By Connie Pendleton
“Star Spangled Pinedorado” is the theme of the Cambria Lions Club’s 76th annual celebration taking place in Cambria on Labor Day weekend, Sept. 5-7.
Kicking off the festivities is a 5K Fun Run beginning at 7:45 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 5, at Coast Union High School, 2950 Santa Rosa Creek Road. The route continues west along Main Street and returns to the school after reaching the Old Cambria Market Place (Shell Station) in West Village. Proceeds benefit the CUHS cross-country and soccer teams. On-site registration starts at 7 a.m. and the cost is $30.
The popular Pinedorado Parade begins at 9:30 a.m. the same morning at the corner of Bridge and Main Streets. It features marching bands, horse groups, non-profit organizations, classic cars, and several dignitaries. Chuck McMillan, longtime owner of Cambria Hardware, is grand marshal. A flyover by the Warbird Airplanes, historic military aircraft from Paso Robles, is also planned. The procession continues down Main Street, past the Pinedorado grounds to the far end of West Village.
During the evening of Saturday, Sept. 5, an Honorary Mayor’s Ball takes place at the Veterans’ Memorial Hall, 1000 Main St. This event serves as the finale to a fun contest where votes for candidates can still be purchased for $1 each as many times as one wishes for the benefit of local non-profit organizations. The contenders include Barrett Stuart, Cambria Tennis Club; Dianne “Lady Tie-Di” Brooke, Cambria PTA; Del Clegg, Cambria Rotary Club; and Jim Bahringer, American Legion Post 432. According to Juli Amodei, vice president of the Chamber of Commerce Board, a portion of the proceeds will also help pay for (much-needed) visitor center building repairs.
Entertainment begins at 6:30 p.m. with MC Rick Bruce performing his signature magic and entertainment. Attendees can enjoy dancing to live swing era music by the 16-piece Vineyard Jazz Band. The honorary mayor reveal follows final voting and candidate speeches. Guests are encouraged to wear formal attire inspired by the 1920s to 1940s. The cost is $50, which includes a complimentary glass of wine or soft drink and light appetizers with assorted treats. Beer and wine will also be available for purchase with a cash bar. Doors open at 6 p.m.
Tickets for the ball should be purchased in advance due to limited seating. Katherine Gillen, director of membership and marketing for the Chamber of Commerce, said tickets are available at the visitor center office, 767 Main Street, (805) 927-3624. The public also has the option to place votes at the Chamber office, by reaching out to individual candidates, or by Venmo at cambriachamber.org/mayors-race-inauguration-ball.
On Sunday, Sept. 6, up to 100 cars are expected at the highly anticipated Nate’s Car Show starting at 8 a.m. at the Veterans’ Hall parking lot. Lions Club organizers plan to honor the annual show’s founder, Nate Fearonce, who fulfilled his vision of adding a car show to the Pinedorado Days schedule 18 years ago. Fearonce died peacefully on Mother’s Day, May 10, 2026, at the age of 91. His family is traveling from Georgia to attend the show and help celebrate his life. A pancake breakfast, hosted by American Legion Post 432, is offered from 7 to 10 a.m. The show includes raffle prizes and giveaways starting at 2:30 p.m. and awards at 3 p.m. Administrative organizer Marissa Powels reports that car registration is still being accepted. The entry fee is a $65 donation with all proceeds benefiting the Cambria Lions Club charities.
Each day that weekend, a variety of activities are planned from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Pinedorado Grounds, 950 Main Street. Attractions include game booths, bounce house, kiddie rides, electric train, food court, chicken and beef barbecue, and a pub serving cold beer and local wines. Live performances include the Roughhouse Band starting at 1 p.m. Saturday; Ballet Folklorico, 2 p.m. Sunday; and Jill Knight Band, 1 p.m. Monday.
Main Street will be closed most of the day on Saturday, Sept. 5. Early arrival is recommended to secure easier parking. Public lots are available at the Cambria Dog Park, 2021 Rodeo Grounds Road; and on Center Street, west of Burton Drive.
For more information, visit cambrialions.org and/or cambriachamber.org.
