Our first Pioneer Day took place on Oct. 12, 1931. The stock market crash of 1929 was having far-reaching effects. The average yearly wage was $1,550. A gallon of gas cost 10 cents. The average cost to rent a house was $18 per month. Citizens were hard-pressed but optimistic for the future of California and our hometown of Paso Robles.
Community volunteers created this new celebration from generous donations of time, materials and hard-found money. Businesses, churches, service organizations and volunteers wanted to create a day of community friendship and a commemoration of the heritage of the Paso Robles area. It would be a day of coming together to give thanks for the many blessings while so many were struggling. It would be a day set aside to say “thank you” to those who supported the business community, even during lean times. Most businesses, except the saloons and taverns, closed so their employees could enjoy the festivities.
Fast forward to 2018 when we still hold strong to our roots, traditions and heritage.
Our “little” town is no longer little but in a world of change and progress. One thing will never change in Paso Robles; the spirit of those who have gone before us and the annual Pioneer Day festivities. Please join us in celebrating how far back this tradition goes yet know how far we’ve come since 1931.
Enjoy the blessings of our great community and “Leave Your Pocketbook at Home.”
— Paul Viborg
Chairman • Pioneer Day Committee 2018
We in the North County are so lucky to have such a fun event in our midst. Where else can you see old wagons, antique tractors, antique farm equipment, antique autos and motorcycles, sensational horses, beautiful mules and a Brahma bull sporting a saddle (with the owner in that saddle)? We have local school bands and dancers, the Shriners, unique floats vying for prizes, mounted patrol riders and so much more. Wow, what a lineup!
After the parade, visit the Pioneer Museum on Riverside Avenue. There is so much to see, great displays for kids of all ages. If that’s not enough, go to the Paso Robles Event Center and watch the kids Gymkhana. If you stay in the park, don’t miss the FREE bean feed at noon, the Carolyn Sills Combo performing in the gazebo, the Whiskerino contest and horseshoe pitching.
Every year after the parade, we are so grateful. We can say it went well; one of the best and everyone had a great time. It takes an amazing group of dedicated, hardworking volunteers to make this parade a success. No one is paid, they do it for their love of preserving local history. It costs more and more each year to put on the parade. We have three fundraisers from spring to fall enabling us to fund the parade and add to our building fund. We need bigger buildings for our wagons and tractors.
Thanks to everyone for supporting us over the years. We couldn’t do it without you!
— Bert Twisselman vice-Chairman • Pioneer Day Committee 2018
Schedule of Events
7 a.m. Traditional Bean Cooking Begins City Park
8 a.m. Children’s Pet Show – 14 and under City Park Gazebo
8:30 a.m. Little Cowgirl/Cowboy Contest City Park Gazebo
10 a.m. Pioneer Day Parade Starts at 16th and Spring Street
12 Noon Free Bean Feed City Park
12 Noon Carnegie Library & Historical Museum Opens
12 Noon Pioneer Park/Museum Activities, Antique Tractor & Wagon Display and Vintage Engine Show, 2010 Riverside Avenue
12:30 p.m. Concert in the Park Gazebo, The Carolyn Sill Combo
1:00 p.m. Horseshoe Pitching Contest, City Park
1:00 p.m. Whiskerino Contest, City Park
1:00 p.m. Gymkhana is Back, PR Event Center
THE WHOLE DAY IS FREE and entirely funded by the business people and dedicated citizens of our area who say: “Leave Your Pocketbook at Home!”
Details at www.pasoroblespioneerday.org
