Templeton comes together for Feed & Grain’s future

By Camille DeVaul · Thu Sep 25 2025

Weekend of food, music, and community raises funds to rebuild landmark lost to arson fire

TEMPLETON — Over the weekend, Templeton came together in a way that highlighted the spirit of small-town America. Two major fundraisers — “One Town, One Table” on Friday, Sept. 19, and “The Grain Revival” on Sunday, Sept. 21 — not only generated critical funds for the rebuilding of Templeton Feed & Grain (TF&G) but also gave the community a chance to celebrate what the landmark had meant for generations.

The Jermin family, who have been operating TF&G for three generations, had their lives changed after the July 4 fire that destroyed the wooden grain silos, a familiar sight on Main Street for nearly 80 years. The fire was ruled an act of arson after illegal fireworks sparked an explosive blaze that burned for days and led to the silos’ demolition. Later, authorities confirmed the involvement of four juveniles, with the case turned over to the San Luis Obispo County District Attorney’s Office.

For many residents, the silos and the business behind them represented more than a feed store — they embodied Templeton’s identity. Families had posed for photos in front of the towering structures, and generations of local youth had been supported by the Jermins through 4-H, FFA, and countless community causes.

Photos by Rick Evans/PRP

Abby Allen, manager of Templeton Market and Deli and one of the fundraiser organizers, reflected that TF&G was at the heart of Templeton. To her, the Jermins embodied old-fashioned values, the kind of neighbors whose word carried the weight of a promise. She and others on the planning committee felt strongly that the community needed a way to give back, not only to the family but also to honor what the Feed and Grain had represented.

“I personally want to support this community that has such an impact on me personally and my business,” Allen shared with Paso Robles Press. “And I just feel like the Templeton Feed and Grain is the heart of that.”

Planning for the two events began with a small group that quickly grew into a well-rounded committee. In just six weeks, the team managed to organize both gatherings. Volunteers and local businesses stepped forward with donations of equipment, printing, beverages, and auction items, many without being asked.

“Honestly, I feel like God had a hand in this because we could not have handpicked a better committee to put on this fundraiser,” said Allen.

On Sept. 19, more than 300 guests filled the historic TF&G site for “One Town, One Table.” A long outdoor dining table was set where the silos once stood, and neighbors shared a chef-prepared, farm-to-table meal accompanied by local wines and craft beers. The evening included live music from the Mark Adams Band and an auction that offered one-of-a-kind items, helping raise funds for the rebuild.

Two days later, Main Street transformed into a lively street fair for “The Grain Revival.” Families packed 3rd through 6th streets to enjoy barbecue, kids’ games, a dunk tank, a petting zoo, and vendor booths. Hats and merchandise sold out quickly, while live performances from Monte Mills & His Lucky Horseshoe Band, Shawn Clark Family Band with Ryan Delmore, Archer Mozé, and others kept spirits high.

Photos by Rick Evans/PRP

The classic car show lined Main Street with vintage cars, tractors, and motorcycles — all pre-1975. Allen described the atmosphere as joyful and healing, a chance for the town to reconnect with its grassroots and look forward to what could be rebuilt. She noted that the success of the weekend was measured not only in dollars raised but also in the way it brought people together. Attendees described both events as positive and energetic.

“I think [the fundraiser] was successful on a lot of different levels too, not just monetarily, but for the chance for the community to really come together and celebrate the feeding grain as it was and hopefully look forward to what it can still be,” Allen said. “And to have some healing as a community because it did mean so much to, in different ways perhaps, but to so many different people. And I feel it got us back to our grassroots.”

If you missed the fundraiser but still want to contribute to the cause, you can participate in the TF&G’s Commemorative Brick Campaign. For $250, donors can purchase personalized engraved bricks that will eventually be incorporated into the new site. Forms for the bricks can be found at the Templeton Market and Deli or online at TFGfundraiser.com

Currently, TF&G is operating out of a rented 10,000-square-foot warehouse, with nearly all inventory restored. Plans for rebuilding at the historic 1912 cement building site are still in the works, with the Jermins committed to preserving the legacy of Tom Jermin Sr.’s feed formulas while adapting to the community’s changing needs.

For many, the events served as both a fundraiser and a celebration of what TF&G had meant to Templeton. Organizers admitted they were already considering making the Grain Revival an annual tradition, given the overwhelming turnout and enthusiasm.

The proceeds from the fundraisers and brick campaign were dedicated directly to TF&G’s rebuilding efforts, but perhaps just as importantly, the events gave Templeton a chance to show its heart and to remind itself of the strength that comes when neighbors stand together.