Solid numbers reported for 2014 California Mid-State Fair 

The crowds turned out for 12 days of the 2014 California Mid-State Fair. Organizers report another exceptional year, with solid numbers and increases in many areas. Photo by Sarah Graybill

Over 400,000 fair-goers enjoy concerts, ag exhibits & more, says CEO Vivian Robertson

California Mid-State Fair organizers report another exceptional year, with solid numbers and increases in many areas for the 2014 fair that ran from July 16 through July 28 in Paso Robles. For the fourth consecutive year, over 400,000 people attended the Fair, one of the largest fairs in California, according to CEO Vivian Robertson.

“Again this year I feel very blessed to finish with such solid numbers,” said Robertson. “It’s a reflection of our community, filled with so many people who put in many, many hours of hard work.”

Thrill-seekers take a turn on the Super Shot ride. The Mid-State carnival netted $500,000 in 2014.Photo by Meagan Friberg

Final, unaudited numbers for the 2014 Mid-State Fair as compared to 2013:

• Total Attendance 415,421 (2013 – 411,001)

• Concert Attendance 76,201 (2013 – 67,715)

• Concessions $1,131,971 (2013 – $1,051,378)

• Carnival $500,000 (2013 – $500,000)

• Jr. Livestock/Heifer $2,107,910 (2013 – $2,100,517)

• Industrial Arts $50,590 (2013 – $44,300)
• Central Coast Wine Competition entries 596 (2013 – 543)
• Home Wine Competition entries 126 (2013 – 157)
• Olive Oil Competition entries 106 (2013 – 83)
• Vinegar Competition entries 13 (2013 – n/a)
• Home Brew Competition entries 91 (2013 – 96)
• Still Exhibit entries 8,434 (2013 – 8,938)

Robertson cited the fair’s top priority as being able to provide a safe and fun environment, adding that she felt this was accomplished in 2014 “thanks to the tremendous support of volunteers and staff.”

“We also tip our hat to the City of Paso Robles who is celebrating their 125th anniversary, and to the State Parks of California who are celebrating their 150th anniversary. It was an honor to collaborate and showcase these special celebrations,” said Robertson.

Taylor Lindquist, pictured second from left, was named Miss California Mid-State Fair 2014. She is shown with second runner-up Devin Corea, far left; first runner-up Lauren Rodrigues, second from right; and Miss Congeniality Rebecca Sligh, far right. Photo by Meagan Friberg

Fair highlights
Some of the many highlights from this year’s California Mid-State Fair included:

• Templeton High School graduate and current Cal Poly student Taylor Mae Lindquist was crowned Miss CMSF. First runner-up was Lauren Rodrigues, a graduate of Paso Robles High School and current student at Fresno State, and second runner-up was Devin Corea, also a graduate of PRHS, who will be attending  the University of San Diego in the fall.
• Cattlemen & Farmer’s Day was a rousing success, with Dale Evenson being named Agriculturalist of the Year, Ann Cochrane named Cattlewoman of the Year and Dan Wixom named Cattleman of the Year.

• At the Main Grandstand, a brand new entry way greeted concert-goers and just inside was a beautiful, new, state-of-the-art restroom. Robertson extended special thanks to Larry Gabriel, Architect and Carroll Building Company of San Luis Obispo for all of their dedication.

• California State Parks celebrated their 150th anniversary in style by taking over the newly-named Ponderosa Pavilion with a magnificent exhibit. They also put on daily Traditional Campfire demonstrations on the Headliner Stage and Jr. Ranger Programs on the Ponderosa Stage.

• And nearly everyone enjoyed the bacon-wrapped hot dogs, deep-fried alligator and other food selections including new, healthy options

The 2015 California Mid-State Fair will run Wednesday, July 22 through Sunday, August 2.

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About the author: Reporter Meagan Friberg

Meagan Friberg is a reporter for the Paso Robles Daily News and A-Town Daily News.