Paso Pops breaks record for attendance
– Paso Pops 2018, sponsored by the Paderewski Festival, scored on July 4th at the Paso Robles Event Center with a record attendance of well over 4,000, including nearly 500 children under 12 admitted for free and another 150 students over 18 with tickets for just $10. The “Pops” program, walk-around wine tasting, and lavish fireworks finale again proved to be a big draw for Central Coast residents, making it one of the county’s Independence Day celebrations of choice.
Popular pre-concert activities for children this year included carnival rides, funnel cakes and the “Symphony Petting Zoo” that provided a place to try out an instrument with a musician. Adults were treated to a wine tasting with 22 premium Paso Robles Rhone Ranger wineries. It was a big hit- maybe too big a hit – more space will be allocated for this popular Paso Pops feature next year!
The San Luis Obispo Symphony’s “Pops” show was a wonderful reflection of the county’s musical talent. A special thank you is directed to their new conductor, Andrew Sewell, staff and musicians. Paso Pops emcee Casey Biggs, did not disappoint, proving him to be the consummate professional, talented singer and performer who can now be beamed across town.
Financially, Paso Pops 2018 was a success due to major sponsors: Travel Paso, Firestone Walker Brewing Company, Cass Vineyard & Winery, Kahootz Toys, DiBuduo & DeFendis Insurance Brokers, the 50-plus table sponsors who committed to the event and the 30-plus local businesses who contributed goods and services.
The new Paso Robles Event Center venue proved a great logistical solution with easy access and egress, set up and take down, pristine event spaces, and the support of PREC management and staff. And last, but by no means least, thanks go out to Paso Pops’ dedicated 160 local volunteers and 20 lead volunteers.
Staff is committed to the success of this annual Central Coast Independence Day tradition. Check out www.pasopops.org for details to come and plans to make an even better 2019 Paso Pops.
