How did the Mid-State Fair perform this year? Here are the results
Results are in for the annual California Mid-State Fair, and the numbers show another strong year for Paso Robles’ biggest event.
Overall attendance was up 2% from last year, more concert tickets were sold, and the livestock auctions generated $2.6 million in sales, the fair said in a news release.
The 78th annual Mid-State Fair ran for 12 days from July 17-28.
“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.”
Here’s a look at the highlights.
Mid-State Fair attendance, auctions and concerts
This year, overall attendance to the fair unofficially topped 335,000, according to the release, though it will still take several weeks to calculate official ticket counts.
The livestock auctions unofficially raised the $2.6 million from the sale of 797 animals, including cattle, goats, sheep and chickens, among other animals.
The majority of funds came from the Junior Livestock Auction — $1.79 million — while over $800,000 came from the Replacement Heifer Sale, according to the release. The remaining $7,000 came from the Small Animal Auction.
On the concert front, the Chumash Main Grandstand Arena saw over 95,000 guests attending performances, an increase from last year’s total of over 91,000 ticket buyers.
Sold-out shows included Carin León, Jelly Roll, the Country Rodeo Finals and Monster Truck Madness, according to the release. The release also said there were “packed houses” for Zac Brown Band and Nickelback.
Meanwhile, this year’s industrial arts auction brought in over $296,000, the most ever raised in a single year, according to the release.
“Thanks to the generous support from the community, over $1.3 million has been brought in since the auction began over 24 years ago,” the release said.
And the carnival put on by Helm and Sons Amusements generated $1.71 million in total revenue, a 2% increase from 2023, according to the release. This even included a free day of rides on opening day.
Over 55 food and non-alcoholic beverage vendors reported gross revenues of just over $3.3 million, according to the release.
The fair also said it received “generous support” from over 100 sponsors, who gave over $1.4 million in cash and in-kind donations.
The release said Danny Leslie was named all-around cowboy winner in The Country Rodeo Finals. The weekend all-around winner was Tristan Schmidt. Mattie Work and Cathie Twisselman tied in the ladies all-around.
This year’s Miss California Mid-State Fair queen was 18-year-old Megan Pagnini of Paso Robles.
