2009 Events

Mark your 2009 calendars, and plan to attend one of the many events we have planned for 2009 at the Nevada County Fairgrounds.

• Nevada County Fair
  August 12 - 16, 2009
  Mark your calendar for the 2009 Nevada County Fair. Activities include a rodeo, motor sports, on-going live entertainment, barns full of livestock, and thousands of exhibits. As always, Treat Street will be serving an array of fabulous food, and the carnival will feature rides and games for all.
  
  
• Draft Horse Classic and Harvest Fair
  September 24 - 27, 2009
  Heralded as the premier Draft Horse Show in the Western United States, the 2009 Draft Horse Classic will feature the draft horse performances that have been drawing crowds for more than 22 years. In addition to the spectacular performances by the Gentle Giants, there will be art, events, and entertainment for all to enjoy.
  
  
• Country Christmas Faire
  November 27 – 29, 2009
  Begin your holiday season with a small-town glimpse of Christmas at the 25th annual Country Christmas Faire. Rated as one of the top handcrafted shows in Northern California, the Faire features unique gifts from more than 100 top artisans. Visitors will enjoy strolling live entertainment, festival foods, Santa and his elves, and a community bon-fire.
  
  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 http://www.nevadacountyfair.com/ or call the Fair Office at (530) 273-6217.

Free Childcare Provided at Country Christmas Faire

Youth Community Organizations Provide Services to Faire Goers

The Northern Mines Girl Scouts will offer free babysitting services at this year’s Country Christmas Faire, held November 28 – 30 at the Nevada County Fairgrounds. This benefit is provided by this youth service organization so that parents can drop off their children while they enjoy holiday shopping. Free babysitting will be provided in the Senior Center at the Fairgrounds; hours for babysitting are the same as the Faire – Friday and Saturday from 10 am – 5 pm; and Sunday from 10 am – 3 pm.

Errand elves will be available to assist Faire-goers throughout the event. The Errand Elves, provided by students from Clear Creek School, are available to carry packages for shoppers or patrons may use their “Will Call” service and leave their packages in the elves’ care as they continue shopping. Clear Creek students will also be offering mistletoe to Faire-goers. All donations received for the elves and the mistletoe will go towards these young students who are trying to earn money for an outdoor science education camp.

Additionally, the Nevada County Explorer Scouts will coordinate the free parking in the fairgrounds parking lot; Nevada County 4-H clubs will provide volunteers to serve as the trash clean-up crew for the Faire; Randall and Trish Gross of Grass Valley’s Rock-n-Horse Ranch will provide wagon rides around the grounds; and Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus will be on hand to greet children. A photographer will be available to capture the special moment with Santa.

The 24th The Country Christmas Faire begins Friday, November 28, and runs through Sunday, November 30. Admissions is $4 for adults, and children 12 and under are free. Parking is also free. Artisans from across the country fill the Fairgrounds exhibit buildings with quality hand-made crafts and unique gifts. Visitors to the Faire will enjoy strolling live entertainment, festival foods, and a community bon-fire.

The Nevada County Fairgrounds is located at 11228 McCourtney Road in Grass Valley. For more information, visit http://www.nevadacountyfair.com/ or call (530) 273-6217.

Create a Gingerbread House and Win!

Now is the time for holiday bakers to think about the creation of a magical Gingerbread House to enter into the 6th annual Gingerbread House Competition at the Country Christmas Faire, held November 28 – 30 at the Nevada County Fairgrounds.

Houses, bungalows, cottages, and castles fashioned from spicy gingerbread will be displayed for holiday shoppers to enjoy at the Nevada County Fairgrounds in Grass Valley during the Thanksgiving weekend festivities.

Competitors may enter any of ten categories including kids, adults, families, groups and businesses. Prizes and ribbons abound for adults and kids. First through third place winners will receive award money with the Best of Show winning $100. A special festive gift basket from Tess’ Kitchen Store will also be awarded to the Best of Show winner.

Entry forms must be received at the Fairgrounds by Friday, November 21; the actual gingerbread house entry must be delivered to the Fairgrounds on Tuesday, November 25. All Gingerbread House exhibitors will receive two free passes to the Country Christmas Faire.

Entry forms can be picked up at the Fairgrounds office on McCourtney Road, or downloaded from the Fair’s website at http://www.nevadacountyfair.com/.

The Country Christmas Faire begins Friday, November 28, and runs through Sunday, November 30. The hours are 10 am – 5 pm on Friday and Saturday; and 10 am – 3 pm on Sunday. Admissions is $4 for adults, and children 12 and under are free. Parking is also free.

Country Christmas Faire - November 28, 29 and 30

Mark your calendar for the 24th annual Country Christmas Faire at the Nevada County Fairgrounds in Grass Valley on November 28, 29 and 30. Rated as one of the top handcrafted shows in Northern California, this year’s Country Christmas Faire will feature unique gifts and crafts from more than 100 top artisans.

Five exhibit buildings will be filled over the Thanksgiving weekend, giving shoppers a chance to start their Christmas shopping with quality hand-made jewelry, wooden crafts, hand-woven baskets, stained glass, candles, beadwork, and dozens of other unique gifts.

Visitors to the Faire will enjoy strolling live entertainment, festival foods, the magical Gingerbread House exhibit, and a community bon-fire. Wagon rides around the Fairgrounds will be offered; and Victorian singers, the bell ringing RiverBells, and the Sierra Symphony quartet will perform throughout the event. Additionally, Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus will be in The Chapel to greet children and listen to their Christmas wishes. A photographer will be available to capture the special moment with Santa.

Back by popular demand, the Northern Mines Girl Scouts will offer free babysitting so parents can drop off their children while they enjoy holiday shopping. Errand elves will also be available to assist you throughout the event.

The Country Christmas Faire begins Friday, November 28, and runs through Sunday,November 30. The hours are 10 am – 5 pm on Friday and Saturday; and 10 am – 3 pm on Sunday. Admission is $4 for adults and children 12 and under are free. Parking is also free.

The Nevada County Fairgrounds is located at 11228 McCourtney Road in Grass Valley, 50 miles northeast of Sacramento, off Highway 49. For more information, visit the Fair’s web site at http://www.nevadacountyfair.com/ or call (530) 273-6217.

Draft Horse Classic Dictionary

There was a request for terms and definitions to help guide a new Draft Horse Classic attendee to learn as he goes. Click HERE for our Dictionary! Thanks for the request and we hope you learn a lot at the 2008 Draft Horse Classic taking place September 18-21 at the Nevada County Fairgrounds in Grass Valley.

For more information visit our website at http://nevadacountyfair.com/dhc/

Blog Posting Ticket Winners!

If you are posting comments to our blog for a chance to win tickets to the Fair Sponsored Event of your choice, then you better check our site every month around the first of the month to see if you won! So far there have been six winners: March - Denise E, April - Linda, May - Hannah, June - Julie Wheat, July - Yvette and August - Jode!

If you are one of the names above...Congratulations because you posted a comment on the Nevada County Fair blog, you have been chosen as the monthly winner for two free tickets to the Fair-sponsored event of your choice. Please email us at info@nevadacountyfair.com to let us know if you would like tickets to the Draft Horse Classic or the Country Christmas Faire; and if you would like the tickets mailed to you or if you’d prefer to pick them up in person at the Nevada County Fair Office in Grass Valley. If you’d like the tickets mailed to you, we need a name and a mailing address. Thank you so much for your posting. Our blog postings are used to help us continue to offer, improve and create Fair events that can be enjoyed by all!
Have fun telling us what you think about the Nevada County Fair and replying to comments others have already left!

A FAIR Perspective by Retiring CEO Ed Scofield

Click HERE to read a 25 year long perspective of the beautifully evolving Nevada County Fairgrounds!

Going “Green” at the Nevada County Fair

As the world's attention focuses on ways to lighten the load on our planet's resources, this year's Nevada County Fair will include several “green” events and features, including a solar powered radio station, a “recycling” fashion show, a mining shack built from recycled materials, additional bins for recycling glass and aluminum, and alternative methods of transportation.

KVMR’s broadcast booth will be powered again this year by solar energy, and supported by Plan It Solar, Northern Sierra Air Quality Management, and Sierra Solar System.

Solar-powered sprint cars will also race by using the power of the sun. The cars, created using solar cell kits, were built and designed by the youth of Nevada County. The cars will race on a 20’ course at the Dance Pad on Saturday, August 9, at noon.

The popular Haute Trash fashion show returns this year on Wednesday, August 6, at 6 pm, and again on Thursday, August 7, at 5:30 pm, on the Pine Tree Stage. This show presents a hilarious aspect of recycling by using discarded materials to make clothing of all sorts. This show is sponsored by Nevada County Recycles, a sponsor of the Fair.

Again this year, the Fairgrounds has partnered with Nevada County Recycles and People First of Nevada County to provide recycling services during the Fair. There will be an increased number of bins placed around the Fairgrounds for recycling glass and aluminum. Every morning before the Fair opens, members of the local People First Chapter will be making the rounds collecting and replacing the bags in the bins. People First is a local self-advocacy group for adults with developmental disabilities, affiliated with state and national groups.

On display outside the Main Building is a mining shack created by students of the county’s Regional Occupational Program (ROP). Built in conjunction with the Nevada County Contractors’ Association, who created the assignment for the students, the building is made entirely of recycled materials.

Animal manure from exhibit animals is available for pickup by gardeners and others during the week following the Fair. The Saturday following the Fair, the Nevada County Farm Bureau will remove and recycle the remaining manure by transporting it to local farms for composting. The Farm Bureau also does the removing and recycling of manure following the Draft Horse Classic in September.

The Fair also recognizes that its event can create traffic congestion issues. Because of this and the high cost of fuel, the Fairgrounds has made alternative methods of transportation available to Fair-goers. Gold Country Stage will offer extended service to the Fair. The cost from Nevada City or Grass Valley is $1 each way, and the cost from Auburn or Penn Valley is $2 each way. Or, you can park at the Nevada Union High School parking lot and take the free shuttle, provided by the Nevada County Fairgrounds, to/from the Fairgrounds. The shuttle leaves every half hour, Wednesday through Sunday, starting at 8:30 am. New this year, the Fair will offer free parking for motorcycles at a designated area at Gate 1.

"We have always had an eye on reducing the environmental impact of the Fair," says Fair CEO Ed Scofield. "We're happy to see the growing support among participants for a more environmentally positive approach."

For more information, visit www.nevadacountyfair.com or call (530) 273-6217.

Nevada County Fair’s 2008 Blue Ribbon Award

Tony Sauer and Sam Dardick have been named the Nevada County Fair’s 2008 Blue Ribbon Award recipients. The award was created by the Fair’s industry association, the Western Fairs Association (WFA), to recognize dedicated individuals who support their local Fair. Both Sauer and Dardick have been instrumental in providing guidance to the Fair in creating a more disabled-friendly Fair, and in creating the annual Day for People with Disabilities at the Fair.

Sauer and Dardick began working with the Nevada County Fairgrounds in 1983 when a recently installed cobblestone path created a challenge for those with walkers and wheelchairs. They worked with the Fair to develop solutions to make the path more user-friendly. Since that time they have worked with the Fair to create grounds that are safe and user-friendly to those with disabilities. They have created surveys that helped the Fair identify changes that needed to occur to make the grounds more disabled-friendly, have assisted the Fair in implementing these changes, and, even today, continue to help the Fair identify areas that can be improved upon to create a better environment for persons with disabilities.

“The contributions that Tony and Sam have made to Nevada County and the Fairgrounds are significant,” said Ed Scofield, Nevada County Fairgrounds CEO. “Their tireless efforts and work have created a better and safer Fair for our community.”

Sam Dardick, an advocate for people with disabilities, is a former Nevada County Supervisor and a founder of FREED Center for Independent Living, a non-profit group dedicated to serving people with disabilities. He also took the lead in California to lobby for the Americans with Disabilities Act, which passed in 1990 to prohibit discrimination against disabled people.

Tony Sauer currently serves as the director of California’s Department of Rehabilitation. Prior to that, he served as executive director for the Nevada-Sierra Regional In-Home Supportive Services Public Authority, where he managed the recruiting and training of more than 1,000 workers who provide services to people with disabilities. He was also the executive director for the FREED Center for Independent Living.

Sauer and Dardick will be recognized at the Fair’s Opening Ceremonies on Wednesday, August 6, and again at 12:30 on Friday, August 8, at the Pine Tree Stage. For information about the Fair, August 6 – 10, call (530) 273-6217 or visit www.nevadacountyfair.com.

Entertaining and Informative Horse Demonstrations

Demonstrations showcasing everything from handling baby foals to riding a young horse for its first time, and from miniatures to draft horses, are scheduled at the 2008 Nevada County Fair, August 6 – 10. Demonstrations take place every half hour from 11:30 am until 5:30 pm Wednesday through Sunday. In addition, a halter competition is slated for Thursday at 8 am.

“Our goal is to entertain visitors, as well as help educate them,” says Horse Exhibit Coordinator Ron Davis. “We have lined up exhibitors from all over Northern California.”

There will be draft horses pulling wagons, barrel racing, dressage, and foal handling exhibitions. Each day at 3:30 pm, professional horse trainer Jerily McCormick will demonstrate how to start round-pen training with a two-year-old colt. “Hopefully, the horse will advance from basic ground training the first day to being able to be ridden at a walk, jog and lope by the fifth day,” explains McCormick, a Nevada County resident who has been training horses for two decades.

Haflingers, the “Golden Horse of Austria,” reveal their versatility by pulling carriages, jumping, being ridden English and Western, and playing a competitive game of equine soccer. The horses actually kick the beach ball with their legs, trying to score goals (see photo).

Other breeds will also be featured, including Peruvian Pasos, Paints, Quarter Horses, Arabians, Morgans, Tennessee Walking Horses, Mules, Shires, Spotted Drafts, and Miniature horses. On Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 2 pm, herding dogs will exhibit their innate abilities to gather and move sheep and other livestock.

For specific demonstrations and times, please see the Nevada County Fair Schedule located at the Fair Office, at the Gates at the Fairgrounds, or on-line at the Fair’s website at www.nevadacountyfair.com. For more information about this year’s Fair, call the Fair Office at 530-273-6217.

ENTERTAINMENT ABOUNDS AT THE NEVADA COUNTY FAIR

Thrilling Arena Events, Live Bands, Magic Tricks, and Karaoke

Entertainment abounds at this year's Nevada County Fair, August 6-10. In addition to carnival rides, Treat Street goodies, community exhibits, nightly arena events, and barns full of livestock, this year's Fair will feature five stages of ongoing entertainment.

Providing a little something for everyone, there will be everything from Japanese style drumming, to Country music and magic tricks, to Blues music and old-fashioned Rock and Roll.

Here's a few of this year's acts:

- Steel Breeze, famous for the 1982 hit "Don't You Want Me Anymore," makes their appearance at the Fair on Friday at 8 and 9:30 pm at the Budweiser Music Stage.

- Mogollon, known for their guitar wizardry and dueling fiddles, will perform on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights at 8 and 9:30 pm,

- Patton Leatha, playing Top 40 hits, will be at the Pine Tree Stage on Saturday from 8 – 9:30 pm.

- Solid Air, recently nominated for a Grammy, will perform original American Folk music on Wednesday at 4 pm at the Pine Tree Stage.

Some of our local bands featured this year will be:

- Grass Valley Taiko, the local group performing Japanese-style drumming on Friday at 2 pm on the Pine Tree Stage.

- The Denny Russell Band will perform Country Rock on Thursday at 8 and 9:30 pm on he Pine Tree Stage

- Inside Strait will perform contemporary Rock and Country on Friday at 3pm at the Budweiser Music Stage.

- For old-fashioned Rock and Roll, visit the Budweiser Music Stage on Saturday evening at 4 pm to see Highway 49, The Band perform a mixture of Rock and Roll, Blues, and funkadelic Rock.

- Or, check out the San-Francisco based trio, The Bonedrivers, on Sunday at 8 and 9:30 on the Pine Tree Stage for some Roadhouse Style Rock and Blues.

- If you're in the mood for Blues, check out The Shane Dwight Band on Wednesday at 8 and 9:30 pm at the Budweiser Music Stage.

For something out of the ordinary:

- Magic by Bill perform his amazing feats on Friday and Saturday in the morning.

- Idol Competition on Wednesday at 8 pm at the Pine Tree Stage

- Karaoke from 8 – 11 pm in the Special Events Tent

- KVMR will be at the Silver Stage, where they will broadcast live during the Fair. Stop by and listen to a variety of local and regional musicians performing each night.

Each night of the Fair will also feature action-packed events in the Arena.
All arena events begin at 7 pm nightly.

- Wednesday – Professional Bull Riding

- Thursday – the Rodeo

- Friday - Tuff Truck Racing & Monster Trucks

- Saturday – Free Style Moto X Riders & Monster Trucks

- Sunday – the Demolition Derby.

For a complete schedule of events, visit www.nevadacountyfair.com, or call (530) 273-6217. This year's Fair runs August 6 – 10.

IF YOU LOVE TO SING YOU CAN WIN BIG !!

Do you love to sing? If so, the Nevada County Fair is looking for talented vocalists to sing in the “Barnyard Buckaroos” Idol Competition at this year’s Fair.

Nevada County residents between the ages of 16 and 28 are invited to participate in this crowd favorite on Wednesday, August 6, at 8 pm on the Pine Tree Stage at the Fairgrounds. The grand prize is $100 and an opportunity to compete in the State Fair competition in Sacramento.

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.

There’s still time to sign up! The entry fee is only $5, and entries close on Friday, August 1 at 5 pm. A complete list of rules and a registration form can be obtained at the Fair office, by calling 530-273-6217, or by contacting Debby.

Bring your posse, your quarters, and be prepared for a great night of music and entertainment at this year’s Nevada County Fair, August 6-10.

NEVADA COUNTY FAIR TICKETS ON SALE NOW

Tickets for the Nevada County Fair are on sale now. Purchase your admission and entertainment tickets before the Fair begins and receive a discount. There are several ways to get your tickets early.

Pre-sale and discounted tickets may be purchased by calling, faxing or visiting the Fair Office by Tuesday, August 5 at 5 pm.

Exhibitors may purchase tickets on-line through the exhibit entry system. Exhibitors can access the on-line entry system through the Fair’s website at www.nevadacountyfair.com. On-line entry capability will end on Friday, July 25 at 5 pm.

Buy your admission tickets before August 5, and get admission for only $4. Or, take advantage of other pre-sale offers before August 5 – a 5-day Fair pass with unlimited entry for $20; a season parking pass for $25; a carnival ride bracelet, good for unlimited rides for any one day for $23; or purchase 30 carnival ride coupons for $15.

Pre-sale tickets will be mailed to customers until Friday, July 25. Tickets for orders received after that date will be put in “Will Call” in the Fair's Administration Office, open Monday through Friday from 8 am – 5 pm. Beginning July 31 until August 5, pre-sale tickets will be available at the Gate 1 cashiers' booth.

After August 5, admission for the Fair is $8 for adults, $6 for seniors, $3 for children 6-12; and free to children under 5 years of age.

Visit www.nevadacountyfair.com for more information.

Little Buckaroos Can WIN $$BIG BUCKS$$

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 6-10.

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 their 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 their 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. 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.

This year’s Fair is August 6-10. Visit www.nevadacountyfair.com for more information.

BUSINESSES/ORGANIZATIONS CAN SPONSOR AND DRIVE IN THE DEMOLITION DERBY

YOU COULD WIN $1,000 FOR YOUR FAVORITE CHARITY

For the first time, 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 1 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 10, 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.

There are only a limited number of cars available, so call the Fair Office at
(530) 273-6217 to reserve your car, and obtain a list of rules and all the necessary forms. Visit www.nevadacountyfair.com for more information.

FAMILY OF THE YEAR TO BE HONORED

Photo Taken by: Shaffers Originals

The Henderson-Drew Family of Grass Valley has been named Family of the Year by the Nevada County Fair’s Board of Directors. The Board chose the Henderson-Drew family because of all the work they do to support Nevada County and for consistently encouraging the participation of Nevada County youth in agricultural projects.

Karen Henderson and Jim Drew are both agriculture teachers at Nevada Union High School and work extensively with high school students. Drew has been teaching at the high school for 31 years, and Karen for 16 years. In addition to their teaching responsibilities, they coach numerous leadership and career development FFA teams, and Karen is the school’s FFA advisor while Jim is the head cook for Cooper’s Café, the snack shack at the school’s football home games. They also oversee 50 different livestock projects during the summer, as well as more than 50 agriculture mechanics projects exhibited at the Fair.

“Karen and Jim have become such an integral part of the Fair,” said Ed Scofield, Fairgrounds CEO. “To me, they embody the spirit of Nevada County. They dedicate countless hours to their students and Nevada County agriculture. Instead of taking the summer off from their teaching, they are busier than ever. They begin the Fair season with Karen and her horticulture class planting the more than 1,000 hand-raised Marigolds along the Gold Path, then they work with their students throughout the summer on their livestock projects, and, finally, they see the students through their year-long culminating project – the Ag Mechanics Auction and the Junior Livestock Auction. These events benefit the youth of Nevada County by enabling students to afford college or vocational training. None of these events would be possible without the time and effort that Jim and Karen put into these projects.”

The Henderson-Drew family consists of six children, two grandchildren, and a grandchild on the way. All six children are graduates of Nevada Union. Karen’s three children are Pat, 30, who is currently attending Sonoma State for his city planning degree; Lesa, 28, the CEO of the California Wool Growers and California Pork Producers; and Sara, 22, graduating in June with her bachelor of science degree in agriculture business. Drew’s three children are Jessie, 30, a Chico State graduate and a nursing student, married to a Grass Valley police officer; Joy, 27, married and expecting their first child; and Jamie, 24, married and working in Sacramento.
As for their involvement in FFA, the couple’s dedication is admirable. In addition to FFA advisory roles, together they travel more than 6,000 miles a year taking students to competitions, leadership conferences, and various activities. Most of their weekends in the spring are spent with FFA travel and conferences. However, the family does find time for relaxation. They love to go to Eagle Lake and fish. Still, even those trips involve their students, as the two usually take the new officer team with them for a leadership and planning retreat during the summer.

Both families have been a fixture in Nevada County for more than 40 years. In fact, Henderson’s parents, Jack and Nancy Henderson, are being inducted into this year’s Fair’s Hall of Fame for their on-going support of the youth of Nevada County.

Prior to moving here in 1964, Karen spent her summers in Nevada County while her grandparents built their home, where the Henderson-Drew family currently resides. “The highlight of my summer when I was a child,” she says, “was going to the Nevada County Fair and going on all the rides.”

About being named the Fair’s Family of the Year, Henderson says, “We are honored to be recognized because we believe in what we are doing – with our program and with our community – because the FFA not only benefited our own kids but thousands of students. We both understand the importance of instilling work ethic and a caring attitude in every student we have in class, while at the same time we help students understand the importance of leadership – for themselves and their community.”

The Henderson-Drew Family will be honored at opening ceremonies of the Nevada County Fair, which runs August 6-10. They will receive free admission to the entire run of the Fair, along with parking passes, free carnival rides, and admission to all five nights of arena events. In addition, Schaffers Originals of Grass Valley will create a family portrait to commemorate the family’s selection as the Fair’s Family of the Year.

For more information about the Nevada County Fairgrounds, visit their website at http://www.nevadacountyfair.com/ or call (530) 273-6217.

NEVADA COUNTY FAIR EXTENDS ENTRY DEADLINE

If You Want to Enter an Exhibit, You Have an Extra Week to Complete the Entry Form

The deadline to complete the paperwork to enter your exhibits in the Nevada County Fair has been extended. Nevada County residents interested in entering exhibits in one of the more than 300 available categories must either submit a paper entry form to the Fair Office or enter online at the Fair’s website at http://www.nevadacountyfair.com/.
The entry deadline for walk-in, paper entries is Friday, July 18, at 5 pm for both still exhibits and livestock. The entry deadline for on-line entries is Friday, July 25, at 5 pm, for still exhibits only. There will not be any late entry fees.





The deadline to enter your exhibits in the Nevada County Fair is just around the corner. The entry deadline is 1 pm on Saturday, July 12, for Nevada County residents who want to enter their baked goods, paintings, photographs, honey, quilts, poetry, or anything else in one of the more than 300 available categories.

Exhibitors must either submit paper entry forms to the Fair office or enter online at the Fair’s website at http://www.nevadacountyfair.com/. Late paper entries will be accepted until July 18 at 5 pm, but will be charged an additional $2 fee per exhibit. The deadline for on-line entries is Friday, July 18 at 5 pm. There is no entry fee if you choose to enter your still exhibit on-line.

With this year’s Fair theme of “Barnyard Buckaroos,” there are plenty of special entry possibilities for those interested in entering projects for judging. Buckaroo Furnishings, Decorated Cowboy Hats and Boots, Milk Carton Covered Wagons, and “My Own Barnyard Buckaroo” photo contest are all part of this year’s fun for the Fair.

There are still a limited number of kits available to those interested in participating in the Solar Powered Sprint Car contest for youth and teens. The Fair provides the solar cell kit, and competitors then design and build a solar powered vehicle that will race on a 20’ race course. Solar cell kits can be picked up at the Fair office.

For a free ticket to the Nevada County Fair, be part of our “Wild Horse Round-Up,” and find one of the wild horses hidden in local businesses around Grass Valley and Nevada City. If you spot one of the horses, bring it to the Fair Office on McCourtney Road by 5 pm on August 1 and receive your free ticket.

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

This year’s Nevada County Fair is August 6-10, and there will be thousands of community exhibits, barns full of champion livestock, thrilling arena motorsports, five stages of ongoing entertainment, games, carnival rides, and Treat Street goodies awaiting Fair-goers.

For more information about entry deadlines or this year’s Nevada County Fair, visit the Fair’s website at http://www.nevadacountyfair.com/ or call (530) 273-6217.

Thank you from Fair CEO

I'm Ed, the CEO of the Nevada County Fairgrounds. It is a pleasure to read your comments regarding the Nevada County Fair and the Draft Horse Classic. I know I speak for all of our staff when I say that we take great pride in trying to produce one of the finest Fairs and Draft Horse Show in the United States. We are always looking for suggestions on how we might improve our events. So keep sending us good thoughts; but, new ideas and suggestions for improvements are also appreciated. Thank you for supporting our wonderful Fair and the Draft Horse Classic.

MOTHER LODE HORSE SHOW RESULTS

Karen Poly on Desert Rain

with Ed Scofield, CEO of the Nevada County Fairgrounds,

presenting the Honor Schaps Driving Class Award (Pictured Below)

The Nevada County Fairgrounds was filled with horse enthusiasts this past weekend as exhibitors competed in the 2008 Mother Lode Horse Show. This annual three-day event gives spectators an opportunity to observe participants work with their horses as they compete in Youth, Driving, English, Halter and Western Shows. At the conclusion of each class, competitors are awarded their placing, a demonstration of achievement in horsemanship. The results of the Mother Lode Horse Show are listed below.

The public is invited to enter their horses in the Fair’s “Halter Show,” scheduled for Thursday, August 7, at 8 am. Interested exhibitors can enter online at http://www.nevadacountyfair.com/ or visit the Fair office on McCourtney Road.

The Mother Lode Horse Show is the official horse show of the Nevada County Fair. This year’s Nevada County Fair starts Wednesday, August 6 and runs through Sunday, August 10. For more information about this year’s Fair, call (530) 273-6217 or visit the Fair website.

Kaitlyn Montre on Bos Ghawn Flashin with Sandy Woods, Deputy Manager of the Nevada County Fairgrounds, presenting the English 17 & Under High Point Winner (Pictured Above)

2008 Mother Lode Horse Show Results
Advanced English Youth: Lindsey Smith, Riding Quiet Man
Western 13 & Under Youth: Carson Adams, Riding Diamonds and Lace
Western 14 & Over Youth: Lindsey Rich, Riding Tipsy Glow (Sponsors for the Junior Show include: Keith & Jeanette Royal, Our 49er Feed & Farm Supply)
**Driving High Point: Karen Poly, Driving Desert Rain
Susan Parnell Ladies Pleasure Driving: Joan River, Driving Image
Tori Thompson Perpetual Trophy: Kathy Freeman, Driving Coffing Oaks Knight Music (This is a new award that is sponsored by Noble Beasts Graphics of Nevada City and owner Tommy Thompson of Grass Valley in memory of Tori Thompson, longtime resident and business owner in Nevada County. Her passion was breeding and showing carriage horses. She paid particular attention to quality turnout presentations.)
Honor Schaps Open Driving: Karen Poly, Driving Desert Rain (Sponsored by Sierra Saddlery & Mercantile)
Obstacles, Gamblers Choice: Kathy Freeman, Driving Coffing Oaks Knight Music (Suzi Mason, Century 21 Gold Dust Realty)
English Rider, 17 & Under: Kaitlyn Montre, Riding Bos Ghawn Flashin
**Hunters: Kayla Schaeffer, Riding Ty One On
**Jumpers: Teresa Amaro, Riding Even Steven
**Amateur Hunter: Teresa Amaro, Riding Even Steven
**English Pleasure: Tie given between – Nadine Webb, Riding Trouble in the News and Mandi Gregory, Riding Noble Hawk
Adult Amateur Hunters: Teresa Amaro, Riding Even Steven (Sponsored by United Country- Town and Country Realty and Laura Berman)
Ted Schaps Hunter Sweepstakes: Sarah McLemore, Riding Justa Joy Ride (Sponsored by Emigrant Springs Ranch. The Perpetual trophy, in memory of Ted Schaps, was donated by Judge Milton Schwartz, Mrs. Henry Downey Tiechert and Dr. & Mrs. Frank Boutin.)
Glen Silva Jumper Sweepstakes: Teresa Amaro, Riding Even Steven (Sponsored by Golden Empire Equestrians. The Perpetual trophy was made in memory of Glen and Stanton Silva.)
Open Hunter Hack: Sarah, McLemore, Riding Justa Joy Ride (Sponsored by California Pacific Mortgage)
Nevada County Fair English Pleasure Championship: Nadine Webb, Riding Trouble in the News (Sponsored by Harter Thoroughbred Farm)
Championship Mares: Campion – Scott Pimentel with Sucha Smooth Approval
Reserve Champion – Edie Lehman with Lenita Mia
Championship Geldings/Stallions: Champion –Danielle Jordan with MD Credit Card
Reserve Champion – Edie Lehman with Brumarba IBN Shai
Western Rider, 17 & Under: Victoria West, Riding Docs Poco Starlite
Best Mule: Tie given between –Jennie Gerardot, Riding Iza Cool Jet and JoDe Collins, Riding Cheap Trick
**Stock Horse: Brandi Esteves, Riding Comanda Payday
** Western Pleasure: Jennie Gerardot, Riding Iza Cool Jet
Carol Huddleston, Bridle Horse, Lady to Ride: Brandi Esteves, Riding Comanda Payday (Perpetual trophy in memory of Carol Huddleston)
Lowell Huddleston Stock Horse: Brandi Esteves, Riding Comanda Payday (Perpetual trophy in memory of Lowell Huddleston, sponsored by Golden Empire Equestrians.)
**Trail: Edie Lehman, Riding Lady Derringer
Nevada County Fair Trail Championship: Jane Short, Riding Dude to Wrangler (Sponsored by Ridge Feed & Supply)

** High Point Awards are a part of the overall Mother Lode Circuit. Final awards will be presented to the rider with the most points at the end of the circuit.

Nevada County Fair August 6-10

“Barnyard Buckaroos” is the Nevada County Fair’s theme this year, so get on your chaps and ridin’ gear and be prepared for five days of barn burnin’ fun at the Fair in Grass Valley. The daily parade (at 5 p.m.) will return this year, with Dr. Bach & the Jazz Practitioners leading the procession around the grounds to the beat of their Dixieland rhythms. Find the start of the parade at the flag pole, just inside the Main gate.

For big and little buckaroos interested in entering projects for judging, there are several new exhibit categories this year. Denim Art, Rope Art, Cowboy Boot Cake, Decorated Cowboy Hats, Buckaroo Blanket, Milk Carton Covered Wagons, and Wanted Posters are just some of the special categories. All of the categories, as well as online entry information, will be listed on the Fair’s web site at http://www.nevadacountyfair.com/.

Free entertainment is available all day, every day, at five different stages throughout the Fairgrounds. Additionally, general Fair activities include the rodeo, bull riding, motor sports, singers, thrill acts, animals, thousands of exhibits, karaoke, an interactive agriculture exhibit, magic shows and puppetry. As always, Treat Street will be serving an array of fabulous food, and the carnival will feature rides and games for all ages. The incredibly flashy Haute Trash Fashion Show returns this year to the Pine Tree Stage on opening night, and again on closing night. The Ag Mechanics Auction will be held on Friday the 8th and the Junior Livestock Auction on Sunday, August 10. These popular annual events will raise more than half a million dollars for Nevada County youth in agriculture.
Gates open daily at 10 a.m. and close each evening at 11 p.m. Admission is $8 for adults, $6 for seniors (65 and older), $3 for children 6 to 12 and free to children five years old and younger. Several special pre-sale packages are available this year, including a fair admission package for only $4. Kids Day is Thursday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and during that time all children 12 years and under are admitted for free. Other values include a “pay-for-one” price in the carnival area, which allows unlimited rides for $28. This package can also be purchased in advance for only $23 when bought by Boy Scout Troops or at the Nevada County Fair office by August 5.
The Fair is at 11228 McCourtney Road in Grass Valley, 50 miles northeast of Sacramento, off Highway 49.

For more information about special admission price packages, events and schedules, visit the Fair’s web site at http://www.nevadacountyfair.com/ or call (530) 273-6217.

Competition Handbook Now Available

You Can’t Win Unless You Enter!

The Fair’s popular Competition Handbook is now available and packed with information about familiar categories and new contests. The handbook is full of the usual categories, and with this year’s Fair theme of “Barnyard Buckaroos,” there are also plenty of special entry possibilities for those interested in entering projects for judging. Make something out of jeans, make a buckaroo blanket, a horse cake, or decorate a cowboy hat or pair of boots. For children and teens, there are several special categories, including creating a milk carton covered wagon, a wanted poster of a notorious bandit, a western picture frame, a covered wagon or log cabin out of a shoe box. “My Own Barnyard Buckaroo” is a dress up contest where kids can dress their pet or barnyard pal and take a picture.

Residents who have exhibited within the last three years will get the handbook by mail. The free handbook will also be available at the Grass Valley and Nevada City Chamber of Commerce offices, county libraries, business sponsors, at the Fairgrounds office or on-line at http://www.nevadacountyfair.com/.

Entries open on June 2. The deadline for submitting paper entry forms is July 12 at 1 pm. The deadline for on-line entries is Friday, July 18 at 5 pm. Winning exhibits receive prize ribbons and some get money awards. The handbook contains information on premiums paid per category and other Fair information such as how to attend the Fair for free, discount days, and details about daily contests.

For more information about the Competition Handbook and this year’s Nevada County Fair, visit their website at http://www.nevadacountyfair.com/ or call (530) 273-6217.

LOCAL H.S. STUDENTS PLANT MARIGOLDS

Students from Nevada Union FFA spent the day at the Nevada County Fairgrounds planting more than 200 Marigolds along the Gold Path at the entrance of the Fairgrounds.

This is the second year that students enrolled in the horticulture class at Nevada Union – led by Karen Henderson, Agriculture Instructor and FFA advisor at Nevada Union – have grown and planted the Marigolds to create the walkway known as the Gold Path, which runs from near the Main entrance to the beginning of Treat Street.

Each year, the high school group grows the Marigolds from seed, in anticipation of planting them along the Gold Path. In addition to Marigolds, they grow flats of Impatiens and Coleus, which are planted in flower beds throughout the Fairgrounds. The plants are raised in the greenhouse at the school. They are then planted at the Fair, and also sold throughout Nevada County, including at the Farmer’s Market held on Saturday mornings during the summer at the Fairgrounds.

“The students put many class hours of work into this project,” said Henderson. “The Gold Path is one of several hands-on projects the students complete while being enrolled in horticulture at Nevada Union. I hope when individuals walk down this path, they remember that it was our local high school students who helped create this beautiful pathway.”

The Fair also partners with Nevada Union and Bear River High Schools to produce the annual Ag Mechanics Auction and Junior Livestock Auction, which raise more than half a million dollars for Nevada County youth in agriculture. The Ag Mechanics Auction will be held on Friday, August 8 in the evening and the Junior Livestock Auction will be held on Sunday, August 10.

This year’s Nevada County Fair starts Wednesday, August 6 and runs through Sunday, August 10. The Nevada County Fairgrounds is located at 11228 McCourtney Road in Grass Valley. For more information about this year’s Fair, call the Fairgrounds office at (530) 273-6217 or visit their web site: http://www.nevadacountyfair.com/.

Draft Horse Classic Tix on Sale!

DRAFT HORSE CLASSIC AND HARVEST FAIR TICKET SALES BEGIN MAY 1

The 22nd Annual Draft Horse Classic and Harvest Fair
draws horse enthusiasts from across the nation

The 22nd Annual Draft Horse Classic and Harvest Fair takes place September 18 – 21 at the Nevada County Fairgrounds. On May 1, orders will be accepted by mail or FAX only. Phone orders and walk-in orders will be accepted beginning June 1. Order forms can be downloaded from the Fair’s website at www.nevadacountyfair.com/dhc, or by visiting the Fairgrounds’ Main Office. It is recommended that customers take advantage of the early mail or fax option as it provides the best available seating and weekend evening performances often sell out early.

The four-day Draft Horse Classic and Harvest Fair will feature six performances by draft horses displaying their strength and precision in the show ring. Although there is a charge for the performances in the arena, admission to the Fairgrounds is free, allowing visitors to stroll the grounds, pick up a western item or two from vendors, listen to the various entertainment acts, enjoy the world-class western art exhibit, and savor a treat from Treat Street.

Advanced tickets for reserved seating at the Draft Horse Classic arena are $21 a person, or $24 if purchased on the day of the event. General admission seats – first come, first seated – are $18 in advance, or $21 if purchased the day of the event.

If you’d like a chance to win free tickets to the Draft Horse Classic, simply post a comment here on our blog at www.nevadacountyfair.blogspot.com and let us know what you think about the Nevada County Fairgrounds – what you love, your favorite memory, ideas, suggestions, or general comments about the Fair and its events. Just for posting a comment, you could win two free tickets to a Fair-sponsored event of your choice.

The Nevada County Fairgrounds is located at 11228 McCourtney Road in Grass Valley. For more information, visit their website at www.nevadacountyfair.com or call (530) 273-6217.

Nevada County Fair Awarded for Community Service

The 17th District Agricultural Association (aka Nevada County Fair) received the Nevada County Economic Resource Council’s Community Appreciation Award on Friday. The Community Appreciation Award honors businesses in Nevada County that embody and celebrate community service and provide valuable economic services to Nevada County. “This award deservedly went to the Fairgrounds for a number of reasons,” said Gil Mathew, President and CEO of the Nevada County Economic Resource Council. “First, it recognizes Ed Scofield for the phenomenal work he’s done at the Fairgrounds, and the tremendous impact that work has had on our community. Secondly, it recognizes the Fair for fostering community youth agricultural programs like 4-H and FFA, and for the economic contributions the Fairgrounds make to Nevada County.”

According to the California Department of Food and Agriculture, the Nevada County Fairgrounds is an economic, social and cultural treasure for Nevada County. On average, the Fair contributes nearly $21 million in economic impact to Nevada County, creates approximately 250 local jobs and generates about $225,000 in local tax revenue each year. Additionally, the Fair plays a crucial role in youth agricultural programs, including the local junior livestock program, which educates young people about the breeding, raising and grooming of farm animals. Each year the Fair hosts the annual Ag Mechanics Auction and the Junior Livestock Auction, which, together, raise more than half a million dollars for Nevada County youth in Agriculture. “The Fair is a foundational piece for young agriculturalists in Nevada County,” said Mathew. “Essentially, the Fair is fostering our next generation of food producers.”

The Nevada County Economic Resource Council (ERC) is a non-profit, economic development corporation. As a public/private partnership comprised of business, government, and education, it represents the County’s best efforts to support local job creation and economic opportunity. For further information about ERC, visit their website at www.ncerc.org.

For more information on the Nevada County Fair, visit their website at www.nevadacountyfair.com or call (530) 273-6217.

Welcome to the Nevada County Fair Blog!

Win Free Tickets to the Fairground’s Event of Your Choice!
We have lots going on at the Nevada County Fairgrounds and we’re always looking for ways to let you know about these fun events. That’s why we’ve created this blog – to keep you informed about the happenings at the Fairgrounds and because we want to hear from you. We want to know what you think about the Nevada County Fairgrounds – what you love, your favorite memory, ideas, suggestions or general comments about the Fair and its events. Just for posting a comment on this blog, you could win two free tickets to the Nevada County Fair, the Draft Horse Classic or the Country Christmas Faire. You get to choose the tickets for the event that you’d like to attend. Each month, we’ll randomly choose a name from the blog for FREE tickets – so let us know what you think.

Terms and Conditions:
At the end of each month, we will randomly choose a name from the blog postings to win two free tickets to the Nevada County Fair, the Draft Horse Classic or the Country Christmas Faire. If your name is chosen, we will notify you through the blog and you may choose to have the tickets of your choice either mailed to you or to pick them up in person at the Nevada County Fairground’s Office in Grass Valley. Anonymous postings are not eligible for the drawing and postings using inappropriate language or slander will also be excluded from the contest.