Field of Light — Attraction in Paso Robles

** the fact that someone (perhaps owner) had my review removed should tell you everything you need to know. Here it is again.. this time, I was directed by my uncle who is a local news reporter to screen shot this review in case it gets removed, he'll help me tell my story...

My review will be slightly more unconventional, and I hope its well-received (unfortunately).

Let me preface this with saying the grounds are gorgeous! The artist is amazing! The food, drink and live music are right up my alley! It was a fabulous evening with my family, and definitely worth the roughly $300.00 I spent in total. I give 5 stars for that.

My problem lies with the subtle raci$m and bigotry of the security staff (one older age white woman who appeared to be a supervisor in particular). It was during the hand-held wand scanner process.

Here's the problem..

There where 5 of us in attendance: My 8 year old son -presents white My wife - white My wife's parents - obviously white Me- mixed (but presents black)

As the man of the family, I instruct the rest of my group to go ahead of me in security, and ill be last. I watch as each of them get a half a$s wand and sent through instantly. "Make a starfish" as they repeatedly exclaimed. Now it's my turn.

I get checked in the front (just like me family), but then I get spun around and checked in the back, THEN get spun around the front again and checked... Mind you, there were no beeps in my initial check, that would prompt the need for this "triple check, overly-secure demeanor". When they were finished, I mentioned it was weird and unusual, and there was no response. Like, what about me made you extra cautious, lady?

Because I felt so singled out, I wanted to see who else would be receiving this treatment. If there was a white who got the "possible smuggler" treatment, I'd drop it..but there wasn't

I waited 10 minutes worth, and finally she is spinning another guy around... While this guy wasn't black, he was a Latin man with braids in his hair, and definitely carried that "urban look" most blacks often adopt.. what a shame for security.

I turned back to catch up with my family as they were walking down the dirt path towards the live music stage. I relayed the story to my wife, and her reply was "sorry things like this happen to you, honey." My response was "it is what it is. Miserable, judgmental dirtbags are part of the world.

I then sat at our firepit table, ordered a delicious beer, and moved on with my evening (which ultimately was great as mentioned)

Be...

Absolutely mesmerizing experience. Parking opens half an hour before the park opens. There was already a line about twenty minutes prior to opening when I arrived. Once they opened the line moved quick, there is a quick metal detector check, don't bring pepper spray or opened liquids, think of it like TSA but faster. Once you go in there are a couple bar and food truck options serving Mexican food, alcohol and coffee. There is a stage with a live band you can watch until it gets dark. Over near the field there is a reserved terrace that you have to pay extra for, I elected not to do that, but it seems like a good place to watch the sunset and have food. There are different sections of the park and it is best to take a picture of the map as I almost missed the dimensions exhibit which ended being my favorite. The dimensions has metal structures you can spin or even go inside. The light towers were also cool in my opinion. I had no complaints, but there is a decent amount of walking. Some complaints I heard from other people was the cold weather (dress appropriately in fall as it can be around 50° and windy) as well as the food truck not having coffee ready at opening (you may have to wait or go inside the market to get a drink). It is dark so be careful on the slightly unlevel paths. Overall an amazing experience and I would...

This Place is great but definitely not worth spending $40/head. Also, their VIP tickets are $80 and $104, seriously....? Just to see bunch of lights in some desert!!! Glad I didn't purchased VIP tickets... even $20 is expensive for this place. There are no proper sign board with lights and Instructions at the entrance on Interstate, you will feel like you are entering into some private property and at some point you will see a guy waving with a flashlight to assist you parking. If you are expecting some light shows or something more exciting stuff inside, then please don't go here. But if you decided to go, here are the few things to keep in mind: you will just walk from one end to the other end of the field, nothing more than that. can't take pictures with your flash 'On', you will see lot of show-off at the entrance (checking the temperature and giving Covid19 Instructions), But no social distancing inside, few of the staff are really good but few of them are rude. it is better to spend money on the food trucks instead but to get to food trucks, you still have to buy the ticket.

I would never recommend this place to anyone unless they want to burn...