Pioneer Day kickoff draws more than 500 supporters
By Stephen Ellison · Thu Sep 24 2026
Annual fundraiser at Estrella Warbirds Museum raises funds and celebrates Pioneer Day royalty
Photos by Derek Luff/PRP
PASO ROBLES – It would be tough to find a better way to celebrate local heritage, while reconnecting with family and friends, than what was offered at the Pioneer Day Kickoff Party on Saturday, Sept. 19, at the Estrella Warbirds Museum in Paso Robles.
More than 500 people turned out for the annual fundraiser for the Pioneer Day Parade, and on display was an evening full of unbridled generosity, boundless community bonding, and wall-to-wall entertainment.
Sarah Kramer, the Paso Robles Pioneer Day Committee chair, said the kickoff party is one of several pre-parade events throughout the year, but it is unique because it’s the only event fully open to the public.
“It gives everyone in the community an opportunity to participate, celebrate and support the parade’s continued success,” Kramer told the Paso Robles Press. “Its popularity comes from bringing people together in a fun, welcoming atmosphere while supporting a great cause. It’s become a tradition in its own right, giving friends, families, local businesses, and community members a chance to reconnect, celebrate our local heritage and build excitement for the parade and festivities ahead.”
The event included a cocktail hour, the return of the dessert auction, a barbecue tri-tip dinner, casino games, music, dancing, and a live auction featuring 13 lavish packages donated by local businesses.
Of those 13 items, several ended up in bidding wars and took in anywhere from $1,500 to $5,500. The top three takers were the 2027 Firestone Walker Invitational Beer Festival Weekend, featuring VIP passes for six; the Field to Feast Package, featuring gear for hunting and grilling; and the Winemaker’s Dinner at McPhee’s Grill, featuring a multicourse dinner and wine for eight at the Templeton restaurant.
One of the biggest hits of the kickoff party was the food, Kramer said.
“We heard countless compliments about the meal prepared by Brush Family BBQ, and the dessert auction was a crowd favorite with an amazing selection of delicious desserts,” she said. “The real highlight was seeing the community come together to support the Pioneer Day Parade. The enthusiasm, generosity and excitement from everyone who attended made the event a tremendous success.”
Along the way, the 2026 Pioneer Day royalty were introduced to the crowd as follows: Marshal Steve Hansen, Queen Cheryl Wilshusen-Savage, Queen’s Attendants Shannon Savage-Carter and Jennifer Savage-Eppert.
The royalty included Belle Abigail Johnson (Geneseo) and her attendants Carrigan Sinton (Cholame), Bailey Bojorquez (Hog Canyon), Clarah Brown (Adelaide), Kylie Hurl (Creston), Kaci Carlson (Shandon), Corina Boneso (Paso Robles), Bella Birks (Paso Robles), Lylah Malone (Templeton), Eliza “Ceci” Gignoux (Bradley), and Sienna Molina (Estrella).
Kramer said she and other committee members were thrilled with the turnout and the generous support from the community. The kickoff party raised more funds than it has in many years, but Kramer said she was unable to provide an estimated dollar amount raised and won’t have a final intake until everything is tabulated.
The Pioneer Day Kickoff Party is a longstanding tradition that began many years ago as a dinner and dance held the weekend before the parade and serving as the official start of the Pioneer Day celebration. This year’s parade is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 10, and will include more pre-parade events that morning.
As the committee looks ahead at future kickoff parties, Kramer said that while this year’s event was a huge success, they will still try to find ways to improve the overall guest experience.
“With the record turnout, we experienced a few growing pains, particularly with the lines during check-in and checkout,” she said. “We’ll be reviewing those processes and looking for ways to make them more efficient next year. Overall, we’re thrilled with how the event turned out and grateful for the feedback that will help us make it even better in the future.”