GOOD NEWS. REAL NEWS. HOMETOWN NEWS.
SINCE 1889 Making Communities Better Through Print.™ VOL. CXXXII, NO. VI
THURSDAY, JULY 29, 2021
pasoroblespress.com • $1.00 • WEEKLY
CALIFORNIA MID-STATE FAIR
CONCERT
Big & Rich: For the Love of Country Unbridled Country Rock and Patriotism at the CMSF
Left: Contenders anxiously await the final results of the Miss CMSF Pageant, from left to right, Hailey Frederick, Dana Rasmussen, Yvette Fiorentino, Gillian Umphenour, Shelby Degnan, Elizabeth Umphenour. Right: From left to right, 1st runner-up Cassidie Banish, Miss CMSF Yvette Fiorentino, 2nd runner-up Megan Moffat. Photos by Patrick Patton
A New CMSF Queen is Crowned Historic “COVID Court” reign comes to an end By PATRICK PATTON patrick@pasoroblespress.com
PASO ROBLES — Eight young women contended in the California Mid-State Fair (CMSF) Pageant on Wednesday, Jul. 21. After showcasing her unique talent of speed-painting, modeling a glittering emerald evening dress, and answering a final question, 21-year-old Yvette Fiorentino of Arroyo Grande was officially crowned as the 2021 CMSF Queen. “I’m overly thrilled and excited!” said Fiorentino. “I actually had to stop myself from crying on stage. It’s been a long time in the making—four years working at this—and
I am just so thrilled, and I honestly feel like I couldn’t have followed up a better Queen. Mikaila Ciampi was amazing, and I just hope I can live up to what she did for this pageant and the Mid-State Fair.” Fiorentino is attending Cuesta College, and her hobbies and interests include painting and horseback riding. She’s involved with the Woods Humane Society, a board member of the Portuguese Holy Spirit Society, a regular contributor to Vitalant, and a support assistant for RISE. Her awards and achievements include becoming 2019 Miss Congeniality, creating blankets for PAWS, and becoming a Veterinary Judge for FFA. Five words that describe her are outgoing, hard-working, compassionate, adventurous, and sassy. First Runner Up was awarded to 18-yearold Cassidie Banish of San Miguel. “I’ve made my dream come true,” said
RODEO
AWARDS
rope events. Dugan Kelly won the Timed Event Cowboy. This year’s rodeo finals were held in the covered arena rather than the Grandstand. Although the finals were held in a smaller arena, Roth said he enjoyed the small town and old-fashioned atmosphere. “[I was] Grateful they had the Fair. I loved it because the crowd is so close to you in the little arena, and I think it was fun for them,” said Roth. 2021 CMSF COUNTRY RODEO FINAL RESULTS:
Team Penning
1st Cody Mora, Clay Avila, Joe Roth
Barrels
1st Lisa Busick
Ranch Rope & Brand 1st Francisco Cruz, Franky Martinez, CONTINUED ON PAGE A15
CONTINUED ON PAGE A15
CONTINUED ON PAGE A15
GOVERNMENT
By CAMILLE DeVAUL camille@pasoroblespress.com
COVID-19 UPDATE
JoAnnn Switzer (center in purple) cuts the welcome ribbon as the traditional start of the 75th Annual California Mid-State Fair. Photo by Brittany App
began when Switzer was just ten years old. She joined the Pozo 4H Club and brought a lamb to show at the first CMSF—and it was that same year that Switzer became the Fair’s first Grand Champion for lambs. Then, the following six years, she won the 4H Grand Champion Steer. Switzer recalls walking her winning steers in the Parade of Champions that would happen in the Grandstand before the rodeo would start. The Fair has changed in many ways throughout its 75 (76 if you count 2020) years.
SOCIETY
By PATRICK PATTON patrick@pasoroblespress.com
When the Fair started, it was right after World War II. Switzer says supplies were low and white pants were nowhere to be seen, so show kids wore jeans and white t-shirts. Most kids will start showing animals in 4H and move into FFA once they reach high school. However, before 1969, girls weren’t allowed in FFA— something Switzer laughs about when she thinks back to her 4H days. In the early days, the Fair took
Switzer has participated in every Mid-State Fair since 1946
PASO ROBLES — If you have ever shown an animal at the California Mid-State Fair (CMSF) or walked through the livestock barns, you certainly encountered a lady in purple, JoAnn Switzer. As the Fair marks its 75th anniversary with the community, it also celebrates 75 years with JoAnn Switzer. Since 1946, Switzer has been involved with the Fair in one way or another. Switzer said, “It was a start, and it’s been nothing but go forward and bigger and better.” This year, Switzer decided it was time for her to take a step back and let the next generation take over the Fair. “I’m going to be 85 in September, and I don’t want to be one of those people who needs to get out of the way. So let the next generation do it,” laughs Switzer. Her history with the Fair
Above: Local singer/songwriter Callie Twisselman performs as the opening act for Big & Rich. Below: Country rock stars Big & Rich are joined by special guest Cowboy Troy (center) at the California MidState Fair. Photos by Patrick Patton
PASO ROBLES — American country music duo Big & Rich performed on the Chumash Grandstand Arena at the California Mid-State Fair on Friday, Jul. 24. Local Artist Callie Twisselman opened for Big & Rich and pumped up the crowd with a heartfelt set, including songs from her new debut EP entitled Closure. The local singer, songwriter, and musician grew up on a seventh-generation grain and cattle ranch outside of Shandon and lists country legends Dolly Parton and George Strait among her influences. “It felt like a dream opening for Big & Rich,” Twisselman said after the show. “They are such nice guys, and they put on an amazing show. It felt amazing to play a live show in general after this last year we had, but it was extra special that it was in my hometown!” D.J. Sinister spun a “country-fried mix” to keep the crowd moving between the opening and headlining acts before introducing and performing alongside Big & Rich. The performance consisted of a mix of country-rock, throwback medleys, and showstopping patriotism. The crowd was led in a chorus of God Bless America, and at one point, active duty service members were brought on stage, and each spoke to the crowd on why they decided to join the U.S. Military. The service members remained on stage for the rest of the show at
CONTINUED ON PAGE A15
JoAnn Switzer Retires From Mid-State Fair After 17 Years
California Mid-State Fair Country Rodeo Finalists Announced PASO ROBLES — Entries were up this year for the California Mid-State Fair Country Rodeo. The Fair saw over 140 entries. On Saturday, Jul. 24, the Country Rodeo Finals announced the All-Around Cowboy as Joe Roth. Roth said he got back into roping competitively because of his son Liam. Roth explained that he had won events before but, “Those things mean a lot more when you do it with somebody like Liam or Lane [Karney].” The All-Around Cowboy was Will Centoni, and the All-Around Cowgirls were Josie Pereira and Emerson Pereira for the match roping, match calf branding, reverse steer stopping, and cut n
longest-reigning court in CMSF history due to the cancellation of last year’s CMSF and have dubbed themselves the “COVID Court.” Ciampi handed down the sash and crown to Fiorentino after a touching farewell speech. “These past couple years as Miss California Mid-State Fair Queen have been quite a whirlwind,” said Ciampi. “Being the first queen to reign for two years has been an exciting adventure that I am so blessed to have embarked on. I am grateful to have served the Fair and my community during the pandemic. Selling popcorn for the Fair’s drive-in movies, attending all the Fair markets in crown and sash are some of the great memories that no other Queen in history has been able to share,
LADY IN PURPLE
Joe Roth and his son Liam Roth (left) and Roth on horse with Board of Director Krista Sabin standing (right). Contributed photos
By CAMILLE DeVAUL camille@pasoroblespress.com
Banish. “Being able to be a face of the Fair is something that is so exciting to me, and it’s just an amazing opportunity to have this spot for a year.” Second Runner Up was awarded to 23-year-old Megan Moffat of Paso Robles, who said of the title, “it means so much to me. I’ve always wanted to do this, and now I’ve stepped out of my comfort zone, and I did it, and I was rewarded for all my hard work.” The title of Miss Congeniality was awarded to 20-year-old Halley Frederick of Paso Robles. She said the title meant she was “the mom of the group basically, the one who is always prepared, so it was really fun to take care of everyone in this pageant.” Mikaila Ciampi, 2019’s CMSF Queen, along with 2019 Princesses Mary Hambly and Cara Bullard, will go down as the
WEATHER
pasoroblespress.com twitter.com/ @PasoRoblesPress facebook.com/ @PasoRoblesPress
CENTRAL COAST OLIVE OIL SENATOR LAIRD VISITS 20 California counties competed in the Paso Robles and meets with leaders International competition | A3 and community stakeholders | A4
GOVERNOR NEWSOM Announces State Employee Mandates for Vaccines | A5
WORLD DAY AGAINST Human Trafficking Nationally observed on July 30 | A13
“What We Need, When We Need It” “We’re very, very comfortable with American Riviera and their concept of supporting a small business. They understand our cashflow requirements, what we need and when we need it. And they’re very responsive to that.” — Michael and Margene Mooney, Chateau Margene
High 99° | Low 61°
5
67808 24135
7
True Community Banking means working together to find solutions.
Preferred SBA Lender AG LINES OF CREDIT | EQUIPMENT AG FINANCING ROW CROP LAND LOANS
AmericanRiviera.Bank • 805.965.5942 Paso Robles • San Luis Obispo Goleta • Santa Barbara • Montecito