Only a light dusting of snow today at the Fairgrounds (and it melted before we could get a picture), but we did capture this one of our friend Shade waiting patiently to go play in the snow. He didn’t get much snow to play in, but he enjoyed his time at the Fairgrounds. Isn’t he handsome?!
Counting the days until opening day. We know our livestock community is busy, busy, busy getting ready for this year’s Fair. We can’t wait to see the barns full of animals and showcase the hard work of our youth in agriculture!
35 days and counting. Photo by @maddielovesoakland
Meet Pam and Bryley, who visit the Nevada County Fairgrounds each week. Pam says that she loves the Nevada County Fairgrounds because of its beauty, and because it’s one of the few places in Nevada County that is flat and paved and allows her wheelchair access so she can walk Bryley. We’re glad you’re here, Pam and Bryley!
The Nevada County Fair’s mandatory registration deadline for all market beef is 4:00 pm, Friday, April 7th. The mandatory registration deadline of all other large market animals including Turkeys is 4:00 pm, Friday, June 9th.
Junior beef exhibitors may register their market animals at the Fairground’s Administration Office, Monday through Friday from 8 am to 4 pm, beginning March 20th. The absolute deadline for market beef registration is 4:00 pm, Friday, April 7th. Goat, lamb, hog and turkey exhibitors may register their market animals beginning May 22nd. The absolute deadline for market goat, sheep, swine and turkey registration is 4:00 pm, Friday, June 9th.
All FFA, 4-H, Grange and Independent exhibitors are required to register their market animals for the Fair on the dates specified above by completing an entry form and paying the entry fees. Entry forms and detailed instructions are available at the 4-H Office, through FFA Advisors, the Fair Administration Office, and here.
To exhibit a large market animal at the 2017 Nevada County Fair, exhibitors must be 9 years old or in the 4th grade by January 1, 2017 and must be a Nevada County Junior. A Nevada County Junior exhibitor is defined as:
Although an exhibitor may enter only one large market animal in the Fair, each exhibitor will be allowed to register a maximum of 2 animals per species, not to exceed 4 animals in total. The Fair appreciates that exhibitors often choose to raise more than one market animal, giving them the option of bringing their finest quality animal to the Fair to sell through the Junior Livestock Auction, which is scheduled during the Fair on Sunday, August 13th. A family may choose to register a second animal of the same species to be shared by their children in the event that one of their children needs to bring a back-up animal.
The 2017 Nevada County Fair is scheduled for August 9th through 13th. For information on market animal registration or becoming involved in the Junior Livestock Auction as a buyer or volunteer, call the Fair at 273-6217.
While the Fair is still months away, Nevada County’s youth in agriculture work tirelessly all year in order to show animals at the Fair. Here’s to all the hard working students out there preparing for this year’s Fair. We love to see the barns full of livestock!
Join the beautiful draft horses for the 30th annual Draft Horse Classic and Harvest Fair, September 22 – 25, 2016 at the Nevada County Fairgrounds in Grass Valley. Featuring six performances by the beautiful draft horses, this event has grown to become the premiere 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.
In between classes, enjoy showcase specialty acts like Gladius the Show, an acrobatic equestrian production that incorporates aerialists, fire, and Roman riding. There’s also the California Cowgirls, chariot and chuck wagon races, and the Bobby Kerr Mustang Act.
Also taking place at the Fairgrounds during the four days of the Classic is the Harvest Fair. There’s western music, community exhibits, a clogging demonstration, and a horse shoeing competition. Visit Art at the Classic in the Main Street Center, where you’ll find artists’ booths filled with paintings, sculpture, photographs and jewelry. Or, shop along the walking paths for your favorite crafts, horse products, pottery, apparel and more. When you’re hungry and need a rest, pick your favorite treat, then wander over to the Pine Tree Stage and enjoy the musical entertainment. Of course, don’t forget a visit to the barns to meet the Draft Horses.
There are six performances featuring the beautiful Draft Horses – Thursday and Friday at 6:30 pm, Saturday at 10 am and 6:30 pm, and Sunday at 10 am and 4 pm – and there are a variety of ticket prices available. Ticket prices are $19 for reserved seating or $16 for general admission at the evening and late afternoon performances; $15 for reserved seating or $12 at the morning performances; and $13 for reserved seating or $10 for children’s tickets. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Fairgrounds Office at (530) 273-6217 or visiting the Fairgrounds’ website at NevadaCountyFair.com. Tickets purchased after September 21 will be charged an additional $3 per ticket.
This year’s Draft Horse Classic is September 22 – 25, at the tree-covered Nevada County Fairgrounds in Grass Valley, 50 miles northeast of Sacramento. For more information, visit here.
Nevada County Fair officials have scheduled a livestock meeting on Thursday, September 8th to review the 2016 Fair’s livestock program and plan for the 2017 Fair.
Future Farmers of America advisors, 4-H leaders, Grange leaders, exhibitors and others interested in the Nevada County Fair livestock programs are invited to participate. The meeting will be held in the Fair’s Board Room and will begin at 4 p.m. While no specific timing is assigned to each species, the critique order is small animals, goats, beef, sheep and swine.
“Our livestock programs are critical elements of the Nevada County Fair and it’s important each year that we review what worked and what can be improved to maximize the exhibitors’ potential and provide the public with a positive experience,” explains Fair Deputy Manager, Robin Hauck.
The 2017 Nevada County Fair is scheduled for August 9 – 13. For more information call the Fairgrounds Office at 273-6217.
It’s Nevada County Fair time – and time to “Kick It Up!” at this year’s Fair. Happening August 10 – 14, the Nevada County Fair features five days of fun for Fair-goers of all ages. Held under the shade of the tall pine trees in Grass Valley, the Nevada County Fair is the perfect opportunity to listen to musical entertainment, eat delicious food, enjoy carnival rides and games, visit barns full of animals, and see thousands of exhibits – all in a community-friendly environment.
New this year is the comedy Cajun cooking show, Kids Pedal Tractor Pulls, and the Great American Speedway Crazy Animal Races. Check out the livestock obstacle courses, the trick roper and bull whip artist, glass blowing demonstrations, the 30th Annual Hay Bucking contest, horse and stock dog demonstrations, and the small animal costume contests.
In the arena, Wednesday and Thursday night is the Flying U Extreme Rodeo; Friday and Saturday night features Tuff Trucks and Monster Trucks; and Sunday night is the popular Destruction Derby. This year’s Rodeo will feature a jumping bull fighter; as well as local barrel racing, a coin dig for kids, and Mutton Bustin’. All arena events begin at 7 pm.
Enjoy ongoing, musical entertainment at one of the outdoor stages featuring more than 25 musicians and bands throughout the Fair. Enjoy smooth jazz from Cool Heat, Bluegrass from Nevada County’s Banner Mountain Boys, country and pop songs by Colleen Heauser, Classic Rock and Roll by West Coast Juice and Sgt Funky, and the Nathan Owens Sounds of Motown. Don’t miss this year’s tribute bands – Life in the Fast Lane (the songs of the Eagles) and Cherry Bomb (a tribute to John Mellencamp).
Enter one of the special contests for adults and kids held daily in the Special Events tent. There’s a Jell-O Eatin’ Contest, Critter Cackles contest, Duct Tape Art Challenge, Live Art Battle, diaper derby, “Minute to Win It” fun, squash mobile races, and nightly karaoke. No pre-registration required – just show up and have fun.
A visit to the Fair wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Treat Street. It is here that you’ll find an array of delicious foods and drinks – pasties, tacos, corn on the cob, beer, tri-tip sandwiches, baked potatoes, nachos, hamburgers, corn dogs, caramel corn, and more. When you eat on Treat Street, you are supporting local nonprofit organizations.
Purchase your tickets at the Fair Gate or online.
Put on your boots and get ready to “Kick It Up” at this year’s Nevada County Fair, August 10 – 14. The Nevada County Fairgrounds is located at 11228 McCourtney Road in Grass Valley.
