen. Ashlee Holt, 18, of Paso Robles was the 1st Runner Up, Logan Rutherford, 21, of Paso Robles was the 2nd Runner Up. Vanessa Pinedo, 18, of Paso Robles won the Talent Competition with her Folklorico dance to “Son de la Negra,” and Hailey Terrell, 17, of Templeton won the Interview Competition.
The 2024 California Mid-State Fair will run from July 16 to July 27, 2025.
For more information, visit the Mid-State Fair website.
