Book includes all the information you need to enter exhibits in this year’s Fair
The Nevada County Fair’s Competition Handbook, which includes all the information you need to enter exhibits in this year’s Fair, is now available. If you can make it, bake it, grow it or show it, there is a category for you – and it can be found in the Competition Handbook!
Why not showcase a child’s artwork project from school, a cooking skill, or a special collection? Try baking cookies, entering a photo, creating a produce character, making the Ugliest Decorated Cake, writing a poem, entering the Pet Look-A-Like photo contest, or making a bookmark. This year, we have some fun new categories like button art, plastic utensil art, decorated cake pops, beach art, and a decorated reusable grocery bag.
Fair Entry Seahorse
There are also special contests like the Seafaring Squash Mobile Races, Daily Special Food Contests, 4-H Still Exhibits, and an exhibit video contest. With hundreds of categories available for children and adults, the Competition Handbook has something for everyone.
Copies of the free handbook are available at the Fairgrounds’ Office, Chamber of Commerce offices, post offices, county libraries, Raley’s, SPD, Ben Franklin, Foothill Mercantile, and other local businesses, as well as online at NevadaCountyFair.com.
It’s easy to enter! Look through the book, pick your favorite categories, and follow the simple steps for completing the entry forms. You can even enter online at NevadaCountyFair.com. Most categories are free to enter, and you can enter online or at the Fair office. The deadline for submitting entry forms and online entries is July 21 at 4 pm.
The 2017 Nevada County Fair is August 9 – 13, and the Fair them is “Sea You at the Fair!” For more information, visit NevadaCountyFair.com or call (530) 273-6217.
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Winner 2012 artwork design by Sandy Gold of Grass Valley
Submit the winning artwork for the 2014 Nevada County Fair and you could win $250
The Nevada County Fairgrounds is sponsoring a contest to find the best artwork to illustrate the 2014 Nevada County Fair theme. This year, we have two themes to choose from – “Simply Fun” OR “Lambs, Ham, Quilts and Jams.” The winning art will determine which of these two themes we choose for the 2014 Nevada County Fair. If you’re a talented artist, and you’d like $250, this is the contest to enter!
The contest, which is open to Nevada County residents only, takes place now through Friday, January 17. If you submit the winning artwork, you will win $250 and a 2014 Nevada County Fair package that includes admission tickets, parking and carnival coupons. Additionally, the winning artwork will be used on various Fair promotional pieces, print ads, buttons, banners, posters, and flyers.
Interested artists may use any medium and can submit up to three entries, which must be on 8-1/2 by 11-inch paper. Artists can submit artwork for either or both themes. Entries can be delivered to the Fairgrounds Office at 11228 McCourtney Road or mailed to the Fair Office at PO Box 2687, Grass Valley, CA 95945. A complete set of rules can be found on the Fair’s website at NevadaCountyFair.com, or by calling the Fair Office at (530) 273-6217.
Dawn Narvaez of Penn Valley submitted the theme of “Simply Fun,” and Carol Jarosik of Grass Valley submitted the theme of “Lambs, Hams, Quilts and Jams.” Both theme names were chosen from the more than 185 theme names submitted during our community contest to determine the theme for the 2014 Nevada County Fair, held August 6 – 10.
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Submit the winning theme and win a prize package to the 2014 Nevada County Fair
The Nevada County Fairgrounds is hosting a contest to find the winning theme for the 2014 Fair. Do you have a catchy or fun theme that you think would be perfect for the 2014 Nevada County Fair?
Visit the Fair’s website at NevadaCountyFair.com and submit a theme idea that you think would be perfect for the Fair. If the theme you submit is selected, you win. The winner will receive a 2014 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 8, 2013. 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 2014 Nevada County Fair is scheduled for August 6 – 10. For a complete list of contest rules or information, visit www.NevadaCountyFair.com or call (530) 273-6217.
Debby Biddinger, director of Tall Pines Nursery School at the Nevada County Fairgrounds. Photo Credit: Nevada County Fairgrounds
Debby Biddinger was recently named the 2013 Blue Ribbon Award recipient by the Nevada County Fairgrounds Board of Directors. The award was created by the Fair’s industry association, the Western Fairs Association (WFA), to recognize dedicated individuals who support their local Fair and continuously contribute to the quality of the Fair. Debby was recognized for her ongoing support of the Fairgrounds and its many activities, and for all her work at Tall Pines Nursery School at the Fairgrounds.
Debby has been the director of Tall Pines Nursery, a parent co-op preschool located at the Nevada County Fairgrounds, since 1985. She has also served as a teacher during this time and has become affectionately known as “Teacher Debby.” During her 28 years at Tall Pines, Debby has seen almost 3,000 children pass through the preschool, and now has some families with three generations who have attended the school.
During the Fair, the preschool is closed; however, Debby can be found at the Fairgrounds getting the Tall Pines Nursery booth ready for the Fair, where they serve Round Table Pizza to Fair-goers as a fundraiser for the school.
Raised in Nevada County, Debby has been married to her husband, Tim, for 36 years, and they have a daughter, Amy. Throughout her years at the preschool, Debby has recruited both her husband and her daughter to help out at the preschool. To them, it’s “definitely a family event.” Their daughter, Amy, has followed in her Mom’s footsteps and is now a math teacher at Forest Charter.
“I truly love everything about the Fairgrounds – and I love that Tall Pines is such a part of the Fairgrounds,” said Debby. “I’m surprised and overwhelmed to receive this award, and I feel very fortunate to be able to work in such a beautiful location, with the families and children I serve, and among the Fair team.”
“Debby is truly one of the Fair’s best friends,” said Sandy Woods, CEO of the Fairgrounds. “She has a deep love for the Fairgrounds and she passes that passion on to her little students. She is one of the guardians of California’s Most Beautiful Fairgrounds and is very protective of the facility. She is held in very high esteem by the entire Fair staff and we consider her part of the Fair family. We are thrilled to be able to honor her with this industry award.”
Debby was recognized in a surprise presentation at the Fair’s Opening Ceremonies on Wednesday, August 7.
The 2013 Nevada County Fair was one of the most successful fairs in recent history. This year, overwhelmingly, we were buoyed by our Fair community – and we thank you for that support and for your confidence.
We thank each and every one of you – our customers, our sponsors, our vendors, our Treat Street non-profits, our youth in agriculture, our volunteers, and all those who supported us from afar. Because of your support and generosity, we made a difference in Nevada County:
Two hundred and twenty two animals were sold at the Junior Livestock Auction, grossing $393,932 (a 15% increase over last year) for the youth of Nevada County.
The Ag Mechanics Auction, featuring 58 custom projects by Bear River and Nevada Union FFA students, raised $48,425 (an increase of 24%) for these students.
Almost $700,000 was generated on Treat Street. Proceeds raised will allow local non-profit organizations to provide vital services to our community.
Sunday’s special promotion of “Free Until Three,” brought 12,292 visitors, and coupled with paid attendance after three, created a record attendance day of 16,733 for any Sunday of the Fair.
The Fair included more than 7,200 exhibits from our community, including Floriculture Best of Division Winner – Maxine Lewelling – who’s been attending the Fair for more than 55 years, and entered for the first time this year.
On Community Involvement Day, the Fair partnered with BloodSource, the Food Bank of Nevada County and Foothill Lions:
91 blood donors were registered and 78 pints of life saving blood were collected
450 pounds of food were collected
100 prescription eye glasses and one hearing aide were donated
Seventy business sponsors partnered with the Fair to provide valuable services – like free shuttle rides, community day with free admission, free drinking water, and special contests – to Fair-goers.
Almost 3,000 students and educators attended Wednesday’s Scholar Student Day.
In the Special Events Tent on Saturday, nine people donated hair to Locks of Love, including an individual who donated 24 inches of hair. More than 190 vendors participated in this year’s Fair
The Fair has always been a celebration of our community – and our cumulative efforts – and one that draws us together and strengthens our ties; and the 2013 Fair continued that tradition. We are who we are because of all of you – and, for that, we thank you!
We’ll see you at the 2014 Nevada County Fair, August 6 – 10.
Tom Browning, President, Nevada County Fairgrounds Board of Directors
Sandy Woods, Chief Executive Officer, Nevada County Fairgrounds
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From left to right – J.T., Kaytlin, John and Cindy McIntosh. Photo credit: Shaffers Originals.
John and Cindy McIntosh have been named the 2013 Family of the Year by the Nevada County Fair’s Board of Directors. The Board chose the McIntosh Family for their ongoing support of the Fair and its Foundation, as well as for their commitment to volunteerism in the community.
For more than 45 years, John and Cindy have been involved in the Fair. John, who has been attending the Fair since 1962, has been an exhibitor at the Fair, served as a volunteer at several fund raising and social events sponsored by the Fairgrounds Foundation, and, years ago, worked at the Fair as a parking attendant and a janitor. Cindy has been attending the Fair since 1968 and has also exhibited in the Fair (she’s won two best of shows!), volunteers at Foundation events, and worked in the Fur and Feathers area. They have both volunteered for eight years at the Nevada County 4-H food booth and for more than 20 years at the Higgins Nacho food booth.
“The Fair is the focal point of the year for many people,” says John. “For us, it is an opportunity to interact with other adult and youth community organization members, and see the growth and accomplishments of our county’s youth. We enjoy everything about the Fair, and we don’t want to miss a minute of it.”
Not surprisingly, the McIntosh family has many fond memories at the Fair. For John, the Fair serves as a reminder of the time spent with his parents, who have both passed away. For Cindy, she remembers when her mom would give her five dollars and her watch and tell her to be back at the Bingo booth at 5:00. Another funny memory for Cindy occurred when their son, Kylle, was younger. “John’s Mom didn’t go to the Fair with us one year,” explains Cindy. “Kylle asked what she would do if she wasn’t going, so I answered that she’d probably watch TV. Kylle looked at us with wide eyes and said ‘there’s TV during the Fair?’ He was shocked; he thought the whole world stopped for the Fair.”
John and Cindy, who met at the Nevada County Fair in 1982, have been married for almost twenty two years. They have two grown children, Maranda Brannon and Kylle Rose; two children at home, Kaytlin and J.T; and three grandchildren. Kaytlin attends Sierra College and J.T. is a senior at Bear River High School. Both Kaytlin and J.T. have been involved in the Fair as exhibitors – in still exhibits and in livestock – and Kaytlin serves in 4-H as an adult volunteer.
John is a Captain with the Higgins Fire Department, where he has worked for the past 20 years. He volunteers with Nevada County 4-H, where he helps with youth summer camp; and volunteers at various 4-H events held throughout Northern California. Cindy, who works for the Renwick Home Team Real Estate office, also volunteers with Nevada County 4-H, where she has held executive offices; and is the community club leader for Cool Hollow 4-H and camp director for Woodchuck Flat 4-H summer camp.
“Each year, the McIntosh Family volunteers countless hours to the Fair and to Nevada County,” said Sandy Woods, CEO of the Fairgrounds. “Most recently, they arranged and supervised all the 4-H volunteers for the Foundation’s Cioppino Feed. They are very humble and giving of their time, and it is an honor to recognize them as the Fair’s Family of the Year.”
Upon being named the Family of the Year, John says, “It was unexpected and a nice surprise. We feel privileged, and are excited to be part of a group of people that the Fair honors.”
The McIntosh Family will be honored at the Fair’s opening ceremonies. They will receive a Fair package, as well as a family portrait by Shaffers Originals of Grass Valley.
The 2013 Nevada County Fair is August 7 – 11. Visit NevadaCountyFair.com for information.
Wendy Oaks
Publicist, Nevada County Fairgrounds
(530) 273-6217 wsoaks@gmail.com
Fair Office will extend its hours and be open this weekend for discounted ticket sales!
Tickets for the Nevada County Fair are on sale now. Purchase your admission, carnival tickets, and arena event tickets before the Fair begins and save money! The Fair Office is open Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm, and will be open specifically for ticket sales on Saturday, August 3 and Sunday, August 4 from 10 am to 5 pm on both days. You can also save time by purchasing your Fair tickets online at NevadaCountyFair.com.
Buy your admission tickets before August 6 at 5 pm and get an admission ticket for $6. Or, purchase a “Be A Kid Again” adult admission ticket for Thursday of the Fair for only $4. You can also take advantage of other pre-sale offers, including a five-day Fair pass with unlimited entry for $30; an event parking pass for $25; a carnival ride bracelet, good for unlimited rides for any one day, for $23; or a carnival ride booklet of 30 coupons for $20.
Now is the time to also purchase your arena event tickets. The Rodeo is on Thursday, Professional Bull Riding on Friday, and Tough Truck Racing and Monster Trucks on Saturday and Sunday evenings. Wednesday night’s arena event, Farm and Ranch night, is free with paid admission to the Fair.
There are several ways to get your Fair tickets early. Purchase them on-line at www.NevadaCountyFair.com or stop by the Fair Office on McCourtney Road by Tuesday, August 6, at 5 pm. Or you can call the Fair Office at (530) 273-6217 by August 5 at 5 pm. The Fair Office at Gate 1 is open Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm, and will also be open on Saturday, August 3 and Sunday, August 4, from 10 am to 5 pm on both days.
After August 6, admission for the Fair is $9 for adults, $6 for seniors, $4 for children
6-12, and free to children under the age of 5.
This year’s Nevada County Fair is August 7 – 11. The Fair’s Office is located on McCourtney Road in Grass Valley. The phone number is (530) 273-6217 and the website is www.NevadaCountyFair.com.
Wendy Oaks
Publicist, Nevada County Fairgrounds
(530) 273-6217
Do you love to sing? If so, you could win $100, a Fair admission package, and money for your favorite charity! The Nevada County Fair is looking for talented vocalists to sing in the Idol Competition at this year’s Fair.
Nevada County residents ages 16 and up are invited to participate in this crowd favorite on Wednesday, August 7, at 5 pm on the Pine Tree Stage at the Fairgrounds. The grand prize is $100, two Fair admission tickets, parking, two Saturday night arena tickets, and carnival rides. Second place prize is $50, two admission tickets, parking and carnival rides; and third prize is $25, two admission tickets and parking. New this year is the People’s Choice Award, which is $100.
Singers will be judged by a panel of local celebrities, who will narrow it down to five finalists. Audience members will then vote with wooden tokens (that can be purchased at the event) for the grand prize winner. The tokens will be weighed on stage and the winner will be announced that night. All tokens collected will be converted back to cash and then donated to the non-profit of the winner’s choice. The voting for “People’s Choice” will take place during round one and announced with the Grand Prize Winner.
Last year’s Idol Competition winner was won by Khalee Lofton, who received money for her charity of choice – J & J Performing Arts.
Early entry is encouraged, as there is a limit of 15 contestants for this event. The entry fee is only $5, and entries close on Friday, August 2, at 5 pm. All contestants will receive a free admission pass to the Fair on Wednesday.
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. Tri Counties Bank has graciously donated its time to sell tokens during the show.
Bring your friends and be prepared for a great night of music and entertainment at this year’s Nevada County Fair, August 7 – 11.
By:
Wendy Oaks
Publicist, Nevada County Fairgrounds
(530) 273-6217 wsoaks@gmail.com
Art Whitney Hall of Fame inductee. Photo credit: Shaffer Originals.
Art Whitney has been named to the Nevada County Fair’s Hall of Fame. The Fair’s Board of Directors recognized Art for his many years of service to the Nevada County Fair, as well as for his commitment to the growth and success of the Nevada County Fairgrounds.
Art served as a director on the Fair’s Board of Directors for two terms (1997 – 2001 and 2007 – 2012), as well as a Fair exhibitor, as a local beef 4H leader, and a county beef leader.
Art and his family moved to Nevada County in 1987, after a four year excursion living abroad on their sail boat. They settled in South County and immediately enrolled their sons in 4H beef projects. Since the 4H chapter didn’t have a beef leader at that time, he volunteered. He’s been involved in livestock ever since, and not surprisingly, when asked about his favorite part of the Fair, Art admits it’s all the livestock events – especially the Round Robin competition.
In addition to serving in the livestock community, Art was appointed to the Fairgrounds’ Board of Directors in 1987, where he took an entrepreneurial approach to decision making and utilized his strong livestock background to guide the Board. Additionally, Art generously contributed to the improvements in the livestock barns – the development of the Whitney Pavilion and the Beef Show Ring are evidence of Art’s personal generosity.
“I believe the Fair is an integral component in the process of raising children,” said Art. “This environment provides the perfect mechanism for developing young minds and bodies. It is here that kids learn communication and team building skills and have a terrific time that they will remember forever. I hope the community understands the importance of preserving this great venue so future families will enjoy the same benefits that so many families before them have. Given the current financial predicament of our state, it is imperative that the Nevada County community bond together and financially support this great institution.”
Art is the CEO of Pacific West Pharmacy and Advantage Pharmaceuticals. He is also the Chairman of the Board of the Placer County Farm Supply, and a member of the Board of Directors at Mayers Memorial Hospital. Art and his wife Caroline have three boys who have all participated in the Fair and have gone on to be outstanding citizens in their communities. Additionally, they have a daughter, who attends McArthur High School (in Fall River Mills), serves as McArthur’s FFA Chapter president, and is active in the local county fair.
When he’s not working or volunteering, he enjoys time on his ranch, Whitney Meadows, “where we raise all of our own hay, have a herd of registered horned Herefords, and too many horses. We enjoy watching our daughter compete in rodeo and we spend a lot of time helping neighbors with annual brandings, which mimic the old days of spending days gathering cattle, roping and dragging to the fire with great community camaraderie.”
Art is surprised about his induction into the Hall of Fame. “What an honor,” he said. “I’m not sure I deserve this; there are tons of folks who dedicate so much to make this Fair great.”
“As a director, Art provided insight and wisdom, and his business vision and forward thinking attitude led the Fair to embrace an enterprising business style,” said Sandy Woods, CEO of the Nevada County Fairgrounds. “He is an astute business person, as well as incredibly generous. It’s an honor to be able to recognize him in the Nevada County Fair Hall of Fame.”
Art will be formally inducted into the Hall of Fame at opening day ceremonies on Wednesday, August 7. In addition to access to the Fair and its many activities, Art will receive a portrait donated by Shaffers Originals of Grass Valley.
The 2013 Nevada County Fair is August 7 – 11. For more information, visit www.NevadaCountyFair.com or call (530) 273-6217.
By:
Wendy Oaks
Publicist, Nevada County Fairgrounds
(530) 273-6217 wsoaks@gmail.com
Participate in Community Involvement Day and receive free tickets
The Nevada County Fairgrounds, the Food Bank of Nevada County, Foothill Lions, and BloodSource are teaming up on July 29 for Community Involvement Day – a day to donate items to these 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 29, from 1 – 6 pm, to receive donations of the following items:
Food Bank of Nevada County: Donate four cans of food to the Food Bank of Nevada County, and receive a coupon to redeem for one free Fair admission ticket with the purchase of one Fair admission ticket. That’s two for the price of one! 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 and receive a coupon to redeem for one free Fair admission ticket with the purchase of one Fair admission ticket. It’s two for the price of one!
BloodSource: Make a blood donation at the BloodSource bloodmobile located in the main parking lot (Gate 1) at the Nevada County Fairgrounds, and receive a free admission ticket to any day of the Fair. For more 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 free tickets, all donations must be brought to the Gate 1 parking lot at the Fairgrounds on July 29 between the hours of 1- 6 pm.
Coupons received for the donations to the Food Bank of Nevada County and Foothill Lions (by one, get one free) must be redeemed during pre-sale dates, which take place until August 6. Presale discounted tickets will be available for purchase on Community Involvement Day at Guest Services, Gate 1.
This year’s Fair is August 7 – 11. Visit www.NevadaCountyFair.com for more information or call the Fair Office at (530) 273-6217.
Contact: Robin Hauck, Deputy Manager
(530) 273-6217; Robin@NevadaCountyFair.com
