Win $250 in Artwork Design Contest

Submit the winning artwork for the 2011 Nevada County Fair and you could win

The Nevada County Fairgrounds is sponsoring a contest to find the best artwork to illustrate the 2011 Nevada County Fair theme – “Gold! Rush to the Fair.” If you’re a talented artist, and you’d like $250, then this is the contest to enter!

The contest, which is open to Nevada County residents only, takes place now through Friday, January 14. If you submit the winning artwork, you will win $250 and a 2011 Nevada County Fair package that includes admission tickets, parking and carnival coupons. Additionally, the winning artwork will be used on various Fair promotional pieces, print ads, buttons, t-shirts, banners, posters, and flyers.

Interested artists may use any medium and can submit up to three entries, which must be on 8-1/2 by 11-inch paper. Entries can be delivered to the Fairgrounds Office at 11228 McCourtney Road or mailed to the Fair Office at PO Box 2687, Grass Valley, CA 95945. A complete set of rules can be found on the Fair’s website at www.NevadaCountyFair.com, or by calling the Fair Office at (530) 273-6217.

Lucy Galbraith of Nevada City submitted the winning slogan, “Gold! Rush to the Fair,” for the five day Fair, August 10 – 14, 2011.

Donate A Can of Food, Receive $1 off Sunday's Admission Price to the Country Christmas Faire

The Nevada County Fairgrounds and HOPE (Helping Other People Eat) in Nevada County are teaming up to help feed those in need in Nevada County.

Bring a can of food (or two or three) to the Country Christmas Faire on Sunday, November 28, and the Fairgrounds will give you a coupon for $1 off general admission to the Christmas Faire on that day. Volunteers from HOPE will collect the cans at the food collection bins at the Fairgrounds from 10 am – 4 pm at Gates 1, 3 and 5, which is also where you’ll receive your coupon.

With the help of HOPE, all food collected at the Fairgrounds on Sunday will be used to help feed those in need in Nevada County. HOPE in Nevada County is a program established through the Grass Valley Elks. Through this program, the Grass Valley Elks partner with the Food Bank of Nevada County to feed those in need, as well as working with the organization on a school snack program. HOPE distributes food once a month to anyone in the county in need of food and emergency food every Monday. Call Lari at (530) 263-4753 to volunteer or donate.

The Country Christmas Faire is happening Thanksgiving weekend, November 26 – 28, at the Nevada County Fairgrounds. Hours are 10 am – 5 pm on Friday and Saturday, and 10 am – 4 pm on Sunday. Cost is $4, and free to children under 12.

HUELL HOWSER FEATURES THE NEVADA COUNTY FAIR

Segment to air on Thursday,
November 4 at 8 pm on KVIE Channel 6

Huell Howser’s segment on the Nevada County Fair will air on Thursday, November 4, at 8 pm on KVIE Channel 6. In addition to the November 4 airing, an encore broadcast will air at 3 pm on Saturday, November 6. The show is part of Howser’s new PBS series, California’s Golden Fairs, which will showcase the variety of interesting people and events held at California fairs, as well as focus on the rich history and relevance of all California fairs.

Howser, noted television personality and founder of the PBS program: California’s Gold, spent a day at the Nevada County Fair in August. During his visit, Howser spent time on the Fair’s Treat Street, sampling the various foods and interviewing individuals from the various non-profit organizations represented on Treat Street.

Howser’s new PBS series, California’s Golden Fairs, will be rolled out in the Spring of 2011. However, a “sneak preview” of six episodes, including the episode featuring the Nevada County Fair, are being released early on PBS stations throughout California. All shows aired in this sneak preview will be shown again as a part of the spring 2011 series. The entire series will air at a rate of one per week for 12 weeks. In addition to the 11 featured Fairs, Huell Howser Productions will produce a compilation episode focusing on the rich history of all California fairs.

There are 78 Fairs in California. Howser chose to feature the Nevada County Fair because of its strong community roots, its natural beauty, and its unique Treat Street.

Contests, Costumes and a Cupcake Walks

The Nevada County Fairgrounds Foundation is hosting a scarecrow contest and a costume contest at its Halloween event on Saturday, October 30, from 2 – 5 pm at the Nevada County Fairgrounds.

If you’re interested in entering the scarecrow contest, your scarecrow should be dropped off at the Main Exhibit Building at the Fairgrounds between 10 am – noon on Saturday, October 30. Winners will be announced at 4 pm. Additionally, a costume parade and contest will take place at 4 pm at the Main Exhibit Building.

There will be games and treats for kids and even a cupcake walk! A live and silent auction will be happening throughout the day. We’ll be serving hamburgers and hot dogs and there will be toe-tapping live entertainment for all to enjoy. Additionally, Empire Carriage Company will provide wagon rides around the Fairgrounds.

Grass Valley Rotary Club’s annual community “Ball Drop” will take place at 5 pm. For only $5/ticket, you get the chance to win $1,000! Rotary will be selling tickets at the entrance to the Halloween event and also at the Ball Drop area.

This family-friendly Halloween event is hosted by the Nevada County Fairgrounds Foundation, in partnership with the Nevada County Ag Youth Boosters and Grass Valley Rotary Club. All three organizations have come together to support improvement projects for our community Fairgrounds, as well as to support youth programs in Nevada County. This event is sponsored by Extreme Roofing.

It’s all happening, rain or shine, on Saturday, October 30 from 2 – 5 pm at the Nevada County Fairgrounds. The cost is only $5 per person and includes food, treats, games and entertainment! Tickets can be purchased in advance at the Nevada County Fairgrounds, at the Grass Valley and Combie Road Citizen’s Bank branches, or at The Book Seller in Grass Valley. Tickets can also be purchased on the day of the event at the Fairgrounds.

Visit www.NevadaCountyFair.com for information or call (530) 273-6217.

HALLOWEEN FUN AT THE NEVADA COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS

Event Planned for Saturday, October 30, from 2 – 5 pm

Bring your family and friends to the Nevada County Fairgrounds for some Halloween fun on Saturday, October 30, from 2 – 5 pm. Rain or shine, in costume or in street clothes, we have fall festivities and activities for all to enjoy.

Hamburgers and hot dogs will be served, and “Running for Cover” will provide live musical entertainment. There will be treats for the kids, a live and silent auction, a cupcake walk, and lots of games. Plus, you don’t want to miss the costume and scarecrow contests and a chance to win some great prizes!

This family-friendly Halloween event is hosted by the Nevada County Fairgrounds Foundation, in partnership with the Nevada County Ag Youth Boosters and Grass Valley Rotary Club. All three organizations have come together to support improvement projects for our community Fairgrounds, as well as to support youth programs in Nevada County.

Nevada County Ag Youth Boosters, which supports youth in agriculture, will provide games at the event, as well as host a silent auction. Grass Valley Rotary Club will be hosting its annual community “Ball Drop,” which raises funds for local youth and senior organizations. For only $5/ticket, you get the chance to win $1,000! For tickets for the “ball drop,” contact any Grass Valley Rotary Club member or call/e-mail Larry at (530) 271-5544 or fallerl@aol.com.

The cost for the Halloween event at the Fairgrounds is only $5 per person and includes food, treats, games, and entertainment! Tickets can be purchased in advance at the Nevada County Fairgrounds, at the Grass Valley and Combie Road Citizen’s Bank branches, or at The Book Seller in Grass Valley. Tickets can also be purchased on the day of the event at the Fairgrounds.

Visit www.NevadaCountyFair.com for information or call (530) 273-6217.

Contest for the 2011 Nevada County Fair Theme

Submit the winning theme and win $100 and a prize package to the 2011 Nevada County Fair

Gold will be the featured item of the 2011 Nevada County Fair and the Fairgrounds is hosting a contest to find the winning “Golden” theme for the 2011 Fair. Do you have a catchy or fun theme that you think would be perfect for the 2011 Nevada County Fair?

Visit the Fair’s website at www.NevadaCountyFair.com and submit a theme that includes reference to gold and the Fair. If the theme you submit is selected, you win. The winner will receive $100, as well as a 2011 Nevada County Fair package that includes two free admission tickets for each day of the Fair, a 5-day parking pass for the Fair, and ride coupons.

The contest is open to Nevada County residents only. Submissions must be five words or less and no trade-marked themes will be considered. The contest runs now through November 5, 2010. For those without access to the Internet, entry forms are available at the Nevada County Fairgrounds office, or information can be mailed to the Fairgrounds at P.O. Box 2687, Grass Valley, CA 95945. No phone entries will be accepted.

Once the winning theme is selected, there will be a contest to design artwork to illustrate the theme. Each year, the theme and artwork appear on advertisements, t-shirts, buttons, posters, banners and the Fair’s website to promote the Fair.

The 2011 Nevada County Fair is scheduled for August 10 – 14, 2011. For a complete list of contest rules or information, visit www.NevadaCountyFair.com or call (530) 273-6217.

Halloween Fun at the Fairgrounds

Join us for some Halloween fun at the Nevada County Fairgrounds!

Saturday, October 30, 2 - 5 pm

Hamburgers and hot dogs!
Pie Auction!
Games and Entertainment!
Costume and Scarecrow Contests!
Cupcake Walk!
Treats for the Kids!
Live Auction!

Only $5 per person. Tickets are on sale at the Fair Office or during the day of the event! Call 273-6217 for information or visit www.NevadaCountyFair.com.

BARN TOURS OFFERED AT THIS YEAR'S DRAFT HORSE CLASSIC

Get Behind-the-Scenes and Meet the Stars of the Classic – the Beautiful Draft Horses

Barn Tours will be offered to visitors to this year’s Draft Horse Classic and Harvest Fair – giving them an up close and personal visit with the magnificent Gentle Giant Draft Horses. The behind-the-scenes Barn Tours, led by Draft Horse Classic commentator and teamster Eleanor Roberts, are another way for visitors to be able to meet and talk with Draft Horse exhibitors, as well as meet the stars of the Classic.

Barn tours will be held on Friday, September 24, at 4 pm and Saturday, September 25, at 2 pm. Advance reservations are recommended, as there are a limited number of openings for each tour. The cost for the tour is $10 per person, and advance reservations can be made by calling the Fair Office at 530-273-6217. If there is still availability, tickets may also be purchased the day of the event at the Arena box office.

Each tour will last approximately 45 minutes and will include meeting the exhibitors and learning about how they got involved with Draft Horses; discussing and seeing the different Draft Horse breeds; a show-and-tell of Draft Horse equipment, and a discussion about the training of Draft Horses and what it takes to put a team together. You’ll also get to roam to the various barns on the Fairgrounds to meet the beautiful Draft Horses!

The 24th annual Draft Horse Classic and Harvest Fair starts Thursday, September 23 and runs Sunday, September 26 at the Nevada County Fairgrounds in Grass Valley. The Draft Horse Classic features six stunning performances in the arena. Additionally, live entertainment at the Pine Tree Stage, a world class art show, Treat Street goodies, vendors with western wear and items, a clogging jamboree, a live horse shoeing competition, and an historic photography exhibit are all part of the Harvest Fair, which takes place at the Fairgrounds during all four days of the Classic.

For tickets to the Draft Horse performances or tickets to the Barn Tours, call the office at 273-6217 or visit www.NevadaCountyFair.com for information about the various activities.

Enter Your Exhibits in the Harvest Fair at the Draft Horse Classic

Entries are now being accepted for the Harvest Fair, which takes place during the Draft Horse Classic, September 23 – 26, at the Nevada County Fairgrounds. The deadline for Nevada County residents to turn in entry forms to enter exhibits is 5 pm on Monday, September 20. It’s free to enter, and all exhibitors will receive complimentary tickets to the Thursday evening performance of the Draft Horse Classic.

Entry forms are now being accepted at the Fair Office and on-line at www.NevadaCountyFair.com. There are more than 100 different categories to choose from, including fruits and vegetables, cobblers, harvest pies, scarecrows, dried flowers, jams, honey, cut flowers, produce characters, and birdhouses. There’s even a garden photo contest. So many fun categories to choose from!
There’s also a special division for youth and teens, which includes categories like apple face dolls, decoupage, Halloween masks, painted pumpkins, poetry, table settings, and wreaths.

Exhibitors must either submit paper entry forms at the Fair office or enter online at www.NevadaCountyFair.com. There is no entry fee for those who enter an exhibit in the Harvest Fair.

Complete descriptions of all Harvest Fair divisions and categories are available online at www.NevadaCountyFair.com, at the Fair’s Office on McCourtney Road, or by calling the Fairgrounds Office at (530) 273-6217.

The Draft Horse Classic and Harvest Fair runs September 23 – 26 at the Nevada County Fairgrounds. There are six performances featuring the magnificent Draft Horses – Thursday and Friday at 6:30 pm, Saturday at 10 am and 6:30 pm, and Sunday at 10 am and 4 pm.

In addition to the Draft Horse performances, the Harvest Fair is bustling with activities during the four-day event. Live entertainment, Art at the Classic, Treat Street goodies, a Dutch oven cook-off, a clogging jamboree, a lumberjack show, a live shoeing competition, special exhibits, and visits to the barns and breed pavilion make for a family fun day at the Harvest Fair.

For Draft Horse performance tickets or information about entering a Harvest Fair exhibit, call the Fair Office at (530) 273-6217 or visit www.NevadaCountyFair.com.

Danny Kemp to be Inducted into the Nevada County Fair Hall of Fame

Danny Kemp has been named as the 2010 inductee into the Nevada County Fairgrounds’ Hall of Fame. The Fair’s Board of Directors chose Kemp for his significant contributions to the Fair and to the youth of Nevada County.

Kemp recently retired as the Ag Mechanics instructor from Bear River High School, where he had been teaching since 1986. It was his inspiration, and his desire to support the Ag Mechanics students, that created the highly successful Ag Mechanics Auction at the 2004 Fair. Kemp worked tirelessly with the students and the Fair to create a quality exhibit that has grown to fill the Sugar Pine Lodge at the Fairgrounds. Now in its seventh year, the Ag Mechanics Auction has raised more than $240,000 to benefit the students of Nevada County.

“I am thrilled with how the Ag Mechanics Auction has grown since its inception,” said Kemp. “I am proud of the students who make it happen, and I am pleased that it opens another avenue for children to be successful.”

Kemp has always been a great supporter of the Fair. He was a member of the Nevada County Fair’s Board of Directors from 1985 through 1989, and, even today, he continues to be available to provide his assistance to the Fair team. Following each Fair, he makes it a point to meet with management and provide his positive critique and to offer his help in continuing to improve the Fair. He has always been a person that the Fair team relies upon for advice and direction.

“Danny is an individual who has made significant contributions to the Fair,” said Fairgrounds CEO Sandy Woods. “He is a person that we appreciate and admire, and his presence will indeed be missed in the future. It is a well-deserved honor for him to be named to the Fair’s Hall of Fame.”

Kemp, who has lived in Nevada County since 1975, has been a teacher in Nevada County for 34 years. He started his career at Nevada Union High School, and then began teaching at Bear River High School when it opened in 1986. In 2005, he received a Teacher of Excellence award from the California Ag Teachers Association.
Kemp will be formally inducted into the Hall of Fame at opening day ceremonies on Wednesday, August 11. In addition to access to the Fair and its many activities, he will receive a portrait donated by Shaffers Originals.

NEVADA COUNTY FAIR CELEBRATES DAY FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

This year also marks FREED’s 25th anniversary and the 20th anniversary of American Disabilities Act


Join us at the Nevada County Fair on Friday, August 13, for the annual Day for People with Disabilities. This day at the Fair will also celebrate the 20th anniversary of the American Disabilities Act and the 25th anniversary of Nevada County’s FREED Center for Independent Living.

During the Day for People with Disabilities, which happens every year on the Friday of the Fair, those with disabilities are admitted to the Fair at no charge, as is a guest or a chaperone. Additionally, individuals are given free parking, and vendors are brought in to offer products and services that cater to people with disabilities and to those that assist them.

There are several events and activities planned throughout the day. In the Ag-Sperience area, there will be an accessible location for individuals to see and interact with the livestock. In the same area, Master Gardeners will be demonstrating "Accessible Gardening." On the patio of the Northern Mines building, the Gold Country Wood Turners will offer a sit down lathe for those who are wheelchair bound to try their hand at creating wood art.

Mark Wellman, a nationally acclaimed author, filmmaker and motivational speaker, will be at the Fair’s climbing rock wall, where Mobile Rock is donating time for those with disabilities to have a try at climbing. Wellman will then be joining Candace Cable of Turning Point Tahoe on the Budweiser True Music Stage at 2 pm for an inspiring, motivational presentation. Rounding out the evening, local DJ and break dancer, Rico Stephenson, will serve as the DJ at the Fairgrounds’ Dance Pad.

FREED Center for Independent Living, founded by Nevada County resident Sam Dardick, is a non-profit group dedicated to serving people with disabilities. The Americans with Disabilities Act was passed in 1990 to prohibit discrimination against disabled people.

The Day for People with Disabilities is presented by Pacific West Pharmacy, Inc. and FREED, The Independent Living Resource Center.

Nevada County Fair and Food Bank of Nevada County Team Up to Feed Those in Need

Visit the Nevada County Fair and Help your Community at the Same Time

Imagine being able to visit the annual Nevada County Fair at a discount, and be able to help the local Food Bank at the same time? At this year’s Fair, you can! The Nevada County Fairgrounds and The Food Bank of Nevada County are teaming up to help feed those in need.

Bring a can of food (or two or three) to the Fair on Sunday, August 15, and the Fair will give you a coupon for $1 off general admission to the Fair on that day. The Food Bank will have food collection bins available at the Fairgrounds from 10 am – 5 pm at Gates 1, 3 and 5, which is also where you’ll receive your coupon. It’s that simple!

All food collected on that day will be given to The Food Bank of Nevada County, which distributes food to those in need in our county. At last year’s canned food drive, 1,240 pounds of food were collected – enough to feed 550 – 600 families.
It’s the best of both worlds – fun at the Fair, while helping out in the community.

It’s all part of Community Involvement Day, sponsored by YubaNet.com and The Food Bank of Nevada County, on Sunday, August 15, at the Nevada County Fair.

NEVADA COUNTY FAIR TICKETS ON SALE NOW

Buy early and save!

Tickets for the Nevada County Fair are on sale now. Purchase your admission, carnival ride tickets, and arena event tickets before the Fair begins and save money! This year, you can also save time by purchasing your tickets online.
Buy your admission tickets before August 10 at 5 pm and get admission for only $5. Better yet, purchase a ticket to attend the Fair on Thursday, Kids’ Day, and get a “Be A Kid Again” adult admission ticket for only $3. You can also take advantage of other pre-sale offers before August 10, including a five-day Fair pass with unlimited entry for $25; a season parking pass for $25; a carnival ride bracelet, good for unlimited rides for any one day, for $23; or a carnival ride booklet of 30 coupons for $20. If you purchase any ticket to an arena event, the cost for Fair admission is only $5.

There are several ways to get your tickets early. New this year, the Fairgrounds is offering online ticket sales. Visit www.NevadaCountyFair.com and follow the easy steps to purchase admission tickets, parking passes, season passes, arena event tickets and carnival ride coupons. You can also purchase tickets by calling the Fair Office at (530) 273-6217; or visiting the Fair Office on McCourtney Road before August 10 at 5 pm.

After August 10, admission for the Fair is $8 for adults, $6 for seniors, $3 for children 6-12, and children 5 and under are free.

This year’s Nevada County Fair is August 11 – 15. The Fair’s Office is located on McCourtney Road in Grass Valley. The phone number is (530) 273-6217, the FAX number is (530) 273-1146, and the website is www.NevadaCountyFair.com.

Mutton Bustin' and Calf Scramble at the Nevada County Fair

WANT TO ENTER? READ ON TO FIND OUT HOW!

Two new arena events – Mutton Bustin’ and Calf Scramble – are planned for young children and teens in the Arena on Wednesday and Thursday night of the Nevada County Fair, August 11 - 15.

Featured in the Arena during the Professional Bull riding on Wednesday and the Rodeo on Thursday will be Mutton Bustin’, where eight young cowboys and cowgirls between the ages of 5 and 7 years old will get the chance each evening to mount a trusty sheep and head for the thrill of their young lives. Participants must be between the ages of 5 – 7, and must not weigh more than 65 pounds.

Also featured at the Arena on the same two nights will be the Calf Scramble, where ten teams, each consisting of a boy and girl, will compete with one another to catch, halter and coax a calf across the finish line. Participants must be between the ages of 12 – 18, and must weigh at least 100 pounds.

Western attire is required for both events, and there is no entry fee. Sheep and calves provided to the contestants during each event. Great prizes will be awarded for both events. For the Mutton Bustin’, prizes are $50 for first prize, $25 for second prize, and $10 for third prize. For the Calf Scramble, prizes are $100 for first prize, $50 for second prize, and $25 for third prize. There are a limited number of spots available, so call the Fair Office at (530) 273-6217 to reserve a spot in either event, as well as obtain an application and a list of rules. Applications and rules are also posted under Special Contests at www.NevadaCountyFair.com. These two events are kindly sponsored by PremierWest Bank.

This year’s Fair is August 11 – 15. Each evening of the Fair features a thrilling arena event. Wednesday is Professional Bull Riding; Thursday is the Rodeo; Friday is Tuff Truck Racing and Monster Trucks; Saturday is Free Style Moto X Riders and Monster Trucks; and Sunday is the Demolition Derby. Purchase your arena event tickets before August 10 and get admission to the Fair for only $5. Visit www.NevadaCountyFair.com for more information.

Sponsor a Car in the Demolition Derby - and You Could Win $1,000 for Your Charity

Back by popular demand, the Nevada County Fair is providing organizations and businesses the opportunity to sponsor and drive a car in the Fair’s popular Demolition Derby, while at the same time raising money for a favorite charity or service organization.

Organizations and businesses can purchase a car for $500 and the Fair will provide a Derby car to use in the Demolition Derby. The organization can choose to provide its own driver or the Fair will provide a driver for the car. Additionally, the car can be picked up on August 6 to customize the car or it can be left at the Fair, where it will have a number painted on it.

The sponsored Derby cars will participate in their own event at the Demolition Derby, held on Sunday, August 15, at 7 pm in the Arena. The last of the sponsored cars moving will receive $1,000 towards the charity or service organization of their choice. Last year’s winner was Mark Andreus, who received $1,000 for his charity, Christian Encounter Ministries.

There are only a limited number of cars available. Call the Fair Office at
(530) 273-6217 to reserve your car and obtain a list of rules. Forms are also available at www.NevadaCountyFair.com.

Enter the Idol Competition at Nevada County Fair

Do you love to sing? If so, you could win $150, Fair admission tickets, and money for your favorite charity! The Nevada County Fair is looking for talented vocalists to sing in the “Tree-ditional” Idol Competition at this year’s Fair.

Nevada County residents ages 16 and up are invited to participate in this crowd favorite on Wednesday, August 11, at 9 pm on the Pine Tree Stage at the Fairgrounds. The grand prize is $150, two Fair admission tickets, a parking pass and two Saturday night arena tickets. Second place is $75, two admission tickets, a parking pass and two Thursday night arena tickets; and third prize is $25, two admission tickets and a parking pass.

Singers will be judged by a panel of local celebrities, who will narrow it down to three finalists. Audience members will then vote with quarters for the grand prize winner. The quarters will be weighed on stage and the winner will be announced that night. All quarters collected will be donated to the non-profit of the winner’s choice.

Last year’s Idol Competition winner was Katie Heward (see photo), who received $575 for her charity of choice, Sierra Services for the Blind.

Early entry is encouraged, as there is a limit of 20 contestants for this event. The entry fee is only $5, and entries close on Friday, August 6 at 5 pm. All contestants will receive a free admission pass to the Fair on Wednesday.

A complete list of rules and a registration form can be obtained from the Fair’s website at www.NevadaCountyFair.com, by calling the Fair Office at 273-6217, or sending an e-mail to debby@nevadacountyfair.com. The Idol Competition is sponsored by Old Town Café in downtown Grass Valley, and Citizens Bank has graciously donated its time to sell quarters during the show.

Bring your friends, your quarters, and be prepared for a great night of music and entertainment at this year’s Nevada County Fair, August 11 - 15.

Enter Your Exhibits in the Nevada County Fair: There's Still Time!

Want to enter something in the Nevada County Fair? There’s still time! The deadline for submitting paper entry forms is July 10 at 1 pm. To enter on-line using the Fair’s on-line entry system, the deadline is Friday, July 16 at 5 pm.

There is no entry fee if you enter your still exhibit on-line – just log-on to the Fair’s website at www.NevadaCountyFair.com, and follow the step-by-step process.

Join the thousands of Nevada County residents who enter exhibits each year in the more than 300 available categories. If you can make it, bake it, grow it or show it, we have a category for you! Don’t delay – enter now!

Complete descriptions of all categories are available online in the Fair's Competition Handbook. The handbook is also available at the Fair office, area libraries, chamber of commerce offices, and various sponsoring merchants.

Nevada County Fair Competition Handbook Now Available

The Nevada County Fair’s Competition Handbook, which includes all the information you need to enter exhibits in this year’s Fair, is now available. If you can make it, bake it, grow it or show it, there is a category for you!

There are hundreds of categories and specialty contests for adults and children. Try entering one of the traditional categories like baking cookies, entering a prized photo, creating a poster, showing something from your garden, or displaying a favorite collection. Or, enter one of the specialty categories like creating a miniature tree house, building a car for the solar-powered sprint car races, creating a produce character, or entering the “ugliest dang cake” contest.

Copies of the free handbook are available at the Chamber of Commerce offices, county libraries, at the Fairgrounds’ Office, or on-line at www.NevadaCountyFair.com. Area schools have also received a flyer with information about contests available to Nevada County youth.

The deadline for submitting paper entry forms is July 10 at 1 pm. The deadline for on-line entries is July 16 at 5 pm. There is no entry fee if you enter your still exhibit on-line.

This year’s Competition Handbook also contains information on discount days at the Fair, details about daily contests at the Fair, arena events, and advanced sale tickets.

Draft Horse Classic and Harvest Fair: September 23 - 26, 2010

The 24th annual Draft Horse Classic and Harvest Fair at the Nevada County Fairgrounds is happening this year beginning Thursday, September 23, and running through Sunday, September 26.

Six performances are planned throughout the event, where owners and their teams will compete for nearly $40,000 in prize money. In addition to the Draft Horse performances, the Fairgrounds are alive with music, Art at the Classic, lumberjack demonstrations, the Western Trade Show, horse shoeing competitions, and a clogging jamboree. Between performances, pick up your favorite goodie on Treat Street, then wander over to the Pine Tree Stage and enjoy the live entertainment. Or, go "backstage" and meet the horses up-close. Although there is a fee for the Draft Horse performances, admission to the Fairgrounds and Harvest Fair activities are free, so stop by anytime during the four-day event.

Take time on Saturday, September 25, to enjoy fine food and drink at “A Taste of the Gold,” which features some of the Gold Country’s finest restaurants, confectioners and wineries. Although Fairgrounds admission is free, tickets for this event must be purchased. Tickets include five food tastings, unlimited wine tasting, and a commemorative wine glass. To purchase tickets online, visit www.nswinecountry.com. For information or to purchase hard copy tickets, call the Grass Valley Downtown Association at (530) 272-8315 or visit www.historicgrassvalley.com.

Tickets are on sale now! Draft Horse Classic advanced tickets for reserved seating are $21 a person ($24 day of the event). General admission seats are first come, first seated, and are $18 in advance ($21 day of the event). RV camping is also available. Beginning on May 1, mail and fax ticket orders will be accepted; beginning June 1, phone and walk-in orders will be accepted. Ticket order forms are available at www.NevadaCountyFair.com.

Fairgrounds Seeking Nominations for Nevada County Fair Hall of Fame

The Nevada County Fairgrounds is seeking nominations for inductees into the Nevada County Fair’s Hall of Fame for 2010, and the community is encouraged to nominate individuals for this honor.

The Fair’s Nominating Committee is looking for individuals who support the Nevada County Fair and community relationships in a way that strengthens the mission and vision of the Fair. This support should be through assisting Nevada County youth during Fair activities; supporting agriculture, performing arts or educational activities; encouraging community participation in using the Fairgrounds as a community event venue; assisting in maintaining the beauty of the Fairgrounds; or any significant activity that helps move the Nevada County Fair toward its mission and vision.

Awards are given to individuals, not groups or organizations, and consideration may be given to individuals who are no longer living if their contributions were significant.

If you’d like to nominate an individual for the Nevada County Fair Hall of Fame, please submit a one page letter by July 7 stating your reasons why you are nominating the individual. Send letters by e-mail to reply@NevadaCountyFair.com or by mail to the Nevada County Fairgrounds at P.O. Box 2687, Grass Valley, CA 95945.

Gentle Giant Journal: Details and Information for the 2010 Draft Horse Classic

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Draft Horse Classic Tickets on Sale Now

Majestic Draft Horse performances, breath-taking competitions, and seeing a Draft Horse “up-close” are all part of the festivities at the 24th annual Draft Horse Classic and Harvest Fair, September 23 – 26, at the Nevada County Fairgrounds in Grass Valley.

Tickets to this event are on-sale now. In order to provide the best possible customer service, we’ve placed ticket orders into time slots – beginning May 1, we'll be accepting mail and FAX orders only. Beginning June 1, we'll be accepting phone orders and walk-ins.

Purchase tickets before Wednesday, September 22, and tickets are $18 for general seating and $21 for reserved seating. After September 22, performance tickets are $21 for general seating and $24 for reserved seating. Tickets can be purchased by calling (530-273-6217), faxing (530-273-1146) or visiting the Fair Office on McCourtney Road.

Fairgrounds Seeking Nominations for Fair Family of the Year

Do you know a special family that deserves recognition at the 2010 Nevada County Fair? If so, the Nevada County Fairgrounds is seeking nominations for the 2010 Fair Family of the Year. Each year a family is recognized at the Nevada County Fair, and this year the Fairgrounds is asking the community for its help in nominating a family for this special award.

The Fair team is looking for a family who is very involved with the Fair, either through exhibiting or volunteering, and passionate about the Fair. Families chosen in previous years were recognized for their commitment to, and involvement with, the Nevada County Fair and the community.

If you’d like to nominate a family, please submit a one page summary of why you think the family of your choice deserves recognition as the 2010 Fair Family of the Year. The family chosen will be honored at opening ceremonies of the Nevada County Fair, and will also receive daily admission to the Fair, a season parking pass, ride coupons, and a family portrait from Schaffers Originals of Grass Valley.

Submit your nomination no later than June 15, 2010 to reply@NevadaCountyFair.com or mail it to the Nevada County Fairgrounds at P.O. Box 2687, Grass Valley, CA 95945.

Nevada County Fair - August 11 - 15, 2010

Mark your calendar for the event voted as “Nevada County’s Best” for 10 years in a row – the 2010 Nevada County Fair, August 11 – 15, at “California’s Most Beautiful Fairgrounds,” the Nevada County Fairgrounds in Grass Valley.

“Rooted in Tree-dition” is this year’s theme and five days of “tree-mendous” fun are planned for Fair-goers of all ages. Live entertainment will be available every day at five different stages throughout the Fairgrounds. There’s also carnival rides and games, barns full of livestock, thousands of community exhibits, special contests, an Idol Competition, nightly arena events, daily demonstrations, magic shows, gold panning, and food contests. As always, Treat Street will be serving an array of delicious food and drinks – corn dogs, pasties, tacos, corn on the cob, beer, tempura zucchini, nachos, hamburgers, funnel cakes and caramel corn – just to name a few!

Long-time crowd pleasing events will soar into the Fair’s arena Wednesday through Sunday, presenting thrills ranging from a rodeo to Monster Trucks to the Demolition Derby.

The Ag Mechanics Auction will be held on Friday of the Fair, and the Junior Livestock Auction will be held on Sunday, August 15. These popular annual events will raise more than $400,000 for Nevada County youth in agriculture.

For those interested in entering competitions and projects for judging, the Fair’s Competition Handbook will be available June 1. At that time, all of the categories, as well as online entry information, will be listed on the Fair’s web site at www.NevadaCountyFair.com.

Gates open each day at 10 am, and close each evening at 11 pm. Admission this year will be $8 for adults, $6 for seniors (65 and older), $3 for children 6 to 12, and free to children five years old and younger.

At one of the most affordable fairs in California, take advantage of one of several pre-sale packages available this year, including a special “Be A Kid” price of only $3 for a Thursday adult admission ticket; or a pre-sale Fair admission ticket for $5 for any one day of the Fair. Kids Day will once again be held on Thursday from 10 am to 5 pm and during that time all children 12 years and under are admitted for free. Other pre-sale packages and coupons will be announced in June.

The Nevada County Fairgrounds is located at 11228 McCourtney Road in Grass Valley, 50 miles northeast of Sacramento, off Highway 49. For directions, event details or general information, visit www.NevadaCountyFair.com or call the Fair Office at (530) 273-6217. Our blog can be found at www.NevadaCountyFair.blogspot.com, or you can follow us on Facebook or MySpace.

Fairgrounds Receives Numerous Industry Awards

The Nevada County Fairgrounds received 25 awards at the 47th Annual Western Fairs Association’s (WFA) Achievement Awards held in Reno, Nevada, at the end of last month. The Nevada County Fairgrounds took home first-place honors for the Fair video created by Gold in the Foothills; its 2009 Draft Horse Classic event and several of its promotional pieces; and its “Ugliest Dang Cake” exhibit competition. It also received first place in the Fair featured program, Social Media Madness, for its work in social media.

During this year’s WFA Achievement Awards Program, offered to recognize excellence and to share fair ideas and programs, the Nevada County Fairgrounds competed against more than 50 Fairs with similar attendance numbers within the Western United States and Canada. At the WFA Achievement Awards Ceremony, the Nevada County Fairgrounds collected a total of seven 1st place awards, 11 2nd place, and seven third place. The Fairgrounds also received nine Honorable Mention awards.

Among the many awards received, the Fairgrounds received second place for the Fair’s “Name the Rabbit” contest; third place for its community outreach program with the Fairgrounds’ Job Fair; second place for its overall marketing program; third place for the Fair’s Kids Corner; and second place for its work with nursery schools and pre-schools in decorating theme-related cut-outs.

The Western Fairs Association is a non-profit trade association serving the Fair industry throughout the Western United States and Canada.

To view the winning Fair video, visit www.GoldintheFoothills.com or www.NevadaCountyFair.com. With a theme of “Rooted in Tree-dition,” the 2010 Nevada County Fair is August 11 – 15.