Category Archives: nevada county fair

Community Events, nevada county fair

Halloween Fun at the Nevada County Fairgrounds


Halloween 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 Nevada County Fair for information or call (530) 273-6217.

nevada county fair

Nevada County Fairgrounds Begins Search for 2011 Fair Theme

2010 Nevada County Fair Theme
2010 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.

By:
Wendy Oaks
Publicist, Nevada County Fairgrounds
(530) 273-6217

nevada county fair

Nevada County Fair Announces 24th Annual Horse Classic Awards

Meadowlake - Belgians
Meadowlake - Belgians

Awards for the 24th annual Draft Horse Classic, held September 23 – 26 at the Nevada County Fairgrounds in Grass Valley, have been announced.  Larry Honsberger from Elmore, Ohio, judged the Draft Horse competitions and halter show. Dwight Gilbert from Nevada was the judge of the pulling contest; and Austin Edens, visiting from Dripping Springs, Texas, was the horseshoe judge.

Draft horse exhibitors from California, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Idaho competed for more than $35,000 in premium awards. The competitions took place during six performances over the four-day event.

The winner of the Six-Up Ultimate Hitch Championship was Danielle Simpson of Simpson Percherons, from Rio Vista, California. The second place award for Six-Up Ultimate Hitch Championship was Norman Yoder, driving for Laurelbrook Belgians, owned by Larry and Sally Harris of Camarillo, California.

For the fourth consecutive year, Danielle Simpson was recognized as the outstanding lady driver, accumulating high points to win the Susan Parnell High Point Perpetual Award.

Excelling in farm type classes, Mel Fischer of Big Feather Shires in Lincoln, California, won the high point competition for the Andy Amsbaugh Teamster Award.

The Teamster of the Year Award was presented to Norman Carman of Carman Ranch, an honor bestowed upon him by the voting of his fellow teamsters. The award presentation was made by Bonnie Reed of Allied Insurance Company, a sponsor of this special award.

Bill Adams of the Draft Horse & Mule Association presented their special Teamster Award to Jeff Shinn of Placerville, California. Tara Covell of Covell’s California Clydesdales in Cambria, California, won the Youth of the Show award.

The Overall Supreme Champion horse was Land Cliff Master, owned by Arlin Wareing of Blackfoot, Idaho.  Simpsons Addison was Grand Champion Mare and Simpsons Hammer Time was Grand Champion Stallion. Both champions are from Simpson Percherons.

The Overall High Point Winner in the 2010 Edward Martin Perpetual Horseshoeing Competition was Nick Rossi. The remaining ribbons for overall points went to Matt Fatchen – 2nd place, and Robbie Mederos – 3rd place.

A complete list of 2010 Draft Horse Classic awards has been posted on the Nevada County Fairgrounds’ website at www.NevadaCountyFair.com.

The 2011 Draft Horse Classic will be a celebration of its 25th year and is scheduled for September 22 – 25. Tickets will go on sale on May 1, 2011.  Visit www.NevadaCountyFair.com for more information.

By Wendy Oaks
Publicist, Nevada County Fairgrounds
(530) 273-6217
wsoaks@gmail.com

nevada county fair

World Class Lumberjacks to Perform at Draft Horse Classic at the Nevada County Fair

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Lumberjack Shows, Clogging Jamboree, Western Music Fest, Art at the Classic are all part of Draft Horse Classic and Harvest Fair

Visitors to this weekend’s Draft Horse Classic and Harvest Fair will get the chance to see world class wood-chopping lumberjacks, axe throwers, wielders of mighty chain saws, and the opportunity to see competitor Melvin Lentz, 2010’s Top American All-Around Logger.

Lentz was recently awarded Top American All-Around Logger at the Still Timber Sport Series featured on ESPN, and has been awarded world champion more than 10 times. Visiting from West Virginia, Lentz has been competing for more than 40 years and currently competes all over the world.

In addition to Lentz, this year’s loggers include Mike Forrester, TJ Bexton, Tom Martin, Dennis Cahoon, Annette Cahoon, Julie Reyes, Jenny Owen, and Dennis Harvey. All are world champions from across the United States.  Watch these world champions as they chop through a 13-inch thick log in 20 to 25 seconds, while standing on the log; rip through a 15-inch log in six seconds in the double hand bucking contests that feature two loggers using a crosscut saw; or compete in the Jack and Jill hand bucking event that features a man and woman team. World champion log rollers, Julie Reyes and Jenny Owen, will be competing in log rolling – on dry land.

The 24th Annual Draft Horse Classic and Harvest Fair starts today and runs through Sunday, September 26 at the Nevada County Fairgrounds in Grass Valley. While there is a charge for Draft Horse performance tickets, admission to the Fairgrounds is free for the Harvest Fair activities. Lumberjack shows will start at 2:30 and 5 pm on Saturday and at 2:00 pm on Sunday on The Green, just as you enter the Fairgrounds at Gate 1.

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 shoeing competition, community exhibits, and visits to the barns to see the magnificent Gentle Giant Draft Horses are all part of the Harvest Fair line-up.

In addition to the Harvest Fair activities, the Draft Horse Classic features six stunning performances of Draft Horses in the arena. Tickets to the performances are on sale during the event, and may be purchased by calling the Fair office at 530-273-6217 or stopping by the Arena box office. Visit www.NevadaCountyFair.com for additional information.

By: Wendy Oaks
Publicist, Nevada County Fairgrounds
(530) 273-6217
wsoaks@gmail.com

nevada county fair

24th Annual Draft Horse Classic and Harvest Fair Schedule

Dates: Thursday, September 23 – Sunday, September 26, 2010

Where: Nevada County Fairgrounds 11228 McCourtney Road Grass Valley, CA 95949

Time: Draft Horse Performances: Thursday, September 23 6:30 pm Friday, September 24 6:30 pm

Saturday, September 25 10 am Saturday, September 25 6:30 pm Sunday, September 26 10 am

Sunday, September 26 4 pm

Harvest Fair: Harvest Fair activities are on-going at the Fairgrounds during all four-days

Gates open: Thursday at 4 pm Friday at noon Saturday and Sunday at 9 am Gates close: Each evening, following the last performance

Website: www.NevadaCountyFair.com

Facebook: Nevada County Fairgrounds

Phone number: (530) 273-6217

Admission: Performances:

Reserved Seating – $21 (in advance) or $24 the day of event

General admission seating – $18 (advance) or $21 the day of event

Harvest Fair:

Admission to the Harvest Fair is free

Parking: $5 per car

nevada county fair

Nevada County Fair Offering Barn Tours 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.

nevada county fair

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

It’s free and all exhibitors will receive free tickets to a Draft Horse Classic performance

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.

By: Wendy Oaks
Publicist, Nevada County Fairgrounds
(530) 273-6217
wsoaks@gmail.com

Local Writers & Contributors, nevada county fair

Nevada Union High School Senior Wins Double Master Showmanship Award at Nevada County Fair

Shelby McClelland accepts a master showmanship award from Tom Browning, a member of the Nevada County Fairgrounds Board of Directors, and Wanda Mertens
Shelby McClelland accepts a master showmanship award from Tom Browning, a member of the Nevada County Fairgrounds Board of Directors, and Wanda Mertens

Shelby McClelland receives two prestigious awards

On Saturday evening, Shelby McClelland, a senior at Nevada Union High School, took home two master showmanship awards – one in the small animal division and another in the large animal division. This is the “best of the best,” the highest showmanship award granted by the Nevada County Fair, and to receive two master showmanship awards at the same time is an honor bestowed upon very few in the agricultural community.

To receive a master showmanship award at the Nevada County Fair, an individual must have won showmanship for a particular specie of animal in the master showmanship division; and then go on to be able to show every specie of animal in that particular division. In the small animal division, master showmanship includes showing rabbits, poultry, cavies (guinea pigs), pygmy goat and dog.  In the large animal division, master showmanship includes showing beef cattle, dairy cattle, dairy goat, meat goat, sheep and swine.  Judges score participants on how well they show each animal.

In small animals, Shelby qualified for master showmanship by winning dog showmanship.  In the large animals, she qualified by winning for dairy goat showmanship.

Shelby is a 16-year-old senior at Nevada Union High School, and a member of Nevada Union FFA. She has been showing at the Nevada County Fair for 10 years. She is a 4H All-Star, and this past year she won Reserve Best Wether at the State Fair for pygmy goats.  She is currently serving as Regional Reporter for the Superior Region FFA.  This year, she has been chosen as a delegate to represent California at the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana.

“I was shocked to receive this honor,” said McClelland. “All those I was competing against are so good at what they do, competitive, and truly know their stuff. All I could do was stay focused, work hard and try my best. I’m so excited, and now I can relax and enjoy the Fair.”

“This is such a prestigious honor to receive both small animal and large animal master showmanship awards at one Fair,” said Robin Hauck, Deputy Manager of the Nevada County Fair. “It is very rare, and, to our knowledge, the only time that this has happened at the Nevada County Fair.”

Visit NevadaCountyFair.com for information about the Nevada County Fairgrounds.

Source: Wendy Oaks
Publicist Nevada County Fair

nevada county fair

Huell Howser Vists Nevada County Fair

Huell Howser, founder and host of the PBS program California’s Gold, takes a moment to interview Sandy Woods, CEO of the Nevada County Fairgrounds. Howser visited the Nevada County Fair on Thursday to film an episode for a PBS series he is developing on “California’s Golden Fairs.”
Huell Howser, founder and host of the PBS program California’s Gold, takes a moment to interview Sandy Woods, CEO of the Nevada County Fairgrounds. Howser visited the Nevada County Fair on Thursday to film an episode for a PBS series he is developing on “California’s Golden Fairs.”

Visit is part of Howser’s PBS series on “California’s Golden Fairs”

Huell Howser, noted television personality and founder of the PBS program: California’s Gold, spent the day at the Nevada County Fair on Thursday. 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.  In addition to his visit to Treat Street, Howser spent time filming the Fair’s Gold Path, the tall Pine trees, and the Draft Horse monument at the front of the Fairgrounds.

Howser’s visit to the Nevada County Fairgrounds is for his developing PBS series entitled “California’s Golden Fairs,” which will consist of 12 episodes.  The “California’s Golden Fairs” series will consist of 12 episodes expected to air in the Spring of 2011. Eleven of the episodes will be a half hour long and will feature a different Fair – with one of the 11 episodes focusing solely on the Nevada County Fair. The 12th episode will be dedicated to all of California’s Golden Fairs and will feature Howser as a host.

Part of the Nevada County Fair episode will be featured in November on KVIE, and, then again, in the Spring 2011, when the entire series begins airing at a rate of one per week for 12 weeks.

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.

The 2010 Nevada County Fair is happening now through Sunday, August 15. The 2011 Nevada County Fair is August 10 – 14. Visit www.NevadaCountyFair.com for information.

nevada county fair

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

Danny Kemp Inducted into the 2010 Nevada County Fair Hall of Fame
Danny Kemp Inducted into the 2010 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.

For information about the Nevada County Fair, August 11 – 15, visit www.NevadaCountyFair.com.