For the PASO Magazine, by Karyl Lammers – Executive Director/Visitor Center
Conversations with visitors over the past few months have confirmed the increase in the number of people entering the Visitor Center and enjoying our area is a result of the Highway 1 closure.  Travelers have been re-routed thru Paso Robles going north and south. Many have chosen to drop by and see us, having heard good things about this area. They are not disappointed, instead excited about discovering this charming downtown. We have fun loading them up with information to plan their next vacation here.
We are entering the last month of summer which in Paso Robles means more heat. Don’t knock the weather; nine-tenths of the people couldn’t start a conversation if it didn’t change once in a while.
The fair has just ended and we are looking forward to some great local events.  Winemakers’ Cookoff, sponsored by Paso Robles Rotary will be on August 12 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Event Center. It is all about food, wine, live music and fun! Details are at www.winemakerscookoff.com.
August 19 is Trading Day and Kid’s Flea Market in the Downtown City Park. Always a fun shopping experience, see details at: pasoroblesdowntown.org.
The Paso Robles Airfest is August 26 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is better known as “Airport Appreciation Day.” Admission is free to the public with details at www.pasoroblesairfest.com.
After visiting the airport, make plans to attend the Central Coast Beef & Wine Festival at 6 p.m. at Halter Ranch Vineyards hosted by San Luis Obispo County Cattle Women. Come graze-sip-learn to get details and make reservations visit www.farmsteaded.com.
If that is not enough for one month, let’s start September (Labor Day Weekend – Friday and Saturday) with Paso Robles Classic Car Weekend which is a town favorite hosted by The Golden State Classics Car Club. For additional information, go to goldenstateclassics.org and see page 26. Come to cruise night and see not only the cars, but friends and neighbors you haven’t seen lately.
The Chamber Calendar of Events is gearing up for a busy fall schedule starting this month with the Chamber Mixer on August 9 from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
The Women in Business Luncheon is August 18 at Adelaida Vineyards and Winery from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.  The theme is:  “Farm to Fork – Vine to Glass – Remembering our Roots”.
Wake-up Paso will be Wednesday, Aug. 30 at the Paso Robles Inn Ballroom 7:30 to 9 a.m. with a host of great speakers. For details on these and other Chamber news go to our website at www.pasorobleschamber.com.
Stop by the Visitor Center at 1225 Park Street in downtown Paso Robles and see the great changes we are making. We now have new Paso Robles retail items for sale such as clothing and souvenirs of all kinds. The interior of the lobby is being upgraded to make it more visitor, member and locals friendly and to accommodate everyone coming in the door.
It’s an exciting time here in the Smith Building. We’ve got the best location so with a few changes we’re going to rock this town!!