By Wendy Oaks

Don and Georgine Wasley have been named as the 2011 inductees into the Nevada County Fair’s Hall of Fame. The Fair’s Board of Directors recognized Don and Georgine for their commitment and long-time service to the Nevada County Fair.

The Wasleys have been dedicated employees and members of the Fair family for many decades. Don, who passed away in 2010, began working at the Fairgrounds in his youth, working in the parking lots. While Don went on to work at the U.S. Post Office, he would schedule his vacations around the Fair so that he could work at the Fair. After retiring, he continued working at the Fair – in the Main Office, as a ticket taker, and, eventually, as a cashier at Gate 1.

“Each year, working at the Fair just became part of our summer,” said Georgine. “We scheduled our vacation days to coincide with the Fair, and that’s how we spent our vacations. We couldn’t imagine doing anything else.”

Georgine, who retired in 2003 after 50 years with Bank of America, started at the Fair as part of Bank of America’s appraisal department, where she would work at the auction and sit in the ring to do sales slips. She later worked nights at the Fair – counting cash and assuming various cashier responsibilities. Her hours continued to increase, and in recent years, Georgine assumed the very responsible position of being the head cashier. With her retirement from the Fair in 2010, Georgine provided 25 years of service to the Fair.

“There was a dignity and quietude to the Wasleys, and their devotion to each other was evident in their effective teamwork,” said Fairgrounds CEO Sandy Woods. “Don and Georgine are the type of people you can always count on. They both shared a very strong work ethic and their significant years of contributing their energy and passion have greatly benefited the Nevada County Fair.”

Georgine, who will accept the award on behalf of herself and Don, is still surprised to be receiving the Hall of Fame honor. “Don and I never did any of this work for recognition. We did it to serve our community, and because we both love the Fair and the family it creates. I never expected this honor and I am still overwhelmed.”

Don and Georgine will be formally inducted into the Hall of Fame at opening day ceremonies on Wednesday, August 10. In addition to access to the Fair and its many activities, the honorees will receive a portrait donated by Shaffers Originals.

For information about the Nevada County Fair, August 10 – 14, visit Nevada County Fair

 

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

 

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