Annual Kick Off Party begins Pioneer Day with sold-out celebration

By Camille DeVaul · Thu Oct 02 2025

Event at Estrella Warbirds Museum draws community together with food, dancing, and fundraising ahead of the 95th Pioneer Day Parade

PASO ROBLES — The countdown to one of Paso Robles’ most beloved traditions officially began on Saturday, Sept. 27, with the annual Pioneer Day Kick Off Party at the Estrella Warbirds Museum. The sold-out evening drew locals eager to enjoy food, dancing, and community, all while raising essential funds to keep Pioneer Day celebrations alive and thriving.

The Kick Off Party offered guests a lively schedule packed with entertainment. The night opened with cocktail hour and the always-competitive dessert auction, followed by a hearty sit-down barbecue dinner. Later in the evening, DJ Andy Morris kept the dance floor alive while guests enjoyed casino games and cocktails.

Paso Robles Pioneer Day Chairman Lori Woods said the night was one of the most fun and community-oriented events of the season.

Photos by Derek Luff/PRP

“It was great,” Woods told Paso Robles Press of the fundraiser. “We had a sold-out event, which is awesome. We always have a packed house, but this is probably one of the first years [that was sold out] ... this is one of those years that lots of family came out for the royalty. And then we have our usual suspects who just love Pioneer Day, and want to come out and have a good, clean, fun night celebrating history and family and community, all the things.”

While the Kick Off Party has long been a major fundraiser for Pioneer Day, Woods noted that proceeds are now complemented by larger events, such as the Firestone Walker Invitational Beer Fest. Still, she emphasized the importance of the party in bringing the community together.

“This one kind of gets us all in the mood. We call it the kickoff party because it's the kickoff to the countdown to the parade. We're kicking up our boots, doing some dancing, having some fun, and raising money,” said Woods.

Funds raised go toward covering the many expenses of Pioneer Day, from insurance and security to printing programs, announcer packets, and publicity. They also help cover the cost of traditions like the beloved free bean feed, as well as maintaining and restoring the historic tractors and wagons that are central to the celebration.

Photos by Derek Luff/PRP

One of the night’s highlights was the dessert auction, where everything from Rice Krispy treats to elegant three-tier cakes were bid on to satisfy sweet tooths and raise additional funds. Guests also enjoyed the return of the popular photo booth, complete with silly hats and boas, which added a lighthearted way to capture memories with friends and family.

As Paso Robles prepares for the 95th annual Pioneer Day Parade, Woods said this year’s milestone will feature a special tractor display in the park, including the iconic tractor featured on this year’s badge.

“You know you're gonna get great food, you know you're gonna be surrounded by amazing people and have a little fun,” said Woods. “Mostly, people want to just talk to people they haven't seen in a while.”

Residents can look out for upcoming announcements regarding road closures for the Pioneer Day Parade happening at 10 a.m. on Saturday, October 11. You can learn more about Pioneer Day at pasoroblespioneerday.org