Fair Weather Has a Unique Meaning in Paso Robles

Fair Weather In July

The most common usage of the term "fair weather" is as the opposite of "foul weather." According to the Oxford American Writer's Thesaurus, fair weather is 'FINE, dry, bright, clear, sunny, cloudless, warm, balmy, clement, benign, pleasant.'  Here in Paso Robles, though, locals have their own interpretation of "fair weather."

It seems that very year in July when the California Mid-State Fair comes to Paso Robles it is very, very hot. This week, for example, with the fair in town, we've had triple digit temperatures that are expected to last most of the week before dropping to the nineties. That's what I call fair weather.

I took the photo tonight at 8:30. The temperature was still 85 degrees when I went to get the mail. As I walked back home and looked south, those clouds looked like layers of heat to me.

I can't handle hot weather, so I rarely get to the fair. I understand that the air conditioning went out in at least one of the buildings yesterday -- the one a friend of mine was working in. She said they had to depend on fans to fight the oppressive heat.

Murder at the Mid-State Fair

Did you know that Earlene Fowler wrote a murder mystery set at the Mid-State Fair? She is one of my favorite authors because most of her Benni Harper mysteries are set here in San Luis Obispo County. I love her characters and I enjoy being able to visualize the places mentioned in the books -- even though the author disguises the place names a bit. For example, San Luis Obispo is referred to as San Celina. Any local will find it easy to figure out the settings, and some, like Paso Robles and Morro Bay aren't disguised. Read my review of State Fair here.   Why not pick up a copy at the library while the fair is happening? Or pick it up at Amazon.

Have You Voted for Your Favorite Scarecrow Yet?

There's More than One Voting Decision to Make Soon in Paso Robles

The deadline to vote for your favorite downtown scarecrow is October 28. Walk around downtown, look at all of them, and when you find the one you like best, go inside the sponsoring business and vote. You just might win a prize. Prize-winning voters and the winning scarecrow entry will be announced at the big Safe and Fun Halloween Party in the park on October 31. Get more details on both contest and party here. 

Do you know who is under the ghost costume in this photo? If you do, please put your answer in the comments. For a hint, consider the location. If you frequent the businesses by the park you will know the identity. 

Order These to Make Halloween More Fun at Your House

Some of My Favorite Scarecrows

I got downtown to look around after most stores had closed and I didn't have a map. Here's what I found as I walked around near the park. 

This is a closer look at the fellow next to the ghost. I wanted you to see his sign. 

I tend to like book-themed characters and costumes, so I was immediately drawn to this scarecrow version of the Cat in the Hat.

His costume is similar to the one below.

 The Cat in the Hat Cat in the Hat I Can Do That! Game Dr. Seuss Hat Dr. Seuss Cat In Hat Kids Costume - Medium

& 

Here's one with a pumpkin head.

Here's my last scarecrow  photo. I wish I'd picked up a guide, but I hadn't thought to do that. I did see one scarecrow hidden after the business sponsoring it had closed, but not enough of it was visible to photograph it. My advice is to go look for scarecrows during late morning or early afternoon.  For best results, pick up a guide first at the Paso Robles Main Street Office in the alley between 12th and 13th Streets. Look for the Norma's Way sign.

Which of these might you vote for?  

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