27th Annual Draft Horse Classic Awards Announced

September 27, 2013 |

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 Draft Horse Classic Page of this website.

The 2014 Draft Horse Classic is scheduled for September 18 – 21. Tickets will go on sale on May 1, 2014.

draft horse classic

Categories: Announcements.
Tags: Draft Horse Classic.

Sunday at the Draft Horse Classic

September 22, 2013 |

We’re ready for a great day at the Draft Horse Classic. The first show begins today at 10 am, and there’s another show at 4 pm.  In fact, if you have a ticket for the 4 pm performance, you can come early at 3 pm and see the Single, Ladies Pleasure Class.  Check out the revised performance schedule. Due to the cancellation of Saturday evening’s performance, classes from Saturday evening have been incorporated into the Sunday morning and Sunday evening performances.  It’s more classes and more fun for your money!

Also on Sunday at the Classic, we’ve got the Classic BBQ Cook-Off from 1:30 – 4 pm on the Green. 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 sold for 2 for $10. Try a variety of delicious barbecue, including ribs, chicken, pulled pork tacos, sandwiches, and brisket.  While at the event, enjoy musical entertainment by the Dyin’ Breed, performing from 2 – 4 during the event. Started more than 10 years ago, the band has evolved into one of Nevada County’s favorite bands and we are thrilled they will be joining us at this event!

We’ve also got lots of vendors (same great stuff out here), Art at the Classic, entertainment on the Pine Tree Stage, and Treat Street goodies.  Did we mention that we also have lots of beautiful Draft Horses on the grounds?

Messengers (in the barns)

 

Categories: Draft Horse Classic.
Tags: Barbecue, Classic BBQ Cook Off, Draft Horse Classic and Harvest Faire, draft horses, tasting, and The Dyin' Breed band.

Draft Horse Classic: This Weekend!

September 19, 2013 |

The Draft Horse Classic and Harvest Fair is happening this Thursday through Sunday (September 19 – 22) at the Nevada County Fairgrounds. With 52 exhibitors, more than 160 Draft Horses on the grounds, Art at the Classic, activities happening throughout the weekend on the grounds, Bounty of the County, a Classic BBQ Cook-Off, and all the goodies on Treat Street – this is one event you don’t want to miss!  Visit here for general information and ticket information. See you at the Classic!

Outside the barns

Categories: Draft Horse Classic.
Tags: Draft Horse Classic and Harvest Faire, draft horses, fairgrounds, Grass Valley, and Nevada County Fairgrounds.

Clint Walker to Visit Art at the Classic

September 15, 2013 |

Held in the Main Street Center during the four days of the Draft Horse Classic, Art at the Classic is a world-class equine and western art show that features more than 100 works by painters, sculptors, photographers and other fine artists. Take time to browse the show, meet some of the artists and purchase beautiful works of original art, photography, cards and other items from the artists’ booths. 

Visiting this year’s Art at the Classic is Clint Walker. Clint played the lead role of Cheyenne Bodie, a cowboy hero, in the 1950’s western television series “Cheyenne,” which ran for eight years. He’s also been in feature films such as “The Dirty Dozen,” “The Night of the Grizzly,” and “None But the Brave.” He has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and in 2004 was inducted into the Hall of Great Western Performers in Oklahoma City, OK.

Clint, who resides in Grass Valley, will be in attendance at Art at the Classic on Saturday from 11 am to 6 pm, and on Sunday from 11 am to 4 pm, to talk with fans and autograph souvenirs. Stop by the Main Street and say hello!

 

Categories: Draft Horse Classic.
Tags: Art at the Classic, Art show, Clint Walker, Draft Horse Classic and Harvest Faire, Grass Valley, and Nevada County Fairgrounds.

Fun, Tasty Events at the Classic

September 12, 2013 |

In between Draft Horse performances at the Nevada County Fairgrounds, September 19 – 22, take time to visit two tasty events happening on the grounds during the weekend – “Bounty of the County” and “Classic Barbecue Cook-Off.”

Bounty of the County
On Saturday, September 21, “Bounty of the County” takes place from 1 – 4 pm on The Green, near the Northern Mines Building. 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 palette. In addition to great food, there will be music, vendors, demonstrations, and children’s activities. Tasting tickets – available at 2 tickets for $5 – will be sold at the event, and all proceeds are for the benefit of local agriculture. Additional details can be found at NevadaCountyGrown.org.

Classic BBQ Cook-Off
On Sunday, September 22, from 1:30 – 4 pm, watch as barbecue experts show off their cooking skills at the “Classic Barbecue Cook-Off.”  Once they’re done cooking, you get to taste the treats – ribs, chicken, pulled pork tacos, sandwiches, brisket and a variety of delicious barbecue. Tasting tickets will be available at the event at 5 for $10. Come taste the treats and listen to live music by one of Nevada County’s favorite bands, The Dyin’ Breed.

Categories: Draft Horse Classic.
Tags: BBQ Cook Off, Bounty of the County, Draft Horse Classic and Harvest Faire, Nevada County Fairgrounds, and Nevada County Grown.

Tommie Turvey Visits the Classic

September 10, 2013 |

Did you know that Tommie Turvey will be at this year’s Classic? He and his horses will be performing in between classes at each performance. In between the classes, while the next group of Gentle Giants are being readied backstage, spectators are treated to specialty acts. This year, we are excited to welcome Tommie. He is a world-renowned equine entertainer, stuntman and one of the best movie horse trainers of today. Tommie’s horses have been featured in many movies, including “Batman: The Dark Knight.” He also did the training of the Clydesdales in this popular Super Bowl commercial. Amazing talent, and we’re excited to welcome him to the Classic.

 

Categories: Announcements, Draft Horse Classic, and Site Updates.
Tags: Draft Horse Classic and Harvest Faire, draft horses, Nevada County Fairgrounds, Site Updates, and Tommie Turvey.

Ticket give-away on FB

September 9, 2013 |

We’ve got another ticket give-away on our Facebook page today for Draft Horse Classic tickets. Visit our page at https://www.facebook.com/NevadaCountyFairgrounds, “like” us if you haven’t already, and leave a comment. It’s simple – and if we choose your name, you could win two complimentary tickets to the Draft Horse Classic, happening September 19 – 22.

 

Categories: Draft Horse Classic.
Tags: Draft Horse Classic, Draft Horse Classic and Harvest Faire, Nevada County Fairgrounds, and tickets.

Roamin Angels Car Show This Weekend at the Fairgrounds

September 6, 2013 |

The 14th Annual Roamin Angels Car Show is being held this weekend at the Nevada County Fairgrounds. The event will be held on Saturday from 8 – 6 and Sunday from 8 – 3. This is one of the best classic car shows in Northern California. Plus, there are lots of things to do at the event, including a Klunker Kontest, Pinstriping demonstrations, an art show, music on the Dance Pad, an Artisan Faire, and delicious food. Did we mention there are also lots of really cool cars!  Plan to spend a day at this fun, community event. For information, visit http://www.roaminangels.com/htmls/carshow.html

Roamin Angels

 
Categories: Announcements.
Tags: Antique Cars, car show, Community Events, fairgrounds, Nevada County Fairgrounds, and Roamin Angels Car Show.