Each Memorial Day Weekend, the rolling hills of Santa Margarita Ranch transform into a living time capsule, where the rumble of antique engines and the whistle of a historic steam train echo across the landscape. From May 22–24, the Best of the West Antique Equipment Show returns, inviting visitors to step into the past and experience the machinery, traditions, and spirit that helped shape the American West.
Hosted by the Paso Robles Pioneer Day Committee in partnership with the Rossi Foundation, Best of the West has grown into far more than a showcase of vintage equipment. It’s a full-scale celebration of agricultural patriotism, heritage, and mechanical ingenuity.
Set against a ranch that dates back to 1774, the event offers an immersive backdrop rich in California history. Guests can explore landmarks like portions of the original El Camino Real, the historic Asistencia building, and a former Wells Fargo stagecoach stop, all while enjoying a packed schedule of activities. Tractor parades, earthmoving demonstrations, antique harvesting displays, and blacksmithing exhibitions bring history vividly to life, while vintage cars and military vehicles add to the sense of stepping into another era.
One of the most beloved attractions is the ranch’s steam train, a true historical gem with ties to classic television and theme park history. Families line up for a ride aboard restored passenger coaches, while children flock to the ever-popular Kid’s Corral, where hands-on activities like gold panning, butter making, and model train displays create lasting memories.
This year brings an exciting addition back to the skies. According to Tractor Committee Chair Austin Sligh, aircraft from the Estrella Warbirds will once again be featured, including iconic planes such as the C-47 and T-28. For the first time in several years, visitors will have the opportunity to view these historic aircraft up close on the runway.
"Every year, the numbers [of attendance] go up, and we're trying to do more and more," Austin shared.
On the ground, the show continues to evolve. This year’s featured equipment highlights International Harvester tractors.
At its heart, Best of the West was created with a purpose: to keep antique equipment running and relevant, and to pass that passion on to a younger generation. What began as a way to extend the life of tractors beyond a single annual parade has blossomed into a full weekend experience where families can camp, explore, and connect with local history in a hands-on way.
"We enjoy the tractors, but it's really another form of doing it for the community, the younger generation, and it's succeeded in that," Austin shares that the volunteers working on Best of the West are getting younger.
Equally important is the event’s deep sense of patriotism. Each day at noon, the grounds fall silent for a military salute, complete with a flyover and the national anthem. It’s a moment of reflection that highlights the significance of Memorial Day and honors the men and women who have served the country.
Behind the scenes, an often-overlooked group plays a vital role in making the event possible: local truckers. Weeks before the show begins, a coordinated convoy of 20 to 30 trucking companies transports antique tractors and equipment from the Paso Robles Pioneer Museum to the ranch. The procession — truck after truck hauling pieces of history down Highway 101 — is a spectacle in itself and a testament to the community effort behind the event.
"Nobody sees all the behind-the-scenes that our trucking people do, trucking is coordinated by a few of us, and there's 20 to 30 local trucking companies that move all this [equipment] down to the grounds," Austin explains.
Ultimately, Best of the West is about more than machinery. It’s about preserving stories, fostering connections, and creating an experience that bridges generations. Whether you come for the tractors, the planes, the food, or the history, one thing is certain: this Memorial Day Weekend tradition continues to grow, bringing the past to life in ways that resonate well into the future.
For tickets and more information, visit bestofthewestshow.com
