PASO ROBLES, CA – The 2019 Industrial Arts Auction was held on Thursday, July 18 during Cattlemen & Farmers Day at the California Mid-State Fair. This year’s auction, with auctioneer Rick Machado, brought in $153,000, shattering the single-day record and topping last year’s $100,825 by over 50%. Over $650,000 has been brought in since the auction began over 20 years ago.
Airgas has been the presenting sponsor of the Industrial Education Program since it’s inception; the program was designed to showcase the many talents of local high school fabricators. High school shop instructors oversee their students, who design a variety of projects using basic and advanced welding techniques, to produce BBQ’s, trailers, utility racks, wine racks, shop benches, porch swings, coffee tables, and other stunning projects.