Inside Paso Robles

How Paso Robles is Celebrating Its 125th Anniversary in 2014

If you were fortunate enough to be in the downtown City Park in Paso Robles on New Year's Eve, then you know that this special community rang in 2014 with an enormous bang. The fireworks show and Glow in the Park event were top-notch and a fantastic ways to kick off a full year's worth of activities celebrating our 125th Anniversary. We have so much more in store to celebrate this milestone, including daily self-guided tours, events, a monthly newsletter, recipes and more!

Here are some of the ways you can enjoy Paso Robles and its rich history in 2014:

Upcoming Events - If you're even remotely familiar with Paso, you know that we love to throw a good party. Turning 125 has given us TONS of great reasons to celebrate, including Happy Birthday Paso Robles (March 11, 2014), a 125th anniversary-inspired Independence Day celebration (think watermelon eating contest and horse parade plus fireworks), an Old Fashioned Family Fun Day in the Park during Pioneer Day and much, much more. For a full list, go to the events page at   www.paso125.com

Historic Tours, Trails and Kids Scavenger Hunt - Any day of the week you can take one of these self-guided tours of the Paso Robles area to get a feel for the natural veauty and rich history of the area. We will also be launching an Historic Winery Trail, a Kids Scavenger Hunt (with prizes!) and even a Geocaching Tour of Paso Robles in the new year. The Historical Society has plans for a tour, there is a 12.5-mile Fun Run in the works and more. Stay tuned for details. 

 

Merchandise -You can find commemorative items, including the 125th Anniversary cookbook, hats, shirts, pins and coins at the following locations: PAso Robles Historical Society/Carnegie Library, Pioneer Museum, Friends of the Library Gift Shop, Chamber of Commerce and Pithy Little Wine Company (who will ship cookbooks nationwide).

 

If you couldn't be in the park on New Year's Eve, here is what you missed, courtesy of KateofAvila on youtube: 

Happy New Year from Paso Robles, California! Come join us in 2014 to help us celebrate our 125th Anniversary. For more information on the history of Paso Robles and all of the events planned to celebrate this milestone, go to www.paso125.com or follow on Facebook at www.facebook.com/paso125. 

Paso Robles Inn launches “Haunted Hotel Dinner Tour”

Join fellow ghost hunters for a rousing good time as the Paso Robles Inn offers an evening of spine-tingling stories and deliciously fine fare and explore tales from the past and present at this historic Paso Robles property.

In homage to the town of Paso Robles’ 125th anniversary celebration, and just in time for Halloween, the Paso Robles Inn has dredged up the lively history of this little town to share some of the more interesting tales of its past. Not surprisingly, it all begins on the grounds of the Historic Paso Robles Inn.

From 1864 as the busy stagecoach stop, to the 1891 hostelry for the rich and famous, to its current incarnation as the Paso Robles Inn, you’ll learn all about the Inn’s history and its hauntings, view their scrapbooks and photo albums, and touch real artifacts unearthed when the 1942 Inn was built.

Among all this fun, you’ll be hosted at a special dinner just for tour guests at the Inn’s noted Steakhouse. What’s for dinner? Bloody good prime rib, of course! You’ll enjoy this specially hosted full-service dinner along with 2 glasses of local Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon.

After dinner, you will walk the grounds, viewing sites of recurring hauntings and visit “the most haunted building” on the hotel grounds.

Whether you believe in ghosts or not, you’ll find your evening filled with humor, interesting stories and decidedly delicious food and wine!

You’ll enjoy:

• An interesting overview on Paso Robles’ history and the role the Inn played in the formation of the town
• Stories of the area hauntings, as well as those specific to the Paso Robles Inn
• A guided walk through the hotel grounds and into the “most haunted” building on the grounds
• Ghosts 101: a fun introduction to what modern day ghost hunters think and believe about this paranormal phenomenon
• A deliciously sumptuous full service dinner of the Inn’s famous Prime Rib, with 2 glasses of wine
• Insider access to the Inn’s scrapbooks, photo albums and select items unearthed during the building of the Inn in 1942
• A guided stroll downtown to end your evening with coffee/tea and dessert.

BOOK NOW: Haunted Hotel Dinner Tour

Pioneer Day in Paso Robles

The first Pioneer Day was held on October 12, 1931. It was organized by community volunteers working with generous donations of time, materials and money from individuals, businesses, churches and service organizations.

Their goal was to provide a day of community friendship and a commemoration of the heritage of the Paso Robles area. It would also become a day set aside to say "Thank You" to all of the people who support the business and professional community of the area throughout the year. Most businesses closed so that their employees could enjoy and participate in the activities and family reunions. There were to be no charges for any of the events, no commercial concessions and lunch would be provided at no cost.

The Pioneer Day Parade starts promptly at 10 am on Saturday, October 12th in downtown Paso Robles. The parade route starts at 17th and Spring Street and ends surrounding the Paso Robles City Park.

It is fun for the entire family. Bring your favorite lawn chairs, hats and sunscreen and plan on a memorable experience.

You can expect to see Antique Tractors, Horse Drawn Wagons, Marching Bands, Mounted Equestrian Groups, Youth Groups, Church Groups, Civic Groups, Floats, vintage cars, fire engines, military vehicles and more. Oh - and did we mention tractors?!?

It's Unique... THE WHOLE DAY IS FREE and entirely funded by the business people and dedicated citizens of our area who say: "Leave Your Pocketbook at Home" Come, celebrate in friendship!

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

October 12th, 2013

7:00 am - Bean Feed Preparation
Paso Robles City Park


7:30 am - Antique Classic Car Judging
King Oil Tools
2235 Spring Street (old Reneau lot)

8:00 am - Children's Pet Show
12 years and under
Paso Robles City Park Gazebo 

8:30 am - Little Cowboy / Cowgirl Contest


Paso Robles City Park Gazebo

10 :00 am - Pioneer Day Parade 

Starts at 17th & Spring Street
Continues around City Park

12 Noon - Free Bean Feed 
Paso Robles City Park

12  Noon - Carnegie Library & Historical Museum Opens
City Park

1:00 pm - Horseshoe Pitching Contest
Paso Robles City Park

1:00 pm - Band Concert
Paso Robles City Park

1:00 pm - Pioneer Museum Opens
2010 Riverside 
(Next to Paso Robles Event Center)

1:00 pm - Old Gas Engine Show
Pioneer Park
(Next to Pioneer Museum)

1:00 pm - Wagon, Tractor & Steam Engine Display
Dutch Oven Cookin'
Mule Packing Demonstration
at the Pioneer Museum
2010 Riverside 
(Next to Paso Robles Event Center)

The Paso Robles Inn serves up hospitality with a side of history and hot springs

by Laura Gurreau

As the guide of the Paso Robles Food & Wine Tour, a stop at the Paso Robles Inn is a “must” for a variety of reasons. In that I’m a bit of a history nut, I’ve considered it imperative that I share the bona fide reason for the town’s existence … and it all winds nicely back to the hot springs and the stage coach stop of the same name. Later, this very successful and busy stagecoach stop renamed itself the Paso Robles Hot Springs Hotel.

On this location three hotels including the present day Paso Robles Inn have evolved since its start in 1864. The hotel’s rich and interesting history is mostly forgotten, except by those who chance the luck of peeking behind the present day façade perched staunchly on Spring Street. Note: even the name of the main drag in town alludes to the history of the town’s beginning: (hot) spring.

I’ve been to the Paso Robles Inn maybe 100 times since I started the food tour last year, and every time I visit I find something new and wonderful to capture my attention and imagination. I can honestly say people who have not ventured behind the structure that serves as the hotel’s check-in have no idea of the treasures that rest beyond.

In addition to wide eyes of surprise, the most frequent comment I get on our visit to the Inn is, “I had no idea all this existed!” As if unveiling a new treasure, with a wink of an eye and a knowing smile, I nod my head in understanding. As my guests gaze upon the luscious greenery, century old redwoods and olive trees, the meandering path through the grounds beckons them on to explore. However, first I say, “we eat – then we walk.”

As I turn my group toward the garden patio dining area, I witness another breath of “aaahhhs.” I guide my group to a welcoming table set with a white linen tablecloth, china and wineglasses. In fact, while talking and gazing at the gardens, our wine glasses are filled, now calling for us to sit and relax. Smiles all around … I can tell that once again the setting enchants.

I explain to my guests that by way of its exterior coffee house appearance, the Steakhouse is often undiscovered by visitors. But, I whisper, it’s a real find.  Since Kevin Hyland was hired a few years ago to spiff up the food and beverage experience at the Inn, we’ve witnessed a whirlwind of enhancements including the hiring of Chef Kevin Fryburger, a new menu based on fresh, local product, and “chef gardens” growing an assortment of herbs and vegetables throughout the grounds

If you were to ask either of the “Kevins” both would probably say that meat, particularly their Prime Rib, is the highlight of their menu. And in all fairness, the Prime Rib is absolutely delicious (and what we serve on our food tour). However, I regularly frequent the Steakhouse with friends and have ordered an assortment of menu items and found all similarly outstanding.

Below are a few of my personal favorites:

• The Iceburg Wedge – classic, simple, crispy fresh;
• The California Salad – a much better take on the traditional tostada salad. I love the spicy creamy dressing;
• The famous Prime Rib Sandwich – their spin adds aged white cheddar and fresh avocados;
• The Gorgonzola Grilled Chicken Sandwich – always a winner;
• The California Lettuce Wraps – this is mom’s favorite (and she’s a tough customer).

After dining and enjoying our wine, I rouse the group for our walk through the Inn’s gardens. The cooler and refreshing atmosphere is a treat as we wind our way through the green canopy of trees and shrubs. There’s tons of history to the grounds and hotel, but I’d spoil all the surprises if I shared them here. Just know that you’ll be pleasantly surprised and enchanted by taking the time to explore the hotel, its grounds, historic ballroom from 1891 … and most especially the food being dished out at the Steakhouse.

Enjoy!

About Laura: Laura Gurreau is the owner of Central Coast Food Tours. A longtime 'local', Laura shed her career as a management consultant to follow her passion for food and wine. She enjoys meeting the farmers, chefs, winemakers and artisanal food producers who make Paso Robles a premier destination for fine foods and delicious wines. Laura can be found sharing her 'finds' with guests of her Paso Robles,San Luis Obispo and Farm-to-Table Food Tours.

Family-Friendly Paso Robles, Part 8: Santa Margarita Ziplines

This is part eight in a series from guest blogger Zane Thormodsgaard, who impressed local marketing experts with his fourth grade social studies report on Paso Robles and was invited to enjoy the family-friendly attractions in Paso Robles firsthand and report out on his experiences.

If you are a thrill seeker, come to the Santa Margarita zip line (www.margarita-adventures.com)! You might think you just zip line, but you also get a tour through their land on your way to the zip line.  Our tour guide Willie was awesome!  He was funny and informative. 

The property includes a vineyard and ranch.  We saw a lot of animals including a huge bull, some cows and fawns.  There were also many types of birds, including vultures, owls, magpies and hawks. 

The ranch is as big as 160 Disneylands!  It was amazing.  I loved learning about it.

We finally reached the top of the mountain and we were ready to zip line.  When I looked over the   cliff, I was so nervous my hands were shaking!  But as soon as I jumped, I was relieved! 

I zipped through, but when I looked down, I thought I must have been 100,000,000 feet in the air. 

The first zip line was the longest and had the steepest drop.  The next one was shorter, but just as exciting! On the third course, you get a running start, then jump off into mid-air.  On the fourth course, they give you a bean bag and you have to try and throw it into a bucket for a prize!  None of my family made it however. I had so much fun!  

I would recommend you go the Santa Margarita Ranch Zip Line after they have finished building the fifth one that is even bigger and faster than the other ones!

 

Zane and Koda Thormodsgaard

 

About Margarita Adventures: Margarita Adventures, LLC is a private family-owned and locally operated company. The Margarita Adventures team is committed to offering guests a safe, memorable and rewarding experience.
Our mission is to:
    -Offer a uniquely thrilling perspective on a true California landmark—the historic Santa Margarita Ranch.
    -Promote awe and appreciation for our natural surroundings, taking inspiration from the Native Americans and indigenous peoples who inhabited the terrain of Santa Margarita Ranch for thousands of years.
    -Introduce guests to Santa Margarita Ranch as one of the California coastline’s most significant historical and geological experiences.
    -Showcase how native ecosystems can be nurtured and even restored within a working ranch and vineyard environment.
    -Honor the tradition of early California rancho hospitality with a healthy sense of adventure and accomplishment.
Join us today for a soaring taste of California history, nature, wine and adventure.

www.margarita-adventures.com

The Anatomy of a Tourism Destination - 1800's Version

Tents near bath house, pre-amenities

One of the reasons to love Paso Robles is that everywhere you go, you meet friendly people. Locals, shop owners, waiters, tasting room attendants, bartenders and hotel front desk clerks all exude warmth and a welcoming attitude that is hard to find in other regions.

While it’s easy to believe that it’s sort of a happy accident, it turns out that Paso Robles has gone above and beyond regular “hospitality” since the mid 1800′s.

Long before Highways 101 and 46, or even the railroads, brought visitors here for our wine, Paso Robles was a visitor destination for our healing hot mineral springs and mud baths.

As far back as the 1850’s, visitors were arriving via stagecoach, buckboard, on horseback and even on foot to find cures for their ailments that the hot springs would reportedly cure. And to show their appreciation for visitors, the town rolled out the red carpet, Paso Robles style.

The Paso Robles Inn uncapped the old hot mineral springs wells in 1999 and now select guest rooms have spa tubs on their balconies

Right smack dab in the middle of town, where our Library and the Paso Robles Inn currently sit, was an underground hot spring (you may have heard of its resurgence, as it were, after our 2003 earthquake, but that’s another story for another day). In short order, guest cabins were built around the spring, as well as the first iteration of the soon-to-be-world-famous Paso Robles Hot Springs Hotel, which would eventually be replaced by a large, resplendent version that would attract the likes of celebrities such as  Ignace Paderewski and The Pittsburgh Pirates, among others.

Streetcars were added to get people to the hot springs and mud baths more easily

There was also a taxi service to get folks from their hotel to the hot springs and as demand increased, a horse-drawn trolley on rails was installed to get more people to the hot springs and mud baths more easily.

Pretty impressive, big-city service for a town of less than 500 people.

That spirit of hospitality is still alive and well today. Paso Robles residents are some of the warmest, most welcoming people you will ever meet, to friends and strangers alike. Our wineries, restaurants and hotels are happy to give visitors suggestions on making the most of their visit to Paso Robles, and there is a pretty good chance that if you walk around our downtown, more than one friendly stranger will give you a warm smile and greeting.

If you’d like to experience “taking the cure” in Paso Robles, there are three places to still experience hot mineral springs baths – the Paso Robles Inn, River Oaks Hot Springs Spa and Franklin Hot Springs.

And you don’t have to pitch a tent either, we have 20 hotels, numerous bed and breakfast inns and vacation rentals to choose from.

We’re good like that, our history is hospitality.

Paso Robles - by Zane, 4th Grade, Manhattan Beach

We were recently contacted by Zane T. of Manhattan Beach who was preparing a report on Paso Robles for his 4th grade persuasive speech project. He needed to know the Top 10 things to do in Paso Robles. 

After doing deep tourism research and receiving suggestions from Mr. Berry's 4th Grade class at Kermit King Elementary, Zane's report scored an A! Here is the speech that did it (we believe that Zane has a brilliant future in tourism promotion):

If you like to boat, hike, and be adventurous, Paso Robles is the place for you! Over the summer instead of playing (hold up wii remote) those lame video games, you should get outside and hit the road to Paso!

Wow! Look over there - it's the Ravine Waterpark. You should definitely visit the amazing Ravine Waterpark.  The park is filled with many wacky rides such as “The Toilet Bowl”. (hold up picture) This fun, fast, mind blowing adventure swirls around a toilet-shaped bowl.

Midway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, Paso Robles is located in the central coast region.  It has a mild and dry coastal climate.  It has flat land for agriculture and beautiful rolling hills with lots of oak trees.    It is the perfect place to grow grapes - their number 1 crop.  It is also known for producing nuts such as walnuts and almonds. (show can of nuts)  

Paso Robles wineries attract people from all over the country.Some of them are family-friendly. Your parents could stop by to taste some wine (hold up wine bottle) while you play bocce ball outside or even taste fresh grape juice.

(Put on helmet) Do you like riding bikes? Because on Memorial Day weekend, families gather at the Great Western Bicycle Rally.Families camp at the Paso Robles Event Center and spend most of the weekend riding bikes and having contests.

Another fun event on Memorial Day is the Paso Robles Festival of Arts.  It is a live art show where you can see people dance and hear musicians play.  The festival is held in Paso’s City Park -  otherwise known as the heart of the city.  Paso’s city park is an extraordinary place to go.  Every Friday the park has a farmer’s market where you can buy fresh produce (hold up a piece of fruit) from local farmers.

Back in the days when Paso was first founded, it was known for it’s mineral hot springs.  Travelers along the El Camino Real would stop for relaxation in the hot springs.  And up to this day, Paso Robles is still famous for its hot springs. 

If you want to learn about more of Paso Robles’ history, go to the Pioneer Museum. There you can see lots of artifacts from the olden days when the Salinan Indians and  Franciscan Missionaries lived in Paso.  (hold up book)

If you get hot you should cool off in the sparkling waters of Lake Nacimiento! (pick up fishing pole) From swimming, water skiing, boating, hiking and fishing, Lake Nacimiento has great activities for adventurous people.

Do you guys like the Hometown Fair? If you do, then you’ll LOVE  the Mid-State Fair because it is 10 times bigger and better! There are a lot of fun activities such as carnival rides, big name concerts like Selena Gomez and Justin Beiber, and even pig races!

Well, I better get going - I hope I see you in Paso Robles over the summer!  Maybe we can race down the toilet bowl together.

Zane plans to return to Paso Robles this summer to experience The Ravine Waterpark, (and the Toilet Bowl) for himself.

 

Paso Robles’ Musical History and Future

By Cindy Steinbeck

Paso Robles’ history is truly something to boast about! We celebrate our wine history and future in May during the Wine Festival; our rich agricultural history in October during Pioneer Day and November is the month our city has chosen to celebrate our rich musical history through the one-of-a-kind Paderewski Festival.

Our November music festival, held last weekend, is named after Ignacy Jan Paderewski (1860-1941). His contributions to the history and culture of Paso Robles are celebrated annually. Concerts by world-renowned experts and piano competitions bring people together to celebrate Paso’s rich heritage and look toward the future of music.  A beautiful statue of Paderewski was unveiled as part of the 2012 celebrations.

Paderewski bought land in Paso Robles in 1914; a year after the City of Paso Robles organized their first city band. Another lesser known musician also holds an amazing spot in Paso’s rich music history…

William Ernst was born to my father’s great grandparents in 1876, just 16 years after Paderewski’s birth. His family named Geneseo, CA (just 6 miles South and East of Paso Robles) after Geneseo, IL when they settled there in 1884. Will loved music, not farming like the rest of his family.  He was considered a misfit and absent minded. When Will ran the plow team he would stand on the harrow with the reins for the horses around his shoulders so he could play the violin while he farmed.

Will may have been considered eccentric in this farming community, but he was a shining star in the music world. He organized the Creston Band in 1888 when he was only 12 years old. He traveled back to the Midwest to be educated at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music and The Dana Institute of Music. After graduating from these music schools he traveled to Los Angeles where he pioneered the Jazz movement in the Majestic and Superba Theaters. He was later hired by the City of Paso Robles as the city band director.

Will and his wife Ruby operated a successful Saxophone Conservatory on 77^th Street in New York City for 11 years where they taught as many as 700 students a week. They authored a book called “Improvising and Filling In” which was published by Irving Berlin and endorsed by the world’s premier saxophonists. Will’s most famous composition, Henrietta, was performed by his Saxophone Band on May 3, 1928 in Carnegie Hall.  

This rich history and more, including a 1921 Holton Saxophone, is on display in the Steinbeck Vineyards and Winery tasting room on Union Road in Paso Robles. At a recent Heritage Party my daughter and son-in-law, Stacy (piano) and Bryan Widstrand (vocal) performed the incredibly piece “Henrietta.” The crowd was fascinated by the beautiful intricacies of the composition and wowed by their performance.

The Pioneer Museum in Paso Robles is home to many family displays including Ignacy Paderewski and the Ernst family. Like Paderewski, the Ernst family grew grapes; like Paderewski the Ernst family made wine. The culture of music and wine continues on in Paso Robles through the Paderewski Festival each year. Celebrating the past through music and a glass of great wine provides great richness to our lives in Paso Robles. Celebrating the past through music and wine launches us more passionately into the future.

With the Paderewski Festival behind us, we hope that you all continue to celebrate the music of Paso Robles, along with the wine and rich history that our community has to offer.

Cindy Steinbeck is the owner of Steinbeck Vineyards & Winery and serves as director of marketing and public relations.  Cindy serves on the Board of Regents for Concordia University Irvine and travels extensively as an inspirational public speaker.  Please visit www.steinbeckwines.com to see more of the Steinbeck story.

 

Paso Robles: Paderewski Festival November 8-11, 2012

by Sasha Irving

The annual Padeweski Festival returns to Paso Robles this week, offering four days of exciting special events and concerts by internationally renowned musicians!

Between the SLO Symphony, Festival Mozaic, Symphony of the Vines, there is a lot happening with classical music on the Central Coast. The Padeweski Festival adds to the mix through its unique celebration of Ignacy Jan Paderewski and his legacy to our community and the world.

Easily Paso Robles’ most famous artist, Paderewski was a virtuoso pianist, composer, politician (the first Prime Minister of independent Poland after World War I), humanitarian, local landholder, vineyard owner, winemaker and almond grower. Polish by birth and a citizen of the world, Paderewski felt at home in America and lived in Paso Robles for nearly 25 years starting in 1914.

Highlighting this year’s festivities is the dedication of a 790-pound bronze likeness of Paderewski on November 10 at 12:30 pm. Rendered by artist Jessie Corsaut and erected with the support of city and county officials and the government of the Republic of Poland, the monument will be sited near the entrance of the historic Carnegie Library in the Paso Robles Downtown City Park. Locals and visitors are encouraged to join Paso Robles forefathers, civic leaders, historians and Polish dignitaries for the fanfare of its unveiling.

Audiences can also look forward to performances in several venues, beginning with the Opening Concert on Thursday, November 8 at Vina Robles Winery. It will feature the popular Central Coast band, Café Musique. With their signature blend of classical, swing, gypsy, folk and tango, their performance is sure to be a musical kaleidoscope you won’t want to miss! The no host wine reception and exhibit viewing starts at 6 pm, with music to follow at 7 pm. Tickets are $10 per person.

Experience other dynamic Festival events, including Music & Magic with Igor Lipinski, an up-and-coming concert pianist and award-winning magician from Poland on Friday night at Cass Winery, a special screening of Moonlight Sonata with exquisite piano solos performed by Paderewski on Saturday morning at Park Cinemas, and the Festival Gala Concert featuring highly-acclaimed violinist Kinga Augustyn and her recital partner, pianist Efi Hackmey on Saturday evening at the Paso Robles Inn Ballroom.

For information on these and other Paderewski happenings or to buy tickets, visit www.paderewskifest.com. You’ll be glad you did!

Sasha Irving is the Programs Director of Studios on the Park and the Coordinator of the annual Paso Robles Festival of the Arts. Proud to be a native Paso Roblan, she is also a member of Balet Folklorico Cachanilla and an usher at Old Mission San Miguel Arcangel.  For more information please visit www.studiosonthepark.org or call 805.238.9800.

Classic Films on the Big Screen in Paso Robles

by Chris Weygandt Alba

Classic films return to the big screen twice a year in downtown Paso Robles, thanks to the Downtown Paso Robles Main Street Association and the city’s downtown movie complex, Park Cinemas. These Sunday-evening classics, offered in September and February, are hugely popular with vintage movie buffs, boasting a $10 ticket price that includes popcorn and soda pop. It’s for a good cause, too, benefiting the local Main Street program that is devoted to the preservation and vitality of Paso Robles’ historic downtown.

On Sunday, Sept. 9, Main Street’s “Pajama Party” fundraiser features one of the greatest cinema romances of all time: the 1946 film-noir classic “The Big Sleep,” starring Humphrey Bogart and his sizzling new love, Lauren Bacall, in a devious mystery spun by masters Raymond Chandler and Howard Hawks.

“The Big Sleep” ranks in cinematic history as a classic work of film noir. Bogart—rated the greatest male star in the history of American cinema by the American Film Institute—plays the iconic hard-boiled detective Philip Marlowe with wicked cleverness, as he weaves through the lurid underbelly of 1940s L.A. glamour in a plot of blackmail, murder, and deceit.

The film is historic for another reason. “The Big Sleep” is Bogart’s second film with young Lauren Bacall, who is about to become his lifelong partner, and before your very eyes, the camera captures the deepening love affair between the icon and the ingénue. After filming wrapped in early 1945, scenes were re-shot and parts of the film revised to capitalize on their chemistry, and they married before the movie was released in 1946.

Seating is limited and advance tickets are advisable because previous events have sold out. They can be purchased in advance only through the Downtown Paso Robles Main Street Association. To use a credit card, call the office (Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) at 805-238-4103, or visit the office at 835 12th St., entering around back in the Norma’s Way alley.

The show begins at 7 p.m. on Sept. 9 at Park Cinemas (1100 Pine St.), but arrive much earlier for best seating. Main Street volunteers will have a table outside the cinema entrance if tickets are still available Sunday evening before showtime.

Chris Weygandt Alba left a magazine career in Southern California a dozen years ago for the greener pastures of her childhood home. Now she writes for a local magazine, profiling the many intriguing characters who make their home in northern San Luis Obispo County.