The California Mid-State Fair returned to the Paso Robles Event Center for its first full schedule since the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown, following a limited comeback last summer.
The festivities got underway July 20 and featured a concert by classic rockers Journey. By Saturday, huge crowds had gathered to enjoy the beloved North Santa Barbara County tradition.
Many show animals that arrive on a staggered schedule through the 11-day event had reached the venue by Saturday. Those included show dogs, horses, cattle and lots of sheep, among others. Farm pigs and other animals arrived in the later days.
The classic American fair delighted attendees of all ages. Carnival games and rides kept the young and young at heart busy. Copious amounts of fair food and beverages kept everyone satiated. Exotic entries like the doughnut hamburger and tropical Mai Tais held sway alongside more traditional offerings such as corn dogs and copious amounts of beer and wine. Music from multiple genres could be heard on several stages scattered throughout the fairgrounds — all included in the price of admission.
The grandstand area holds a separate concert each night for an additional fee, featuring some of the biggest names in pop music.
On Saturday, there was a monumental performance by legendary guitarist Carlos Santana and his band. The concert was exceptional for many reasons, but primarily because it took place at all. On July 5, the 74-year-old icon fell ill during a performance in Michigan, with his wife (drummer in the band) reporting that he collapsed because of heat and dehydration. A half-dozen shows on the tour were initially canceled because of the scare.
The show at the nearly sold-out California Mid-State Fair grandstand was the first for Santana since the incident. It was possible he was using the show to test his stamina for the rest of the tour and requested that there would be no opening act. Instead, the performer with his band of phenomenal musicians graced the stage shortly after 7:30 p.m. and played an utterly astounding set for more than two hours.
The band opened with some of Santana’s earliest classic rock hits before moving into an array of songs from his five decades of recordings. The performer is well known for his spiritual conscience and positive thought, and he thanked God for allowing him to continue his earthly journey, endearing himself to the massive crowd.
“I am not quite ready to join Stevie and Jimmy for that jam up there,” he quipped. “We still have things to do down here.”
The crowd erupted in a massive cheer in acknowledgment.
The California Mid-State Fair continues through Sunday, with more performances scheduled. Click here for more information.
— L. Paul Mann is a Noozhawk contributing writer. The opinions expressed are his own.