Ed and Carol Scofield of Grass Valley have been named Family of the Year by the Nevada County Fair’s Board of Directors. The Board chose the Scofield family because of their long-standing roots in Nevada County, their commitment to Nevada County, and their ongoing involvement in the Nevada County Fair.
Ed and Carol have been active in the Fair for more than 25 years, and, together, they have made significant contributions in Nevada County.
Ed, a native of Nevada County, retired in 2008 after 26 years as the CEO of the Nevada County Fairgrounds. During that time, he helped the Fairgrounds become visible as one of the ten outstanding rural fairs in America, and oversaw the creation of the annual Draft Horse Classic and the Country Christmas Faire. Within the Fair industry, he has served as President of the Western Fairs Association and was elected to the Western Fair’s Hall of Fame.
Ed has also served Nevada County through various service organizations, including the Grass Valley/Nevada County Chamber of Commerce, Grass Valley Rotary, Grass Valley City Council, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and 4-H.
Today, he serves as District II Supervisor on the Nevada County Board of Supervisors. He also remains active in the Fair industry, serving as President of the Nevada County Fairgrounds Foundation, where he continues to work towards the betterment of the community’s Fairgrounds.
Carol, who moved to Nevada County in 1975, has been equally active in the community and the Fair. Carol has served Nevada County as President of Soroptimist International of Grass Valley, and as a Board member of both the Nevada County Wheelchair Sports Association and PRIDE Industries. She was also chosen as Grass Valley’s Citizen of the Year by the Nevada County Board of Realtors.
Carol has worked alongside Ed in the Fair industry, volunteering her time at the Nevada County Fair for the past 25 years. She has worked in various food booths on Treat Street, emceed the Miss Nevada County Fair Contest and the Idol Competition, hosted the “Up Close and Personal” event at the Draft Horse Classic, judged numerous contests, participated in parades, and provided staff development for the Fair staff.
Carol continues to be active in the Fair community. As the owner of a company that offers staff development and training for service associations and organizations, Carol works with Western Fairs Association, as well as International Association of Fairs and Expositions.
“Ed and Carol are an integral part of Nevada County,” said Sandy Woods, Fairgrounds CEO. “They embody the spirit of Nevada County and they serve as the Fair’s biggest advocates. Their countless hours of volunteering, their contributions to the Fair, and their commitment to our community are immeasurable.”
The Scofield Family also includes three children, Ed’s “little brother,” five grandchildren, and a great-grandchild. Additionally, Ed’s mother, Vivian Scofield, is a member of the Nevada County Fair’s Hall of Fame, where she was inducted in 2004 for her work in the exhibit buildings at the Fair.
About being named the Fair’s Family of the Year, Ed says, “We are honored to be recognized by the Fair because we believe in Nevada County and its wonderful Fairgrounds. There is something magical about the Fairgrounds, and we’re both so proud to be associated with such a community treasure.”
The Scofield Family will be honored at opening ceremonies of the Nevada County Fair, which runs August 12-16. 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 Nevada County Fair or call (530) 273-6217.
By Wendy Oaks