Every year since the Depression, the town of Paso Robles relives its heritage.
The North County of San Luis Obispo in California is represented in this example of what I like to call pure Americana. Paso Robles itself is about 20 miles from the Pacific Ocean with the Coastal Range between the city and beach. It’s roughly halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco on the California Central Coast.
“Pioneer Day” started at the beginning of the Depression when obviously most were struggling. The community geared up the day to celebrate what people did have back then, friendship. So they tied in the commemoration of the city’s heritage with a community day and incorporating the theme “Leave Your Pocketbook at Home”. The town brought together organizations, churches and businesses along with individuals to give a little something back to the citizenry.
So this big ‘thank you’ to the town folk has occurred every year since.
About mid-morning, a parade starts going around our city park, which is centered in the middle of town. This parade is a story unto itself. When I first saw this event, it was almost surreal – giant steam-powered tractors which are the biggest stars of the show, come puffing down the street. I mean giant; like a couple stories tall. I can’t really describe it because it feels like you stepped back in time.
These are museum pieces and you have to realize that these behemoths with one-cylinder, yes one cylinder, are actually still running over 100 years after they first were built. It’s hard to believe these vehicles can run and some of them are absolutely beautiful.
Every tractor you can imagine drives by, along with lots of bands and of course, the town’s officials and business people. Classic cars, steamrollers, harvesters and fire engines of different sorts also parade around plus there are some cool horse-drawn vehicles which they too might have dignitaries riding onboard.
This year’s royalty are Marshal and Queen are Art Von Dollen and Barbara Bethel Lewin, while the Pioneer Day Belle is Mackenzie Erb.
There’s more
After the parade, the lines form for the ‘bean feed’ – it’s free so you can imagine what it looks like when all of a sudden several thousands people stand in line in our city’s park.
Then you can mill around the downtown or go to the Museum (Pioneer Park) and look at some of the vehicles up close. There’s also a horseshoe throwing contest.
There are all kinds of things to do like watch wood carvers, shelling and grinding corn, make butter, watch a smith shoe a horse and basket-making. There’s probably more but you get the picture.
If you’re into antiques and friendly socializing the way it used to be, this event is perfect. It truly is everything that a small town or community can offer. The atmosphere is fun and special.
Although I’ve been coming to the area since the ’60s, I’ve only lived here for a handful of years; it is events like this that are the reasons why I love Paso Robles and the Central Coast.
This marks the 81st edition of Pioneer Day and will be held on Saturday October 8th. The weather is usually mild to warm (highs in the low 80s).
The more I learn about Paso Robles, the more I love Paso Robles.
It’s pure Americana.
Sources – Paso Robles, Paso Robles Press, San Luis Obispo Tribune, Main Street Association
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