Nevada County Fair Virtual Exhibit Contests

July 2, 2020 |

Nevada County Fair exhibit contests are going virtual! Beginning Monday (July 6) we will be holding weekly virtual exhibit contests. Below is a list of weekly contests, rules, prize information and all the information you need to know to prepare to enter your exhibits. Enter one week or all weeks – the more the merrier!

Weekly Contests

Jul 6 – 12
Toilet Paper Roll Art
Create a piece of artwork out of toilet paper rolls

July 13 – 19
Paint a Rock
Paint a rock with your favorite design, animal, bug, flower or inspirational quote

July 20 – 26
Pet Costume Contest
Send a picture of your pet or livestock animal in a costume. Both of you can be in a costume or just your pet.

July 27 – August 2
Produce Character
Use vegetables and fruit to create a sculpture of your choice.

August 3 – 9
Draw Your Favorite Thing at the Fair
Create a drawing with paint, ink pens, pencils or whatever you choose to create a drawing of your favorite thing at the Fair.

August 10 – 16
Blue Ribbon Entry (Anything Goes)
Send us a photo of anything that you would have entered as an exhibit at the 2020 Fair. It can be any item for any department.  

Categories: Nevada County Fair and Site Updates.
Tags: enter an exhibit and exhibits.

We Are Your Nevada County Fair. We Are Your Nevada County Fairgrounds

June 19, 2020 |

Despite the cancellation of the 2020 Nevada County Fair, we are still here. We are your Nevada County Fairgrounds. We are your Nevada County Fair.

Established in 1884, the Nevada County Fair is one of the county’s oldest community institutions. Adaptability and innovation are part of our history. During WWII, the Fair was canceled for several years, the Draft Horse Classic was displaced during the 49er Fire, and now the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic will be part of our story. We will prove, as we have time and again, that as a Fairgrounds and as a community we are stronger together.

We know the cancellation of the Fair will have a huge impact on the community, including all the hardworking agricultural youth exhibitors, local nonprofit organizations represented on Treat Street, and the Fairgrounds itself.

There are many questions right now, but the one we hear the most often is, “Can I help?” The answer is a resounding “Yes!” Here’s how:

  • Visit here to bid and buy online at the official Nevada County Fair Junior Livestock and Ag Mechanics Auction August 13 – 15. 
  • Eat treats and support local nonprofits in August at the Drive-Through Treat Street events. Visit here to learn more.
  • Visit here to donate, advocate, or join the Fairgrounds Foundation in support of the Nevada County Fairgrounds. 

All the details can be found here. 

Photo by Kial James

Categories: Nevada County Fair, Nevada County Fairgrounds, and Site Updates.

2020 Nevada County Fair Canceled Amid COVID-19 Restrictions

June 9, 2020 |

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – June 9, 2020

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

2020 NEVADA COUNTY FAIR CANCELED AMID COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS

The Nevada County Fairgrounds Board of Directors voted Tuesday evening to cancel the 2020 Nevada County Fair due to the COVID-19 public health crisis.  The Board also voted to authorize an online junior livestock and ag mechanics auction.

The vote comes after delaying the decision two weeks ago following Governor Newsom’s same-day announcement that California was moving rapidly into the next reopening stage. Since that meeting, the Fairgrounds Board and staff discussed the feasibility of different options with various Fair partners, communicated with State and public health officials, and further reviewed the Governor’s executive orders and updated guidance regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and mass gatherings.
 
Nevertheless, according to the California Roadmap to Recovery, fairs and festivals remain in Stage 4 of the reopening plan and will not be permitted until the roadmap is complete and all shelter in place restrictions are lifted. At the Governor’s May 29 daily update, he stated that “We’re not ready for Stage 4 – concerts, big outdoor stadium events, festivals, and large conventions. We’re simply not there. There is no sectoral guidance that’s been given, no authority for local health officials to move into that phase.”
 
“While it was an extremely difficult decision for the Board, and one that we were hoping could go in a different direction, it is the only decision we could make in light of the restrictions on mass gatherings,” said Jeanette Royal, Board President of California’s 17th District Agricultural Association. “The Board and staff realize that this action has a huge impact on so many – our community, local businesses, sponsors, youth in agriculture, vendors, entertainers, local nonprofit organizations, and the Nevada County Fairgrounds itself – and we actively explored numerous possibilities before making this devastating decision. However, the Fairgrounds are state-owned property and the Board of Directors is responsible for the health and safety of our community, guests, and staff. We are following the guidelines set by the Governor and State public health directives to postpone mass gatherings until we can safely host them again.”
 
Since the 17th District Agricultural Association was formed in 1884, the Nevada County Fair has been one of the county’s most popular and longest standing events. This will be the first time since World War II that the annual Fair will not take place.
 
“We are deeply saddened to not be celebrating together at Nevada County’s favorite event,” said Fairgrounds CEO Patrick Eidman. “But until we are able to safely gather again at the Fairgrounds, our team will be exploring opportunities to hold virtual exhibit contests and other activities in the spirit of the Fair. Additionally, we are steadfastly committed to working with the Nevada County Livestock Producers to support our livestock and ag mechanics exhibitors with an online auction.”
 
Last year, the Nevada County Fair welcomed more than 95,000 guests to the grounds, generated millions of dollars for the local economy, provided more than $700,000 to youth in agriculture, broke record sales on Treat Street that infused almost $1,000,000 into local nonprofit organizations, showcased local entertainers and vendors, and provided nearly 250 jobs.
 
For information about the Nevada County Fairgrounds, visit NevadaCountyFair.com. 
 
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Categories: Site Updates.

Inspiring Collaboration: Search for the Sheriff Star

January 22, 2020 |

We’ve been busy this week at the Western Fairs Association‘s convention learning about the industry’s best practices, and today we did a presentation on an inspiring collaboration between the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office and the Fair. The program, called the Search for the Sheriff Star, won a first place award in WFA’s Achievement Awards program (congratulations, Sheriff’s Office)! We’re so thankful for our community partnerships, and always proud to represent our community!

 

Categories: Events, Nevada County Fair, and Site Updates.

2019 Nevada County Fair Wrap-Up

October 2, 2019 |

A record setting year for Fair auctions and youth in agriculture, 7,200 community exhibits, numerous community partnerships, T-Rex Races, and more than $1.1 million raised by local nonprofit organizations and food vendors all made for a successful 2019 Nevada County Fair. Below is a wrap-up of the 2019 Fair.

  • Approximately 96,000 people attended this year’s Fair.
  • A record-breaking $1,125,000 was raised by local nonprofit organizations on Treat Street and Fair food vendors.
  • There were 221 lots sold at the Junior Livestock Auction and 59 projects sold at the Ag Mechanics Auction. Together, the two auctions grossed a record setting $736,000 for the youth of Nevada County. This is an increase of $65,000 over 2018.
  • This year’s Fair included more than 7,200 exhibit entries. From homemade jellies and jams, photography, fruits and vegetables, baked cookies, quilts, fairy gardens, and homebrew, the Fair’s exhibit program offers more than a thousand classes for children and adults to enter and showcases the talents of the community.
  • A total of 78 businesses sponsored and partnered with the Fair to fund services and projects, including contests in the special events tent, charging stations, free shuttle rides, and the hay bucking contest.
  • One week prior to opening day, the Fair partnered with Vitalant, The Food Bank of Nevada County, Foothill Lions Club, Nevada County 211, NEO, Story Club, Community Beyond Violence, Cinderella Project, Nevada County Diaper Project, Nevada County Pets in Need, Gold Country YMCA, and The White Barn Project to offer Community Involvement Day. As a result, 2,000 pounds of food were collected, 68 blood donors were registered and 54 pints of blood were donated, and 800 books, 300 prescription eye glasses, 75 prom dresses, and 900 diapers were donated.
  • More than 120 vendors and concessionaires participated in this year’s Fair.
  • The first annual T-Rex race was held at Sunday’s Destruction Derby. The race, which featured local law enforcement and first responders competed for the coveted T-Rex trophy, made local and national news.
  • The Fair teamed up with the Nevada County Library on their summer reading program and provided carnival ride tickets as prizes to children who read during the summer. During Fair time, more than 320 coupons were given to young readers in our community.
  • The Fair partnered with the Nevada County Farm Bureau Foundation to create the Family Farm, an area dedicated to education in local agriculture.

“The Nevada County Fair is a reflection of this community,” said Patrick Eidman, CEO of the Nevada County Fairgrounds. “It represents local partnerships, extraordinary volunteer efforts, hardworking kids in the barns, and amazing generosity. Our community is what makes this Fair so special, and we are extremely thankful for their continued support. “

The 2020 Nevada County Fair is August 12 – 16, 2020.

Categories: Site Updates.

Treat Street!

July 25, 2019 |

Oh, how we love you, Treat Street! So many delicious choices! What’s your favorite treat on Treat Street? Leave a comment and we’ll randomly choose a few winners for a free admission ticket to the Fair. Photo by RHMImages.

Categories: Site Updates.

2019 Arena Events

July 14, 2019 |

Don’t miss the spectacular arena events happening at the Nevada County Fair, August 7-11! This year features the new Motocross Madness happening on Thursday night! Returning favorites include the Flying U Extreme Rodeo on Wednesday, Monster and Rough Trucks on Friday and Saturday, and the Destruction Derby on Sunday. Buy your tickets today!

Categories: Site Updates.

Thank you, Nevada County Fairgrounds Foundation

July 11, 2019 |

Thanks to our very own Nevada County Fairgrounds Foundation, the Pine Tree Stage will have new shade and lights for the Fair! Here’s a sneak peek (we’re not done yet). Now you can sit beneath the shade during Fair while enjoying your favorite goodie from Treat Street and listening to your favorite band. Thank you, Fairgrounds Foundation, for your continued support of California’s most beautiful Fairgrounds!

Categories: Site Updates.

Buy Fair Tickets Now

July 10, 2019 |

Who’s ready for tons of fun at the Nevada County Fair, August 7 – 11? Buy your tickets now and save money on admission and carnival tickets. Order online or stop by the Fair Office. See you at the Fair!

Categories: Site Updates.