Bolado Park, also known as the Bolado Park Event Center and Bolado Park Fairgrounds, is owned by the state of California and operated by the 33rd District Agricultural Association. It is located on California State Route 25, about eight miles south of Hollister. Surrounded by beautiful country side, the park offers group and RV camping sites year round. The park rents its facilities-buildings, picnic areas and grandstand-for a variety of private parties and public events, such as rodeos, roller derby games, music festivals and car shows. The park and the events held there are family friendly.
Parking and public transportation at Bolado Park
Parking is available on the grounds. The park is not accessible by public transportation. The San Benito County Express may run a free shuttle from Hollister and San Juan Bautista to the park during the county fair weekend.
Best and worst time to go to Bolado Park
The best time for camping is on weekdays during the summer and anytime between November and May. The worst time for camping is on weekends from May to October when big events take place at the park or in the area.
Admission to Bolado Park
Some events, such as the county fair, charge an admission fee. Otherwise, entry to the park is free. There is a daily fee for camping. The park offers monthly camping rates from November 1 to March 31.
Must see/do at Bolado Park
The annual San Benito County Saddle Horse Show and Rodeo is held the fourth weekend in June. The event celebrates the county's longtime ranching tradition and heritage. Another annual event is the San Benito County Fair, an old-fashioned fair with 4-H, floral, quilts, art, food, livestock and other exhibits and competitions. Usually held the first weekend in October, the county fair also features a livestock auction, carnival, truck pull and live entertainment.
Other places to visit near Bolado Park
The east entrance of the Pinnacles National Park, formerly known as the Pinnacles National Monument, is about 21 miles south of Bolado Park. This national park is known for its amazing volcanic rock spires and faces, which was formed from an ancient volcano in Southern California many millions of years ago. The park is popular with hikers, picnickers, rock climbers, birdwatchers and campers.
About .3 miles north of the park is the San Benito County Historical Park where visitors can see a collection of historic homes, one-room school, dance hall and other buildings, as well as vintage vehicles and farm equipment, that were moved from other parts of the county. Open daily, from dawn to dusk, the park has picnic tables and a short hiking trail that goes above the park.
Flapjack's Country Cafe, a popular breakfast joint for both locals and travelers, is one mile north of the park near the north end of Tres Pinos. The restaurant also offers lunch. Outdoor seating is available.
Insider tip for visitors to Bolado Park
California State Route 25 goes by three names locally. It's known as Bolsa Road from Highway 101 to San Felipe Road, where it turns into the Pinnacles National Highway for a few miles. At Sunnyslope Road, it becomes the locally known Airline Highway.
Author's bio: Susan Echaore-McDavid writes a blog about Hollister and nearby areas.