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.