Mid-State Fair opens with ‘Back to the ’80s’ theme amid triple-digit temps

By Stephen Ellison · Thu Jul 23 2026

20-year-old Gabby Bodenshot of Paso Robles crowned 2026 fair queen

PASO ROBLES — It wouldn’t be the California Mid-State Fair (CMSF) without a sweltering heat wave. That was the general sentiment on Opening Day of the CMSF on July 15, the hottest day of the year so far in Paso Robles, peaking at 106 degrees. 

But the triple-digit temperatures didn’t seem to bother the dozens of fairgoers lined up outside the entrances when the gates opened, nor did it stop that crowd from growing to numbers in the thousands as the temps dipped into the mid-90s later in the evening.

The fair is known to draw locals from all parts of the Central Coast, and it shouldn’t come as a surprise that others travel dozens and even hundreds of miles to enjoy the region’s biggest summer event. Chris and Stephanie Simoneau of Bakersfield were attending the CMSF for the first time, and stopped to take a break under the shade at The Silo as the mercury hit its peak.

“It’s kind of hot here, but it’s probably hotter in Bakersfield,” Chris said. “At least they have some cool spots here. Down there, they don’t have much shade at all. … We’re going to see Old Dominion later, but we wanted to check out the fair too.”

“Oh yeah, I had to come see my boyfriend,” Stephanie joked, referring to the country band’s lead singer Matthew Ramsey.

With a theme of “Back to the ’80s,” several exhibits were emblazoned with the bright, flashy colors of the decade, along with MTV logos and images of roller skates, boom boxes and high hair. At the front gate, welcoming in the first visitors to the CMSF, was a unicyclist alternating between jumping rope and juggling bowling pins while adorned in bright blue and pink spandex, with a pink fanny pack, long white tube socks and what looked like Vaurnet sunglasses.

And it wouldn’t be much of an ’80s theme without the music. Pop songs blared from multiple venues, featuring artists of the decade such as Madonna, Michael Jackson, Duran Duran and Whitney Houston.

The heat also didn’t prevent the show from going on at the sun-bleached Frontier Stage, where Gabby Bodenshot of Paso Robles was crowned the 2026 Miss California Mid-State Fair queen. The 20-year-old junior at Oklahoma State University edged out five other contestants in the scholarship pageant, earning the $2,500 grand prize. 

For the talent portion of the event, Bodenshot, who is studying horticulture and agriculture, gave an informative and colorful presentation in floral design, composing a beautiful arrangement on stage while entertaining the audience with her vibrant personality. During the question-and-answer session, referring to her fair proposal for an Inclusive Kids’ Day Livestock Experience, she told the crowd she would “prepare volunteers to work with children with special needs by holding an orientation meeting prior to the program to allow parents to let us know their children’s needs as well as make sure each volunteer is properly trained for this event.”

To complete the court, JoDee Jones, 21, of Templeton was awarded first runner-up, taking home a $1,000 prize, and Iris Ratzat, 20, of Cayucos was awarded second runner-up and $500. Jones also was named Miss Congeniality, voted on by her fellow contestants and good for another $250 in scholarship funds. Jaklyn Woodland, 18, of Paso Robles won the $100 talent award for her contemporary dance performance, and Bodenshot won the $100 interview award.

The judges panel consisted of Celeste Hope, a marketing professional and artist; Victoria Humphrey, the 2016 Miss California Mid-State Fair; Katie Himes Keely, a nonprofit founder; Clinton Kyles, an award-winning choreographer; and Krista Sabin, an attorney and fair board director. 

As for the Opening Day attendance, Marketing and Publicity Director Shonna Howenstine told the Paso Robles Press that the numbers are tracked over the duration of the event and not day by day, so no figures were immediately available. The 12-day totals will be released sometime after the fair ends, she said. 

Howenstine added that there were no issues, challenges, or surprises on Opening Day.

“Great turnout, happy attendees, free rides in carnival was well attended, the Old Dominion show was fantastic,” she said. “I just saw smiles everywhere; it was great.”

Feature Image: Newly crowned Miss California Mid-State Fair Gabby Bodenshot (center) smiles for the crowd along with first runner-up JoDee Jones (right) and second runner-up Iris Ratzat at the end of the fair's Scholarship Pageant on Wednesday, July 15. Photo by Brittany App