Category Archives: nevada county fair

Meet Tommie Turvey, Equine Extremist, at the Draft Horse Classic at the Nevada County Fair

Tommie performing with Pokiejoe.  Picture courtesy of Nevada County Fairgrounds
Tommie performing with Pokiejoe. Picture courtesy of Nevada County Fairgrounds


Meet and Greet with Tommie and his famous horses on Saturday and Sunday of the Classic

 

Tommie Turvey, Equine Extremist, who will be performing at this year’s Draft Horse Classic, will be featured at a Meet and Greet on Saturday and Sunday from 2 -3 pm at the Nevada County Fairgrounds. Held outside the arena, near the box office, the Meet and Greet is a great opportunity to meet Tommie, meet his famous horses, get an autograph, and chat with Tommie about his work with horses.

Tommie is a world-renowned equine entertainer, stuntman, and one of the best movie horse trainers of today. As a professional stuntman and movie horse trainer, Tommie has been involved with his horses in the Hollywood blockbuster movies “Jonah Hex,” “Batman: Dark Knight,” and Larry the Cable Guy’s “Witless Protection.” His horses have also been featured in AMC’s series “The Walking Dead,” NBC’s “Revolution,” and TNT’s “Burn Notice.”

Additionally, Tommie was called upon by Anheuser Busch to train and coordinate eight of their famous Budweiser Clydesdales for their highly watched 2013 Superbowl commercial. The commercial, “Brotherhood,” was voted best Superbowl ad, and has more than 15 million views on YouTube.

horse-bucking

Tommie training Clydes for Budweiser Commercial Photo courtesy of Nevada County Fairgrounds
Tommie training Clydes for Budweiser Commercial
Photo courtesy of Nevada County Fairgrounds

Tommie and his horses travel the world performing for hundreds of thousands of people each year, and have performed in some of North America’s biggest shows – the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, the Hollywood Charity Horse Show, Night of the Horse in Del Mar, the Toronto Royal, and the PA Horse World Expo. They have also been featured in the Tournament of Roses Parade on New Year’s Day and the World Equestrian Games in Lexington, Kentucky.

His bay and white American Paint Horse, “Pokerjoe” is the star of the group. He is well known for his comedy antics, black mane, white tail, and his most requested equine act. In 2009, Pokerjoe was immortalized as a Breyer ® Horse model. Tommie’s black and white Paint Horse, “Joker,” was cast as the Celebration Breyer® Model Horse in 2006, showcasing his performances and television career.

As an owner of 14 horses from Paints, Pintos, Quarter Horses, Haflingers, Trakehners, Mini’s, Rocky Mountain and Mustangs, Tommie has dedicated his life to bringing the power and beauty of the horse to the forefront through entertainment and inspiring demonstrations. He is based at Liberty Horse Ranch in Summerville, GA. For more information about Tommie, visit Tommie’s website at www.equineextremist.net.

In addition to the Meet and Greet (held Saturday and Sunday from 2 – 3 pm on the backside of the arena, next to the arena box office), Tommie will be featured at each performance at the Draft Horse Classic. The Classic is held September 18 – 21 at the Nevada County Fairgrounds in Grass Valley. Tickets to the Classic performances are on sale now, and can be purchased by calling the Fairgrounds Office at (530) 273-6217 or visiting the Fairgrounds’ website at www.NevadaCountyFair.com.

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BBQ Cook-off and Bounty of the County Nevada County Fairgrounds

 

PART OF THE FESTIVITIES AT THE DRAFT HORSE CLASSIC WEEKEND

 “Backyard BBQ Cook-Off” on Saturday, September 20;

“Bounty of the County” on Sunday, September 21

 

In between Draft Horse performances at the Nevada County Fairgrounds, September 18 – 21, take time to visit two tasty events happening on the grounds during the weekend – “Backyard BBQ Cook-Off” and “Bounty of the County.”

On Saturday, September 20, from 1 – 4 pm, taste the delicious samples of food made by BBQ experts. Tasting tickets will be available at the event at 5 for $10. Come taste the treats, enjoy a beverage or two, and sit back and listen to live musical entertainment by local favorite “Cool Heat.”

On Sunday, September 21, Bounty of the County takes place from 1 – 4 pm.  Bring your appetite to this fun and delicious event, hosted by Nevada County Grown. Bounty of the County is a pairing of fabulous local chefs with the finest produce and meats of Nevada County Grown farmers and ranchers. This is local, fresh, and delicious food at its best – and a feast for your palate. In addition to great food, there will be music, vendors, demonstrations, and educational booths. Artists’ Studio in the Foothills (ASiF) will also feature an art exhibit and sale. For the children, there will be plenty of activities, including veggie stamping, pasta shell necklaces, recycled paper pots, butterfly plant markers, and a soil discovery station. Tasting tickets will be sold at the event at 3 for $10, and proceeds benefit local agriculture. Additional details can be found at NevadaCountyGrown.org.

In addition to these two tasty events, the Harvest Fair is bustling with activities during the weekend, including musical entertainment on the Pine Tree stage, Art at the Classic, delicious festival food on Treat Street, a clogging jamboree, a Western Trade Show, and visits to the barns.

The Draft Horse Classic and Harvest Fair runs September 18 – 21 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.

For tickets to the Draft Horse Classic performances, or for details about the Harvest Fair activities, visit NevadaCountyFair.com or call (530) 273-6217.

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Draft Horse Classic Tickets on Sale Now

Carriage-(ProSportsPix)
Carriage-(ProSportsPix)

 

Majestic Draft Horse performances, breath-taking competitions, and seeing a Draft Horse “up-close” are all part of the festivities at the 28th annual Draft Horse Classic and Harvest Fair, September 18 – 21, at the beautiful Nevada County Fairgrounds in Grass Valley. Featuring six performances by the beautiful Draft Horses, this event has become the premier Draft Horse show in the western United States. The Classic spotlights a variety of horses, teams, and performances; featuring everything from farm wagons, carriages, and driving competitions to dancing horses and racing mules.  The stars of the show are the horses, and with more than 120 horses stabled on the grounds, the Classic offers a unique chance to observe them in a multitude of settings.

Tickets to this event are on-sale now.  Once again, we’re offering discounted pricing on adult admission tickets for evening performances, as well as on morning performances and children’s tickets.  Tickets can be purchased by calling (530-273-6217), faxing (530-273-1146), or visiting the Fair Office on McCourtney Road. Tickets can also be purchased on-line at NevadaCountyFair.com. There is a small transaction fee if you order your tickets on-line.  Ticket order forms are available at www.NevadaCountyFair.com. Choose from six performances!

Although there is a charge for the Draft Horse performances in the arena, admission to the Fairgrounds is free so all can enjoy the many activities of the Harvest Fair happening during the four days of the Classic. Visit the grounds to enjoy western music, Harvest Fair agricultural competitions and hundreds of community exhibits, a clogging jamboree, horse shoeing demonstrations, delicious food on Treat Street, and artwork at Art at the Classic. Plus, you don’t want to miss the opportunity to visit the barns and meet the famous Draft Horses up-close.

On Saturday of the Classic, it’s the Backyard BBQ and Chef’s Challenge Rib Cook-Off, happening from 1 – 3:30 pm. Whether you want to show off your cooking skills or simply join the fun and taste the treats – we’ve got it all in one place. Tasting tickets and alcoholic beverages will be available to purchase at the event.

On Sunday, September 21, enjoy the Fall-like weather underneath the tall pine trees for Bounty of the County.  Sponsored by Nevada County Grown, Bounty of the County takes place from 1 – 4 pm and is a pairing of fabulous local chefs with the produce and meats of Nevada County Grown farmers and ranchers. This is local, fresh, and delicious food at its best – and a feast for your palate.  Information is available at www.NevadaCountyGrown.org.

The Nevada County Fairgrounds is located on McCourtney Road in Grass Valley, just 50 miles northeast of Sacramento. The phone number is (530) 273-6217. Visit www.NevadaCountyFair.com for tickets to the Draft Horse Classic and for more information.

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Destruction Derby at the 2014 Nevada County Fair

Photo courtesy of Nevada County Fairgrounds
Photo courtesy of Nevada County Fairgrounds

It’s back – the Destruction Derby at the Nevada County Fair!  The popular Derby, held on Sunday of the Nevada County Fair, will be locally produced by five of Nevada County’s Rotary Clubs – The Rotary Club of Nevada City, Rotary Club of Nevada County South, 49er Breakfast Rotary of Nevada City, Penn Valley Rotary, and Rotary Club of Grass Valley.

This year’s Destruction Derby is sure to be a crowd favorite! Watch as drivers put their cars to the ultimate test and crash, smash, and ram other vehicles while trying to keep their own vehicle running! That’s demolition at its best.

“The Nevada County Fairgrounds is extremely pleased that the Rotarians, who are leaders in our community, are taking on the production of the Destruction Derby at the Fair,” said Sandy Woods, CEO of the Nevada County Fairgrounds. “This event will be a truly locally produced event, and we are excited to be able to offer this entertainment to our community.”

The Destruction Derby is held on Sunday, August 10, at 7 pm at the Nevada County Fair. Tickets are $15 for adults and $8 for kids 12 and under.

In addition to the Destruction Derby, this year’s Fair has a full line up in the arena, including the Flying U Extreme Rodeo (produced by Cotton Rosser and Flying U Rodeo) on Wednesday and Thursday night, and Tuff Trucks and Monster Trucks (produced by Scott Miller Paving, Inc.) on Friday and Saturday night.

For tickets to Rotary’s Destruction Derby or any of the arena events, visit NevadaCountyFair.com. This year’s Nevada County Fair is August 6- 10.

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Five Days of Fun in Grass Valley Nevada County Fair

Photo courtesy of Nevada County Fair Grounds April Depiazza
Photo courtesy of Nevada County Fair Grounds April Depiazza

 

NEVADA COUNTY FAIR: AUGUST 6 – 10

Grass Valley – It’s Fair season, and the Nevada County Fair, happening August 6 – 10, has five days of “Simply Fun” planned for Fair-goers of all ages. Held under the shade of the tall pine trees in Grass Valley, the Nevada County Fair is the perfect opportunity to listen to musical entertainment, eat delicious food, enjoy carnival rides and games, visit barns full of animals, and see thousands of community exhibits – all in a community-friendly environment.

While visiting the Fair, zip line across The Green, check out the sky diver flying into the arena during the rodeo, try your hand at gold panning, walk in a water balloon, see baby chicks hatch in the embryology display, watch the Fair’s Family Feud competition, or listen to Mogollon’s music as they celebrate 20 years of performing at the Nevada County Fair. Or, how about visiting Circus Imagination, where children become instant stars by being selected from the audience, put in costume, and then performing in a spontaneous circus for the crowd.

Long-time crowd pleasing events will soar into the Fair’s arena Wednesday through Sunday evening. There’s the Flying U Extreme Rodeo happening on Wednesday and Thursday evening; while Friday and Saturday night features Tuff Trucks and Monster Trucks. On Sunday, the ever-popular Destruction Derby returns to the arena. All arena events begin at 7 pm.

Enjoy ongoing, musical entertainment at one of the outdoor stages. This year features a variety of music – pop rock, country rock, traditional country, Chicago-style blues, jazz, traditional and contemporary bluegrass, rockabilly dance, and rock and roll. Barbershop quartets, hula dancing and dancers, and Nevada County’s Concert Band will also be featured on the various stages.

For more fun, enter one of the special contests held daily in the Special Events tent. There’s a Cell Phone Photo Scavenger Hunt, an Instagram contest, Field Games, Kids Duct Tape Art Challenge, a Yo-Yo Contest, a Scrapbook Page Layout Contest, “Minute to Win It” fun, a Diaper Derby, a Just Dance Contest, and nightly karaoke. No pre-registration required – just show up and have fun. Details for contests are available on the Fair’s website.

A visit to the Fair wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Treat Street. It is here that you’ll find an array of delicious foods and drinks – pasties, tacos, corn on the cob, beer, tempura zucchini, baked potatoes, nachos, hamburgers, corn dogs, caramel corn, and more – all while supporting local, non-profit organizations.

For best deals, purchase your tickets before the Fair begins. Tickets are on sale now and advanced sale discounts are available through August 5 at 5 pm. To purchase tickets, visit NevadaCountyFair.com, stop by the Fair Office, or call the Fair Office.

Join us at this year’s Nevada County Fair, August 6 – 10, and find out why we’ve been voted as the “Best Community Event” for 12 years in a row. The Nevada County Fairgrounds is located at 11228 McCourtney Road in Grass Valley. For a list of daily activities, event details, tickets, or general information, visit www.NevadaCountyFair.com or call (530) 273-6217.

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Daniels Family to be Recognized as Family of the Year at Nevada County Fair

Daniels Family of the Year 2014
Daniels Family of the Year 2014

 

Don and Anita Daniels have been named the 2014 Family of the Year by the Nevada County Fair’s Board of Directors. The Board chose the Daniels Family for their long time commitment, participation, and volunteer efforts at the Nevada County Fairgrounds.

For more than 50 years, Don and Anita have been actively involved in the Nevada County Fair.  Don has been involved in the Fair since 1951, when he participated in his first horse show at Lions Lake. He was a charter Nevada Union FFA member, has roped calves and steers at the Fairs rodeos, and judged horse shows. Additionally, he has played in several bands at the Fair, served as a local 4H Beef Leader, and volunteered at work days at the Fairgrounds.

Throughout the years, he and Anita have also volunteered in numerous booths on Treat Street. Continue reading Daniels Family to be Recognized as Family of the Year at Nevada County Fair

Bill Schultz, Rose Thompson, William Wetherall to be Inducted in Nevada County Fair’s Hall of Fame

 

Bill Schultz
Bill Schultz

 

Bill Schultz, Rose Thompson, and William Wetherall, have been named to the Nevada County Fair’s Hall of Fame. The Fair’s Board of Directors recognized the individuals for their long-time support and dedication to the Nevada County Fair.

Bill Schultz, who passed away in 2013, was a long-time resident of Nevada County and had a tremendous love for the Fair. Decades ago, Bill was the Livestock Superintendent; and, most recently, he served on the Nevada County Fair’s Board of Directors for almost seven years. He also served as a director on the Fairgrounds Foundation Board.

In addition to Bill’s involvement in the Fair, he was extremely active in the community. He served for eight years with the Nevada County Board of Supervisors, as a board member of the Nevada County Council on Alcoholism, as a member and past president of the Grass Valley Rotary, and a member of the Grass Valley Chamber of Commerce.

“Bill’s dedication and passion for the Fair was energizing,” said Sandy Woods, CEO of the Nevada County Fair. “He was a bright, insightful person with a lively style characterized by a tell-it-like-it-is honesty. Bill’s dedication to Nevada County and the Nevada County Fair is admired, and he is greatly missed.”

Bill Wetherall
Bill Wetherall

William Wetherall served on the Fair’s Board of Directors for approximately 15 years, commencing in May 1962.  In addition to his work with the Fair, William was the Dean of the Nevada County Bar, and he practiced law until his late 80’s.  William passed away in 2013 at the age of 102.

His friend, Bradford Ellsworth, who recommended William in a letter to the Fair Board, said, “…for 15 years, he provided invaluable advice and guidance to the officers, directors, and management of the Nevada County Fair.  I admired and respected William as much as any person I’ve ever met. He is deserving of recognition for the person he was and for his contributions to the Nevada County Fair.”

Rose Thompson
Rose Thompson

Rose Thompson has been an active participate at the Fair for the past 44 years, where she has been exhibitor, an employee, and a volunteer. Prior to moving to Grass Valley 44 years ago, Rose had never been to a Fair; however, upon her first year in Grass Valley, she volunteered to set up a display at the Fair, got “hooked on the Fair,” and has been at every Fair since!

For many years, Rose was in charge of setting up all of the exhibit buildings.  With her Dad by her side, she would spend the summer preparing all of the buildings for the Fair exhibits. She also worked as a receptionist in the front office. In recent years, Rose has assisted with the Fiber and Textile exhibit, the Harvest Fair at the Draft Horse Classic, and the Gingerbread House competition at the Country Christmas Faire.

While volunteering at the Fair, Rose also worked for the Nevada County School District for 22 years, where she worked as a teacher’s aide and as an administration assistant to the Superintendent. She’s also been a member of the Pioneer Arts Club for more than 20 years, and also works with the Quilt Guild.

Rose explains that she was “stunned and overwhelmed” by her nomination into the Hall of Fame. She said it’s the people who have made her experience at the Fair so memorable and keep her coming back. “The people here truly are my family – my Fair family – and I love them all.”

“Rose is highly gifted artistically and with that talent she would create beautiful exhibit settings,” said Woods. “Although Rose is retiring this year from working at the Fair, she continues to have a deep devotion and love for the Fair – and her artistic talent can still be found in the buildings. It is an honor to induct her into the Fair’s Hall of Fame.”

Schultz, Wetherall, and Thompson will be formally inducted into the Hall of Fame at opening day ceremonies on Wednesday, August 6.  The honorees will receive a portrait donated by Shaffers Originals of Grass Valley.

The 2014 Nevada County Fair is August 6 – 10. For more information, visit www.NevadaCountyFair.com or call (530) 273-6217.

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Family Feud Competition at the Nevada County Fair

http://www.dailykos.com/
Photo credit:http://www.dailykos.com/

 

Let’s get ready to play the Family Feud!  New at this year’s Nevada County Fair, we’ve got the Family Feud. This event will feature eight families, playing four games, and competing for cash and prizes. Would you and your family like to compete?

Applications are now available for this fun opportunity! Families are taken on a first come, first serve basis; get that application turned in early. There will be cool community prizes, Fair packages, and cash awarded. Four winning families will receive $100, as well as a Fair package that includes admission tickets for five individuals, parking, five arena event tickets, and carnival rides. Additionally, the winning families will be entered on the TV game show’s “You Tube” contestant entry website to try to win a place on the Family Feud game show.  The event will take place on Wednesday, August 6 at 5 pm on the Pine Tree Stage.

Because there is a limit on the number of families who can participate, early entry is encouraged. The entry fee is only $20, and entries close on Friday, August 1, at 4:50 pm.

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.

Bring your family and let’s get ready to play the Family Feud at this year’s “Simply Fun” Nevada County Fair, August 6 – 10.

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Deadline Extended: Still Time to Enter Exhibits in the Nevada County Fair

Photo credit Cleveland Seniors www.http://www.clevelandseniors.com/forever/headlines.htm
Photo credit Cleveland Seniors www.http://www.clevelandseniors.com/forever/headlines.htm

The deadline to turn in entry forms to enter an exhibit in the Nevada County Fair has been extended – so there’s more time to enter an exhibit or two in the Nevada County Fair. The deadline for submitting paper entry forms to the Fair Office has been extended to Monday, July 21 at 4 pm. Or, if you enter on-line using the Fair’s on-line entry system, you have until midnight on Monday, July 21. There are no entry fees for most categories (that’s right – it’s FREE), so simply visit the Fair Office on McCourtney Road or log-on to the Fair’s website at www.NevadaCountyFair.com to complete the entry process. This deadline extension is for still exhibits and livestock entries (excluding market beef, sheep, swine, and goats).

Complete descriptions of all categories are available in the Fair’s Competition Handbook, which is available on the Fair’s website at www.NevadaCountyFair.com, at the Fair office, area libraries, and local chamber of commerce offices.

The 2014 Fair is August 6 – 10. For more information, call (530) 273-6217 or visit www.NevadaCountyFair.com.

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Nevada County Fairground and Community Organizations Team up for Community Involvement Day on July 28

cioppino-flyer

Participate in Community Involvement Day and receive free tickets to the Fair 

The Nevada County Fairgrounds, the Food Bank of Nevada County, Foothill Lions, Story Club, Nevada County 2-1-1, and BloodSource are teaming up on July 28 for Community Involvement Day – a day to donate items to non-profit organizations, while also receiving free tickets to the Fair.  These organizations will be set-up at the Fairgrounds Gate 1 main parking lot on Monday, July 28, from 1 – 6 pm, to receive donations of any of the items listed below.

Those who donate items to the Food Bank of Nevada County, Foothill Lions, Story Club, and Nevada County 2-1-1 will receive a coupon to redeem for one free admission ticket with the purchase of one Fair admission ticket. That’s two for the price of one!

Those who make a blood donation at the BloodSource blood mobile will receive a free admission ticket to any day of the Fair.

Food Bank of Nevada County: Donate four cans of food to the Food Bank of Nevada County. For more information about the Food Bank of Nevada County, visit www.foodbankofnc.org or call (530) 272-3796.

Foothill Lions: Drop off a donation of an old hearing aid or old prescription eye glasses.

Story Club: Donate two new or slightly used children’s books, including chapter books for teens.

Nevada County 2-1-1: Partnering with PARTNERS Family Resource Centers, Nevada County 2-1-1 will be collecting donations of new backpacks, new lunch boxes, and new school supplies like three ring binders, spiral bound notebooks, pencils and pens. Visit http://www.partnersfamilyresourcecenters.org/ for information.

BloodSource:  For a free admission ticket to the Fair, make a blood donation at the BloodSource bloodmobile located in the main parking lot (Gate 1) at the Nevada County Fairgrounds. For information and eligibility about blood donation, visit www.bloodsource.org or call 1-866-822-5663.

Feel free to donate to any one organization or all of them! To receive your coupons or free tickets, all donations must be brought to the Gate 1 parking lot at the Fairgrounds on July 28 between the hours of  1- 6 pm.

Coupons received (buy one, get one) for the donations must be redeemed during pre-sale dates, which take place until August 5. Presale discounted tickets will be available for purchase on Community Involvement Day at Guest Services, Gate 1.

This year’s Fair is August 6 – 10. Visit www.NevadaCountyFair.com for more information or call the Fair Office at (530) 273-6217.

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