Foundation
Help Save Our Fairgrounds
The Nevada County Fair has been part of the fabric of our community for well over 100 years. It is one of Nevada County’s most treasured institutions. When you think of the Fair, perhaps you think of Job’s Daughters corn dogs, or livestock lining the barns, or the laughter of children; perhaps you envision the amazing exhibits showcasing the talents of our wonderful community. The Nevada County Fair has been the place for family, fun and education for many generations and nothing evokes such strong or fond family memories as our annual Fair.
Many are surprised to learn that the Nevada County Fairgrounds is a state agency, namely the 17th District Agricultural Association with directors appointed by the Governor of California. For decades the Fairgrounds received annual allocations from the State for the purpose of performing capital improvements and providing operating funds. In recent years the allocations have dwindled to nothing and the Fairgrounds has become self-funding through event production and facility rentals, such as the fabulous music festivals. With the Fairgrounds being shut down for over a year due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, there was no funding being generated and, quite frankly, the Nevada County Fairgrounds is facing financial jeopardy.
The Nevada County Fairgrounds Foundation, which is a non-profit 501.c.3 was created years ago in anticipation of a potential funding crisis. The Foundation has successfully raised significant funds through Foundation Station which sells beer and wine during the Fair, the Draft Horse Classic and Country Christmas Faire. The annual Cioppino Feed is also a major fund raiser. The other highly valued revenue stream is membership and donations. With your help, hopefully we can ensure that the Nevada County Fairgrounds will continue to thrive and one day hold a tender place in our grandchildren’s hearts.
We’re hopeful that you will consider becoming a Fair Foundation member or donating to save our Fairgrounds!
Become a Fairgrounds Foundation Member
Your Foundation membership helps support the Nevada County Fairgrounds. Find out more.
Foundation Membership Application
Make a Donation
2021 Foundation Scholarship Recipients
Congratulation to Connor Mcgehee, Lizzie Glomson and Kaedyn Harrison, recipients of this year’s Nevada County Fairgrounds Foundation scholarships. The Foundation’s scholarship is awarded to local high school students who exhibit in the Fair, maintain a specific grade point average and write a personal statement on how their participation at the Fair has influenced their life and how it will be beneficial to them in the future.
A committee of four Foundation directors interview the applicants and select the recipients. All three recipients receiving scholarships are graduates of Bear River High School. Connor is interested in pursuing veterinary medicine and is seeking admission to Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo. Lizzie will be attending California State University in Chico and plans to pursue a major in agriculture with a minor in criminology. This year a new scholarship, the Nancy Garcia Memorial Scholarship, was developed by the friends and family of Nancy Garcia, a great supporter of the Fair, who recently passed away. Kaedyn Harrison is the first recipient of that special scholarship, and she plans to pursue nursing at Butte College.
All donations and contributions to the Nevada County Fairgrounds Foundation are tax deductible in accordance with state and federal regulations.
Tax ID # 20-3558740
Contact the Nevada County Fairgrounds Foundation
Nevada County Fairgrounds Foundation, Inc.
101 West McKnight Way, B-106
Grass Valley, CA 95949
Phone: 530-273-6217, extension 219
Fax: 530-273-1146
Tax ID # 20-3558740
