Fairgrounds Foundation Makes Generous Donation to Fairgrounds; Begins Membership Drive for 2021

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – December 16, 2020

Contact:         Patrick Eidman, CEO, Nevada County Fairgrounds
(530) 273-6217;

NEVADA COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS FOUNDATION MAKES $100,000 DONATION TO FAIRGROUNDS

The Nevada County Fairgrounds Foundation made a generous donation of $100,000 to the Nevada County Fairgrounds and will begin a membership drive for 2021 to continue raising much-needed funds for the Nevada County Fairgrounds.

The donation comes during a year when COVID-19 restrictions on events and gatherings have financially devastated the Nevada County Fairgrounds. With the cancellation of the annual Fair, the Draft Horse Classic, Country Christmas Faire, music festivals and more than a hundred events on the grounds, revenue at the Fairgrounds has been severely impacted.

“The Foundation plays a critical role in supporting the Fairgrounds, especially during this time of financial crisis,” said Patrick Eidman, CEO of the Nevada County Fairgrounds. “We are extremely thankful to the Foundation for their support and advocacy efforts on behalf of the Fairgrounds. We are very fortunate to have a partner in the Foundation that was ready and willing to step up – in a big way – during a time of great need.” 

The Nevada County Fairgrounds Foundation was established in 2005 to fulfill the mission of “building a better Nevada County Fairgrounds through fundraising and contributions to the Fairgrounds.”  Its mission is supported by individual memberships, the annual Cioppino Feed, beer sales from the Foundation Station during Fair, the pouring of cocktails at the Draft Horse Classic and County Christmas Faire, charitable donations, and the recent Fairgrounds BBQ Drive Thru Event.  Additionally, there have been several fundraising events in support of the Foundation and the Fairgrounds, including a fundraising events hosted by West Coast Equine Sports Therapy, Emily Catering’s Cookie for a Cause, Three Lilies Photography, and Nevada Union FFA’s BBQ event.

“We are pleased to be able to support our community Fairgrounds in such a significant way,” said Robin Hauck, President of the Fairgrounds Foundation. “The donation represents many hundreds of hours of volunteer labor by the Board and member volunteers, all of whom work tirelessly on behalf of the Fairgrounds.  We are also extremely thankful to the community and individuals for their donations and fundraising efforts, and their generosity, kindness and creativity to raise funds to preserve one of Nevada County’s most treasured assets.”

“Given that this substantial donation has almost depleted the Fairgrounds Foundation’s reserves, we are now asking the community to support the Fairgrounds and the Fairgrounds Foundation by helping reach the goal of 1,000 memberships in 2021,” said Eidman. “Please consider becoming a member today. Every new membership is an investment in ensuring the survival and viability of the Fairgrounds for future generations.

To become a member of the Nevada County Fairgrounds Foundation or to make a donation, visit NevadaCountyFair.com/Foundation.

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Categories: Nevada County Fairgrounds and Nevada County Fairgrounds Foundation.

Get Your Treat Street Fanatic T-Shirt Today (and Support Your Favorite Treat Street Booth)

Looking for an easy way to support your favorite Treat Street organization as well as the Nevada County Fairgrounds?  These cool “Treat Street Fanatic” t-shirts are now on sale for $12 ($20 if you want us to ship them to you) and with each shirt sold, $6 will go to the Treat Street nonprofit of the buyer’s choice and $6 to the Fairgrounds. Here’s how it works – call the Fairgrounds office at (530) 273-6217 and let us know your color choices and sizes, the organization you’d like support, and your credit card information. We’ll process your payment and have it ready for curbside pick-up at the Fairgrounds Office. Color choices are charcoal or army green and both come in sizes XS to XL.  Colors/sizes are very limited, so order soon. For those who order four or more t-shirts, we’ll thrown in a surprise gift from the Fairgrounds! 😊 What a perfect holiday gift or stocking stuffer, and a fun way to support your favorite Treat Street nonprofit.

Categories: Nevada County Fair and Nevada County Fairgrounds.

Fairgrounds Closed to the Public and Walkers November 26 – 29

Due to the Thanksgiving holiday, the Nevada County Fairgrounds will be closed to the public and walkers November 26 – 29. The Fairgrounds will reopen Gate 1 to walkers and bicyclists as usual at 8 am on Monday, November 30. The Youth Hub/Distance Learning Center at Main Street Center will also be closed during this time. Enjoy the Thanksgiving weekend. 

Categories: Nevada County Fairgrounds.

Fairgrounds Begins Search for 2021 Fair Slogan

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – October 29, 2020

Contact:         Wendy Oaks, Deputy Manager, Nevada County Fairgrounds
(530) 273-6217;

NEVADA COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS BEGINS SEARCH FOR 2021 FAIR SLOGAN  

Given the unprecedented year of 2020, and in hopeful anticipation of the 2021 Fair, the Nevada County Fair theme for 2021 is all about optimism, resiliency, and coming together as a community. To find the perfect slogan for the 2021 Fair, the Fairgrounds is offering a slogan contest. Do you have an idea for a catchy or fun slogan that captures the spirit of the 2021 Fair theme? If so, submit it!

Visit the Fairgrounds website at NevadaCountyFair.com to submit a slogan. Submissions must be five words or less and trademarked slogans will not be considered.  The contest is open to Nevada County residents only and runs through November 27, 2020. No phone entries will be accepted.  The winner of the slogan selected will receive a 2021 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.  

Each year, the Fair slogan appears on advertisements, posters, banners and social media, and is used to inspire special contests, exhibit categories, and decorations for the Fair.

The 2021 Nevada County Fair is scheduled for August 11 – 15. For a complete list of contest rules and information, visit NevadaCountyFair.com or call (530) 273-6217.

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Categories: Nevada County Fair and Nevada County Fairgrounds.

Grounds Open to Walkers Beginning October 26

We are so excited to open the Fairgrounds again to walkers beginning tomorrow (Monday). The grounds will be open from 8 am to 4 pm Monday – Friday. Walkers should go through Gate 1 to enter the grounds (all other gates will remain closed), a waiver should be completed at the gate, and following social distancing protocol is required. The Youth Hub/Distance Learning Center at Main Street Center also opens on Monday. We’ve missed our community and are excited to welcome them back! A big thank you to the County of Nevada for making this all happen.

 

Categories: Nevada County Fairgrounds.

Simi Lyss Inducted into Nevada County Fairgrounds Hall of Fame

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – October 6, 2020

Contact: Wendy Oaks, Deputy Manager, Nevada County Fairgrounds
(530) 273-6217; WendyO@NevadaCountyFair.com

SIMI LYSS INDUCTED INTO NEVADA COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS HALL OF FAME

The Nevada County Fairgrounds Board of Directors recently inducted Dr. Simi Lyss into the Nevada County Fairgrounds Hall of Fame. The Board recognized Lyss as the 2020 Hall of Fame inductee for his longtime service and commitment to the Nevada County Fairgrounds.

Simi first became involved with the Fairgrounds as a volunteer with the Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum Club, where he assisted the group in renovating their displays and expanding their youth outreach program. During that time, he began attending Fairgrounds Board meetings and was ultimately appointed by the Governor to serve as a member of the Nevada County Fairgrounds Board of Directors.  He went on to serve on the Board for 14 years, where he worked tirelessly on behalf of the Fairgrounds.  He was instrumental in the formation of the Nevada County Fairgrounds Foundation, which continues to serve a vital role in supporting and improving the health and beauty of the Fairgrounds and fostering projects that develop local youth in agriculture. As a nature supporter, he also initiated and funded the tree reforestation program at the Fairgrounds.

“Simi’s commitment to serve the Fairgrounds and the community has proven to be valuable and noteworthy,” said Jeanette Royal, president of the Fairgrounds Board of Directors. “His extensive executive experience and financial background have greatly benefitted the Board, and we are so thankful for his years of selfless commitment and professionalism.”

Simi is a Board-certified dermatologist who retired from active practice in 1999.  Working roles included Senior Vice President for Health Affairs and Chief Medical Officer for Health Partners of the Southeast; Regional Medical Director of Kaiser Permanente, Northeast Region; Chief of Staff of Kaiser Foundation Hospital; and Physician-in-Chief of The Permanente Medical Group in Walnut Creek, CA. Following retirement, Simi served as the Interim Chief Medical Officer of the Western Medical Clinic, as well as President of the Kellermann Foundation.

He graduated with a Doctor of Medicine from the University of California, San Francisco and is American Board of Dermatology certified. He also received a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley; and he is a graduate of the School of Business Executive Program at Stanford University.  Simi is a 1953 graduate of Nevada Union High School.  He is married to wife Cookie, and together they have three children and two grandchildren.

As for the Fairgrounds, Simi says “I have so many fond memories at the Fairgrounds –from operating the push truck with my son, Rob, at the weekly races, visiting the carnival area during high school, and even helping a friend show a steer. But, by far, my fondest memories are of the people – some of whom have become my dearest friends – I’ve met along the way.”

Of being inducted into the Hall of Fame, “I was totally surprised and am honored,” said Simi. “I believe the Nevada County Fairgrounds is a community treasure. There is no other place like the Fairgrounds that serves as such a valuable resource while also bringing the community together to laugh and celebrate, and I’m so proud to be part of their story.”

Simi was inducted into the Hall of Fame via Zoom at a September Board of Director’s meeting, with several friends and family in attendance to express their congratulations and appreciation for Simi.  He received a portrait donated by Shaffers Originals of Grass Valley.

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Photo by Shaffers Originals

Categories: Nevada County Fair and Nevada County Fairgrounds.

2020 Country Christmas Faire Canceled

Due to continued COVID-19 restrictions on mass gatherings, the Nevada County Fairgrounds Board of Directors voted Tuesday evening to cancel the 2020 Country Christmas Faire. The Board made the decision to cancel the event after reviewing the California Department of Public Health’s most recent guidelines for gatherings in the state. We will miss our Country Christmas Faire exhibitors and attendees, but we look forward to safely welcoming back all to the Country Christmas Faire in 2021. Photo by Lenkland Photogrpahy. 

Categories: Country Christmas Faire and Nevada County Fairgrounds.

Junior Livestock and Ag Mechanics Auction Checks Available Beginning September 22

Good news! The Junior Livestock and Ag Mechanics Auction checks will be available next week at the following times and locations:
 
FFA Exhibitors:
All auction checks will be with your Ag Advisor, so please coordinate pick up dates/times with your advisor.
 
4-H/Independent Exhibitors:
Gate 1 at the Fairgrounds will be open on the following days/times to pick up your check at the Gate 1 Ticket Booth
Tuesday, September 22: 8 am – 6 pm
Wednesday, September 23: 1 pm – 5 pm
Thursday, September 24: 8 am – 6 pm
 
As a reminder, the exhibitor must be present when picking up the check and please bring your thank you cards with you when picking up the check. See you next week!
 
Categories: Events and Nevada County Fair.

Visit the Drive-In Festival, August 28 – September 4, at the Nevada County Fairgrounds

Look at the fun in the Gate 1 parking lot at the Nevada County Fairgrounds! Tonight is the opening of the Drive-In Festival, hosted by the Nevada City Film Festival. This unique Drive-In Festival takes place each night – August 28 – September 4 – at the Fairgrounds, with gates opening at 6:30 pm and movies beginning at 7:30. Tickets are available at NevadaCityFilmFestival.com. Drive-in movies, car hop vendors for dinner and snacks, and a beautiful location. Yes, please!

Categories: Site Updates.