Weekend Spotlight: Mid-State Fair

July 21, 2011

By Karlee Prazak

It’s that time of year again, when big name musicians share the limelight with not only cattle, livestock and equine shows but with fried foods, beer gardens and carnival rides.

That’s right; the California Mid-State Fair is back.

If the cattle drives and apple pie contests didn’t persuade you to make the drive up to Paso Robles, the entertainment lineup might change your mind. The main stage will be host to the musical styling of the Steve Miller Band, Kid Rock, Marron 5, Train, the Counting Crows, Jason Aldean and for the younger crowd, Disney’s own Selena Gomez.

The fair will end its 12 day streak with the Country Rodeo Finals on Saturday and a Monster Truck Showdown on Sunday. The fair, and the respective entertainment, runs July 20 to 31.

Paso Robles will be host to more than just cowboys and concert-goers as July comes to a close. The town is also hosting the Central Coast Shakespeare Festival, which begins on Friday.

The outdoor festival is committed to giving audiences the finest renditions of classic Shakespearian works, as well as other classic stories. This weekend the players, which are a mix of local and professional talents, will perform As You Like It on Friday and Saturday, and then, The Comedy of Errors on Sunday.

If exercise is something on your “to-do list,” the Central Coast has a few morning races to get you going this weekend. The best part is, even if you don’t participate, watching and/or volunteering at races are a great way to get involved with such short time and, potential, lack of training.

On Saturday, the Stride with the Tide 5k fun run/walk, hosted by the Pismo Beach Recreation Division and the San Luis Distance Club, will take participants on an out-and-back sand run starting at the Pismo Beach Pier.

The top three finishers in 10 allotted age divisions will win metals upon finishing the race, which starts at 8:30 a.m. rain or shine. This is the perfect event for kids to spend a little pent-up energy on or get some morning exercise because the course is only about 3 miles. Event registration beings at 7:15 a.m. the day of.

Then on Sunday, the 32nd Annual SLO Triathlon will draw the serious racers for a swim-bike-run workout to remember. Although a triathlon takes some pre-training commitments, this short course is possible for the avid swimmer/biker/runner.

The course takes participants on a .5 mile swim, 15.3 mile bike ride and 3.1 mile run. All of which are around the heart of San Luis Obispo City. Even if the race doesn’t sound possible, but you want to get involved, triathlons are always in need of volunteers.

Finally, end the weekend with a little fun and games. The Spyglass Inn of Pismo Beach is hosting a murder mystery parody titled “The Beverly Hillbillies.”

The show features everyone’s favorite hillbilly family The Clampetts as they investigate a murder that takes place amongst their family gathering. The interactive event invites the audience to help solve a murder mystery while being entertained by a spoof of the TV show “The Beverly Hillbillies.”