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.
“Winner of the Ultimate Hitch Competition – Freeman Yoder of Young Living Percherons, based out of Mona, Utah – performs at the 2013 Draft Horse Classic.” Photo credit: ProSportsPix.com
Awards for the 27th annual Draft Horse Classic, held September 19 – 22 at the Nevada County Fairgrounds in Grass Valley, have been announced. Gord Ruzicka of Viking, Alberta, Canada, judged the Draft Horse competitions and halter show. Dwight Gilbert from Nevada was the judge of the pulling contest; and Don Davis from Redding was the horseshoe competition judge.
More than 50 Draft Horse exhibitors – traveling from California, British Columbia, Nevada, Oregon, Idaho, Utah, and Wyoming – competed for approximately $40,000 in premium awards. The competitions took place during five performances over the four-day event.
The winner of the Ultimate Hitch competition was Freeman Yoder of Young Living Percherons, from Mona, Utah.
Dakota Messenger of Mark Messenger Memorial Hitch, from Cheyenne, Wyoming; and Katie Cook of Young Living Percherons, were recognized as the outstanding lady drivers, both accumulating high points to win the Susan Parnell High Point Perpetual Award.
The Teamster of the Year Award was presented to David and Patsy Cunningham, an honor bestowed upon them by the voting of their fellow teamsters. The Cunninghams are from Meadowlake Belgians in Carlton, Oregon. The Andy Amsbaugh Teamster Award went to Rick Newborn of Top Hand Ranch, Elverta, California; and Cadee Miller of Young Living Percherons, won the Youth of the Show award.
The Overall Supreme Champion horse, Hugh; and the Grand Champion Stallion, Ogdensburg HC Variety, are owned by Castagnasso Clydesdales and shown by Tony Knecht of Sonoma, California.
The Grand Champion Mare, Jansens Farms Kayla, is owned by Young Living Percherons, and shown by Freeman Yoder.
The winner in the 2013 Edward Martin Perpetual Horseshoeing Competition was Robbie Mederos.
At the third annual Classic BBQ Cook-Off, the Grand Champion was Jeff Lenke, cooking for Ash Kickin’ Smokers of Lincoln; and the Reserve Grand Champion prize went to Brian Choate, cooking for Smokin’ The Bandit BBQ of Plumas Lake. The People’s Choice Champion was Jack Simmons of Big Shot BBQ of Discovery Bay.
At the Harvest Fair, the People’s Choice award for the Scarecrows, as well as the Best of Division in the Scarecrows, went to Nancy Brown of Grass Valley.
A complete list of 2013 Draft Horse Classic awards, as well as all the Harvest Fair winners, the Horse Shoeing Contest winners, and a complete list of Barbecue Cook-Off results, is on the Nevada County Fairgrounds’ website at www.NevadaCountyFair.com.
The 2014 Draft Horse Classic is scheduled for September 25 – 28. Tickets will go on sale on May 1, 2014. Visit www.NevadaCountyFair.com for more information.
Join the beautiful Draft Horses for the 27th annual Draft Horse Classic and Harvest Fair, happening September 19 – 22, 2013 at the Nevada County Fairgrounds in Grass Valley. Featuring six performances by the beautiful Draft Horses, this event is the premier Draft Horse show in the western United States.
The Classic spotlights a variety of horses, teams, rigs 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 are on sale now! This year, we’ve lowered the price of adult admission tickets for evening performances – making them more affordable than ever. Additionally, we’re continuing our offer of discounted pricing on morning performances and children’s tickets.
In between classes, enjoy showcase specialty acts. This year, we welcome Tommie Turvey – a world-renowned equine entertainer, stuntman and one of the best movie horse trainers of today – who will be featured at each performance. Tommie’s horses have been featured in many movies, including “Batman: The Dark Knight,” and he did the training and filming of the Budweiser Clydesdales horses for the 2013 Superbowl commercial.
Also taking place at the Fairgrounds during the four days of the Classic is the Harvest Fair, which features musical entertainment, a clogging jamboree, Treat Street goodies, Art at the Classic, horse shoeing demonstrations, a chance to visit with the horses, and hundreds of community exhibits.
On Saturday of the Classic, spend time at the 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 and barbecue experts 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 palette. Information is available at www.NevadaCountyGrown.org.
On Sunday of the Classic, it’s the third annual Classic BBQ Cook-Off happening from 1:30 – 4 pm. Whether you want to watch BBQ experts show off their cooking skills or simply join the fun and taste the treats – the BBQ Cook-Off is the place to be! Tasting tickets will be available at the event.
This year’s Draft Horse Classic is September 19 – 22 at the tree-covered Nevada County Fairgrounds in Grass Valley, 50 miles northeast of Sacramento. Tickets 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.
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
NID employees Chad Garvey, left, and Andrew Browning prepare to install a new water meter along Rattlesnake Road near Grass Valley
GRASS VALLEY – Treated water is now available in the Rattlesnake Road-Wheeler Cross Road area near Grass Valley, following a water line extension project completed this month by the Nevada Irrigation District.
NID and area property owners shared costs in extending a 16-inch main line from Dog Bar Road, across Wheeler Cross Road to the Rattlesnake Road intersection and 1000 feet north on Rattlesnake Road.
The job, with about 3000 feet of new pipe and three new fire hydrants, was completed for NID by C&D Contractors, Inc. of Nevada City. New pavement overlay has been added throughout the project area.
Chip Close, NID’s interim water operations manager, said the project progressed rapidly through planning, design and construction after contracts were signed with participating property owners. ”Our new customers were receiving water within nine months,” he said. ”Our contractor was able to take advantage of the dry weather and good working conditions this winter.”
Officials said the new pipeline is part of the district’s master plan and can eventually be extended across Rattlesnake Road to existing pipelines near Highway 174, depending on public demand.
District maintenance crews are now installing new water meters at the 13 parcels that participated in the water line extension project.
Area residents with questions about NID water public water supplies may contact NID Business Coordinator Shannon Matteoni at (530) 273-618
Now is the time for holiday bakers to think about the creation of a magical Gingerbread House to enter into the 10th annual Gingerbread House Competition at the Country Christmas Faire, held November 23 – 25 at the Nevada County Fairgrounds.
Houses, bungalows, cottages, and castles fashioned from spicy gingerbread will be displayed for holiday shoppers to enjoy at the Nevada County Fairgrounds in Grass Valley during the Thanksgiving weekend festivities.
Competitors may enter any of the many categories, including children, teens, adults, special needs, families, and groups. There’s even a category for children under 8 years of age who want to enter a house made by a kit. New this year, there are categories for traditional and non-traditional entries.
Ribbons are given to all winners, and, additionally, the Best of Show winner will receive $100. A special gift basket from Tess’ Kitchen Store will be also awarded to the Best of Show winner and the People’s Choice Award.
Entry forms must be received at the Fairgrounds between now and Friday, November 16 by 4 pm. The actual gingerbread house entry must be delivered to the Fairgrounds on Tuesday, November 20 between the hours of 11 am – 6 pm. The cost is $2 to enter, and all Gingerbread House exhibitors will receive two free passes to the Country Christmas Faire.
Entry forms and a complete list of rules can be picked up at the Fairgrounds office on McCourtney Road, or downloaded from the Fair’s website at www.NevadaCountyFair.com.
The 28th annual Country Christmas Faire begins Friday, November 23, and runs through Sunday, November 25. The hours are 10 am – 5 pm on Friday and Saturday; and 10 am – 4 pm on Sunday. Admission is $4 for adults, and children 12 and under are free. Parking is $5; however, Faire-goers will receive one free admission for each paid parking pass.
Talented artisans fill the Fairgrounds exhibit buildings with quality hand-made crafts and unique gifts, so you can get all your holiday shopping done in one location. Visitors to the Faire will enjoy strolling live entertainment, festival foods, wagon rides, and a community bon-fire. Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus will be on hand to greet children and a photographer will be available to capture the special moment with Santa.
Free babysitting will be offered so parents can drop off their children while they enjoy holiday shopping, and errand elves will be available to assist shoppers throughout the event.
The Nevada County Fairgrounds is located at 11228 McCourtney Road in Grass Valley. For more information, visit www.NevadaCountyFair.com or call (530) 273-6217.
Sandy Gold of Grass Valley was the winner in 2012 of the Art Work Contest
The Nevada County Fairgrounds is sponsoring a contest to find the best artwork to illustrate the 2013 Nevada County Fair circus theme – “Under the Big Top.” 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, December 7. If you submit the winning artwork, you will win $250 and a 2013 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, t-shirts, 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. 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 www.NevadaCountyFair.com, or by calling the Fair Office at (530) 273-6217.
The 2013 Nevada County Fair is August 7 – 13, 2013
For all your real estate needs
Email or call today:
John J. O’Dell Realtor® GRI
Civil Engineer
General Contractor
(530) 263-1091
Email jodell@nevadacounty.com
Photo caption: Kirk Messenger and his Percherons perform at the 26th annual Draft Horse Classic. Messenger, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, was the winner of the Six-Up Ultimate Hitch Championship. Photo credit: Ron Calef, ProSportsPix.com
Awards for the 26th annual Draft Horse Classic, held September 20 – 23 at the Nevada County Fairgrounds in Grass Valley, have been announced. Gary Nebergall of Arthur, Illinois judged the Draft Horse competitions and halter show. Dwight Gilbert from Nevada was the judge of the pulling contest; and Craig Trnka from New Mexico was the horseshoe competition judge.
Draft horse exhibitors from California, British Columbia, Nevada, Oregon, Idaho, Utah, Wyoming, and Washington 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 Kirk Messenger of the Mark Messenger Memorial Hitch, from Cheyenne, Wyoming.
Dakota Messenger, also of Mark Messenger Memorial Hitch, and Katie Cook of Young Living Percherons from Mona, Utah, were recognized as the outstanding lady drivers, both accumulating high points to win the Susan Parnell High Point Perpetual Award.
The Teamster of the Year Award was presented to Steve Smith, an honor bestowed upon him by the voting of his fellow teamsters. Smith is from Quail Creek Percherons in Carmichael, California. The Draft Horse & Mule Association presented their special Teamster Award to Kirk Messenger of Cheyenne, Wyoming. Ciera Barry of Shady Oaks Ranch in Millville, California, won the Youth of the Show award.
The Overall Supreme Champion horse, Hugh; the Grand Champion Stallion, Ogdensburg HC Variety; and the Grand Champion Mare, Mission Bell Abigail; are all owned by Castagnasso Clydesdales and shown by Tony Knecht of Sonoma, California.
The winner in the 2012 Edward Martin Perpetual Horseshoeing Competition was J D Downs of Colorado.
At the second annual Classic BBQ Cook-Off, the Grand Champion was Richard Holguin, cooking for Cecil’s Smokin’ BBQ of San Jose; and the Reserve Grand Champion prize went to Mary Odor, cooking for Mad Mo’s BBQ of Meridian. The People’s Choice Champion was Bad S BBQ of Sunnyvale, with Ryan Pang cooking.
At the Harvest Fair, the People’s Choice award for the Scarecrows went to Nancy Brown, and the Best of Division in the Scarecrows went to Rivera Swartzendruber.
A complete list of 2012 Draft Horse Classic awards, as well as all the Harvest Fair winners and a complete list of Barbecue Cook-Off results, is on the Nevada County Fairgrounds’ website at www.NevadaCountyFair.com.
The 2013 Draft Horse Classic is scheduled for September 19 – 22. Tickets will go on sale on May 1, 2013. Visit www.NevadaCountyFair.com for more information.
SACRAMENTO — Attorney General Kamala D. Harris announced the arrest Thursday of four suspects who have been charged with securities fraud, conspiracy and elder abuse for operating a Ponzi scheme that bilked dozens of investors of over $2.3 million.
The arrest declaration alleges that Gold Country Lenders, a real estate company in Grass Valley, engaged in a pattern of theft and fraud-related crimes for more than eight years. Investor funds were used to make interest payments to earlier investors or for projects in which the company’s owner had a financial interest.
“These defendants exploited their personal relationships with these victims and emptied their bank accounts,” Attorney General Harris said. “Schemes that target the elderly are especially heinous, which is why prosecuting fraud and elder abuse needs to remain priorities for law enforcement.”
Philip Lester, 65, and Ellen Lester, 65, who are married, surrendered to custody, and Susan Laferte, 58, and Jonathan Blinder, 58, were arrested on Thursday in Nevada County.
Philip Lester, CEO of Gold Country Lenders, and Laferte, the firm’s CFO, are being charged with 66 felony counts of elder abuse, securities fraud and conspiracy. Laferte is Philip Lester’s sister. They were booked at the the Nevada County Jail, with bail set at $600,000 each.
Ellen Lester is being charged with two felony counts of conspiracy and securities fraud and was booked at the Nevada County Jail with bail set at $50,000. Blinder is charged with four felony counts of securities fraud and was booked at the Nevada County Jail and released on bail.
From January 2003 to June 2011, Gold Country Lenders sold securities on specific real estate development projects, promising investors annual returns of 8 to 12 percent. These investments were supposedly secured by a first or second deed of trust on the property. In fact, some of the promised deeds of trust were never recorded, while others were recorded but subordinate to other loans, or were diluted by the repackaging and overselling of shares.
In October 2010, the Attorney General’s Office launched an investigation in response to complaints filed by numerous investors.
The arrest affidavit alleges that investors were not told that Philip Lester had a partnership interest in some of the development projects he sold to investors, or that some of the land targeted for development had significant toxic waste issues. Many of the victims are elderly and had known and trusted the defendants for many years.
Unbeknownst to investors, their investment funds were used to make interest payments to earlier investors or for purposes other than the development project they had invested in. For example, victims’ funds were diverted to purchase and operate the Auburn Valley Country Club, a prestigious golf course and clubhouse where the Lesters resided.
Agencies that assisted in serving today’s arrest warrants include the Grass Valley Police Department, the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office and the Department of Corporations.
“Protecting consumers and investors is at the forefront of the Department of Corporation’s mission,” said California Corporations Commissioner Jan Lynn Owen. “The Department of Corporations works diligently to strongly enforce and uphold California’s financial laws to the fullest extent.”
The Attorney General Office’s Special Crimes Unit conducted the investigation. The case will be prosecuted by the Attorney General’s Mortgage Fraud Strike Force, which was formed in May 2011 to investigate and prosecute crimes related to mortgage, foreclosure and real estate fraud.
Copies of the complaint and arrest declaration are attached to the electronic version of this release atwww.oag.ca.gov
Draft Horses perform for an enthusiastic crowd at the Draft Horse Classic and Harvest Fair in Grass Valley. Tickets are on sale now for this year’s event, September 20 – 23. Photo credit: ProSportsPix.com
Tickets on sale now for the September 20 – 23 event
Majestic Draft Horse performances, breath-taking competitions, and seeing a Draft Horse “up close” are all part of the festivities at the 26th annual Draft Horse Classic and Harvest Fair, September 20 – 23, at the Nevada County Fairgrounds in Grass Valley.
The Draft Horse Classic has grown to become the premier Draft Horse show in the western United States, and features six majestic performances. Whether it’s the Draft Horses working farm equipment, pulling carriages, or working side by-side on a hitch – these amazing animals compete with elegance and power and always entertain.
Tickets to this event are on sale now, and we’re offering discounted pricing on morning performances and children’s tickets. Draft Horse Classic evening and late afternoon performance tickets are $21 for reserved seating and $18 for general admission. For morning performances, tickets are $15 for reserved seating and $12 for general admission. For children (ages 12 and under), any performance ticket is $13 for reserved seating and $10 for general admission. Tickets may be ordered online at www.NevadaCountyFair.com, by FAX, mail, phone or walk-in. There is a small transaction fee if you order your tickets on-line. For all tickets purchased after September 19, there is an additional $3 charge per ticket.
While at the Fairgrounds, take time to visit the Harvest Fair – which is open during the Classic. Activities include live musical entertainment, a clogging jamboree, Treat Street goodies, Art at the Classic, community exhibits, and lots of opportunities to meet and see the Draft Horses.
Once again, guided barn tours will be available on Friday and Saturday of the Classic. For these tours, reservations are required and are limited in space.
On Sunday, back by popular demand, is the 2nd Annual Classic BBQ Cook-Off from
1:30 – 4 pm. Whether you want to watch BBQ experts how off their cooking skills or simply join the fun and taste the treats – the Rib Cook-Off is the place to be. Tasting tickets will be available at the event. Try ribs, chicken, pulled pork tacos, sandwiches, brisket, and a variety of delicious barbecue.
The Draft Horse Classic and Harvest Fair is held at the Nevada County Fairgrounds, located on McCourtney Road in Grass Valley, just 50 miles northeast of Sacramento. The phone number is (530) 273-6217, the FAX is (530) 273-1146, and the website is www.NevadaCountyFair.com.
