Roger Ingram Receives 2017 Blue Ribbon Award

August 9, 2017 |

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – August 8, 2017

Contact: Rea Callender, CEO, Nevada County Fairgrounds
(530) 273-6217;

Roger Ingram Receives 2017 Blue Ribbon Award

Roger Ingram of Grass Valley has been named the 2017 Blue Ribbon Award recipient by the Nevada County Fairgrounds Board of Directors. The award was created by Western Fairs Association (WFA), a nonprofit trade association serving the Fair industry, to recognize those who support and contribute to the quality of their local Fair. Roger is recognized for his contributions to the agriculture programs at the Nevada County Fairgrounds.

Roger’s involvement with the Fair began in 1986 when he started with the UC Cooperative Extension (UCCE). From 1986 – 1993, he served as the 4-H/Livestock and Natural Resources Advisor in Nevada County. His primary responsibility was management of the 4-H program; and, specifically, at the Nevada County Fair, he organized and conducted a livestock judging contest until 1995. He has been instrumental in coordinating carcass quality programs for Fair animals and working with exhibitors and leaders to understand the data and to use it to improve their feeding and management practices.

Additionally, from 2006 – 2011, Roger gave a series of agriculture-related presentations at the Fair as part of the series of workshops coordinated by the Nevada County Resource Conservation District.

Roger became the UCCE Livestock and Natural Resources Advisor in 1993, and the County Director in 2007. During this time, he helped with the development of Nevada County Grown, worked with local meat producers on marketing and processing issues, and worked extensively on agricultural policies and regulations.  He has also been involved with the Nevada County Farm Bureau, Nevada County Agricultural Commission, Nevada County Grown, Tahoe Cattlemen’s Association, and Gold Country Sheep Producers Association. Roger retired earlier this year.

“For decades, Roger has been an advocate of local youth in agriculture, particularly the youth at the Nevada County Fair,” said Rea Callender, CEO of the Nevada County Fairgrounds. “His contributions to the agriculture programs at the Fairgrounds have educated adults and children.  Whether it’s participating in the annual Farm Day, assisting with agricultural youth programs, serving as a guest speaker in the seminar series at the Fair, or assisting the kids at the Fair – his work is invaluable.”

“I am both honored and humbled to receive the Blue Ribbon Award,” said Roger. “The Nevada County Fair holds such a deep connection with local residents, and it has been an honor to serve the residents of Nevada County.”

Roger will be recognized at Opening Day Ceremony of the Fair on August 9. 

 

Tags: blue ribbon award, roger ingram, and Western Fairs Association.

Roger Ingram Receives 2017 Blue Ribbon Award

August 7, 2017 |

Roger Ingram of Grass Valley has been named the 2017 Blue Ribbon Award recipient by the Nevada County Fairgrounds Board of Directors. The award was created by Western Fairs Association (WFA), a nonprofit trade association serving the Fair industry, to recognize those who support and contribute to the quality of their local Fair. Roger is recognized for his contributions to the agriculture programs at the Nevada County Fairgrounds.

Roger’s involvement with the Fair began in 1986 when he started with the UC Cooperative Extension (UCCE). From 1986 – 1993, he served as the 4-H/Livestock and Natural Resources Advisor in Nevada County. His primary responsibility was management of the 4-H program; and, specifically, at the Nevada County Fair, he organized and conducted a livestock judging contest until 1995. He has been instrumental in coordinating carcass quality programs for Fair animals and working with exhibitors and leaders to understand the data and to use it to improve their feeding and management practices.

Additionally, from 2006 – 2011, Roger gave a series of agriculture-related presentations at the Fair as part of the series of workshops coordinated by the Nevada County Resource Conservation District.

Roger became the UCCE Livestock and Natural Resources Advisor in 1993, and the County Director in 2007. During this time, he helped with the development of Nevada County Grown, worked with local meat producers on marketing and processing issues, and worked extensively on agricultural policies and regulations.  He has also been involved with the Nevada County Farm Bureau, Nevada County Agricultural Commission, Nevada County Grown, Tahoe Cattlemen’s Association, and Gold Country Sheep Producers Association. Roger retired earlier this year.

“For decades, Roger has been an advocate of local youth in agriculture, particularly the youth at the Nevada County Fair,” said Rea Callender, CEO of the Nevada County Fairgrounds. “His contributions to the agriculture programs at the Fairgrounds have educated adults and children.  Whether it’s participating in the annual Farm Day, assisting with agricultural youth programs, serving as a guest speaker in the seminar series at the Fair, or assisting the kids at the Fair – his work is invaluable.”

“I am both honored and humbled to receive the Blue Ribbon Award,” said Roger. “The Nevada County Fair holds such a deep connection with local residents, and it has been an honor to serve the residents of Nevada County.”

Roger will be recognized at Opening Day Ceremony of the Fair on August 9. 

 

Categories: Nevada County Fair and Nevada County Fairgrounds.
Tags: blue ribbon award, community, Grass Valley, Nevada City, Nevada County, roger ingram, and Western Fairs Association.

Rod Byers Receives WFA’s 2016 Blue Ribbon Award

August 9, 2016 |

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – August 8, 2016

Contact:     Rea Callender, CEO, Nevada County Fairgrounds
(530) 273-6217;

Rod Byers Receives 2016 Blue Ribbon Award

Rod Byers of Grass Valley has been named the 2016 Blue Ribbon Award recipient by the Nevada County Fairgrounds Board of Directors. The award was created by Western Fairs Association (WFA), a nonprofit trade association serving the Fair industry, to recognize those who support and contribute to the quality of their local Fair. Rod is recognized for his efforts in coordinating a successful wine competition at the Fair each year, and for his many years of service to the Nevada County Fair.

Rod’s involvement with the Fair began in 1983 when he started a commercial wine competition. In 1984, he shifted from that competition to a competition for local home winemakers, which focused on local grapes, wines, and people. Rod continues today as the supervisor of the Fair’s Wine Competition, overseeing all aspects of the competition, including the judging and approaching local wineries to sponsor the various divisions.

“We never tried to grow it to be the biggest competition, just the best,” said Rod. “I always try to run the competition with the entrant in mind – to give them the best possible feedback on their wines from a qualified, professional panel of judges.”

Rod and his wife, Melanie, have been married for 42 years and own Pine Hill Wine Works. He worked with Nevada City Winery for over 30 years, and now considers himself in the information and education side of the business. He teaches wine classes, writes a wine column for The Union, and has a TV show on local public access TV.

“Rod is kind enough to share his expertise with us at the Fair,” said Diane Hawkeswood, the Fair’s Exhibit Representative who has been working with Rod for more than 20 years. “We firmly believe that without his kindness, we would not be able to offer the wine competition to our exhibitors. We are so thankful for his dedication to the Fair and wine industry.”

“I am immensely honored to win the Blue Ribbon Award,” said Rod. “When I look around and see what some people do for the community, I don’t really believe I deserve any special recognition, but I sure appreciate getting it. Really, all we were doing was having a little bit of fun all those years.”

Rod will be recognized at Opening Day Ceremony of the Fair on August 10.  The 2016 Nevada County Fair is August 10 – 14.

Rod Byers - Blue Ribbon Recipient

Tags: blue ribbon award, Rod Byers, Western Fairs Association, and wine.

Rod Byers Receives WFA’s 2016 Blue Ribbon Award

August 8, 2016 |

Rod Byers of Grass Valley has been named the 2016 Blue Ribbon Award recipient by the Nevada County Fairgrounds Board of Directors. The award was created by Western Fairs Association (WFA), a nonprofit trade association serving the Fair industry, to recognize those who support and contribute to the quality of their local Fair. Rod is recognized for his efforts in coordinating a successful wine competition at the Fair each year, and for his many years of service to the Nevada County Fair.

Rod’s involvement with the Fair began in 1983 when he started a commercial wine competition. In 1984, he shifted from that competition to a competition for local home winemakers, which focused on local grapes, wines, and people. Rod continues today as the supervisor of the Fair’s Wine Competition, overseeing all aspects of the competition, including the judging and approaching local wineries to sponsor the various divisions.

“We never tried to grow it to be the biggest competition, just the best,” said Rod. “I always try to run the competition with the entrant in mind – to give them the best possible feedback on their wines from a qualified, professional panel of judges.”

Rod and his wife, Melanie, have been married for 42 years and own Pine Hill Wine Works. He worked with Nevada City Winery for over 30 years, and now considers himself in the information and education side of the business. He teaches wine classes, writes a wine column for The Union, and has a TV show on local public access TV.

“Rod is kind enough to share his expertise with us at the Fair,” said Diane Hawkeswood, the Fair’s Exhibit Representative who has been working with Rod for more than 20 years. “We firmly believe that without his kindness, we would not be able to offer the wine competition to our exhibitors. We are so thankful for his dedication to the Fair and wine industry.”

“I am immensely honored to win the Blue Ribbon Award,” said Rod. “When I look around and see what some people do for the community, I don’t really believe I deserve any special recognition, but I sure appreciate getting it. Really, all we were doing was having a little bit of fun all those years.”

Rod will be recognized at Opening Day Ceremony of the Fair on August 10.  The 2016 Nevada County Fair is August 10 – 14.

Rod Byers - Blue Ribbon Recipient

Categories: Nevada County Fair.
Tags: blue ribbon award, fair, Fairgrounds, Nevada County Fair, Nevada County Fairgrounds, Western Fairs Association, and wine.

Bill Mitchell Receives 2014 Blue Ribbon Award

August 13, 2014 |

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – August 12, 2014

Contact: Sandy Woods, CEO, Nevada County Fair
(530) 273-6217;

Bill Mitchell Receives 2014 Blue Ribbon Award

Bill Mitchell was recently named the 2014 Blue Ribbon Award recipient by the Nevada County Fairgrounds Board of Directors. The award was created by the Fair’s industry association, the Western Fairs Association (WFA), to recognize dedicated individuals who support their local Fair and continuously contribute to the quality of the Fair. Bill was recognized for his key role with the exhibit crew, as well as his ongoing volunteer efforts at the Fair.

After retiring from the Grass Valley School District – where he worked for 37 years as a band teacher at Lyman Gilmore, Hennessy and Scotten schools – Bill joined the exhibit crew at the Fairgrounds in 2005. It was his inspiration that created the signage at the street corner near the Gentle Giant monument, as well as the poster signs at the gates during the Fair, and the Highway 20 billboard. It was also through Bill’s efforts that the Prop Shop was organized, and, consequently, has saved the Fair significant dollars in labor. Additionally, he lends a huge hand in setting up for the Country Christmas Faire.

While Bill retired from the Fairgrounds in 2012, even in “retirement,” he continues to actively participate at the Fair – putting up signage, displaying banners, puttering in the Prop Shop, assisting with the Country Christmas Faire, and cooking at the Foundation’s annual Cioppino Feed.

Bill, who has lived in Nevada County since 1969, has been married to his wife, Karen, for 46 years. They have two children, Tom and Jennifer, and one grandson, Adler. Bill is active in the Foothill Lions Club, and enjoys spending time with his grandson.

“The Nevada County Fair is special to everyone,” says Bill. “Karen and I and our children, and now our grandson, have spent countless hours enjoying the Fair. It takes a lot of people to put together the events at the Fairgrounds, and I definitely don’t feel I deserve this award any more than any of the other people who put in countless hours to make these events successful. I am humbled and honored.”

“Bill is a wonderful person, and a true asset to our Fairgrounds,” said Sandy Woods, CEO of the Nevada County Fairgrounds. “He has a big heart and a passion for the Fair, and it is with great pride that he receives this industry award.”

Bill was recognized in a surprise presentation at the Nevada County Fair’s Opening Ceremonies on Wednesday, August 6.

# # #

Bill Mitchell (2015)

Tags: Bill Mitchell, blue ribbon award, Nevada County Fair, Western Fairs Association, and WFA.

Bill Mitchell Receives 2014 Blue Ribbon Award

August 12, 2014 |

Bill Mitchell was recently named the 2014 Blue Ribbon Award recipient by the Nevada County Fairgrounds Board of Directors. The award was created by the Fair’s industry association, the Western Fairs Association (WFA), to recognize dedicated individuals who support their local Fair and continuously contribute to the quality of the Fair. Bill was recognized for his key role with the exhibit crew, as well as his ongoing volunteer efforts at the Fair.

After retiring from the Grass Valley School District – where he worked for 37 years as a band teacher at Lyman Gilmore, Hennessy and Scotten schools – Bill joined the exhibit crew at the Fairgrounds in 2005. It was his inspiration that created the signage at the street corner near the Gentle Giant monument, as well as the poster signs at the gates during the Fair, and the Highway 20 billboard. It was also through Bill’s efforts that the Prop Shop was organized, and, consequently, has saved the Fair significant dollars in labor. Additionally, he lends a huge hand in setting up for the Country Christmas Faire.

While Bill retired from the Fairgrounds in 2012, even in “retirement,” he continues to actively participate at the Fair – putting up signage, displaying banners, puttering in the Prop Shop, assisting with the Country Christmas Faire, and cooking at the Foundation’s annual Cioppino Feed.

Bill, who has lived in Nevada County since 1969, has been married to his wife, Karen, for 46 years. They have two children, Tom and Jennifer, and one grandson, Adler. Bill is active in the Foothill Lions Club, and enjoys spending time with his grandson.

“The Nevada County Fair is special to everyone,” says Bill. “Karen and I and our children, and now our grandson, have spent countless hours enjoying the Fair. It takes a lot of people to put together the events at the Fairgrounds, and I definitely don’t feel I deserve this award any more than any of the other people who put in countless hours to make these events successful. I am humbled and honored.”

“Bill is a wonderful person, and a true asset to our Fairgrounds,” said Sandy Woods, CEO of the Nevada County Fairgrounds. “He has a big heart and a passion for the Fair, and it is with great pride that he receives this industry award.”

Bill was recognized in a surprise presentation at the Nevada County Fair’s Opening Ceremonies on Wednesday, August 6.

Bill Mitchell (2015)

Categories: Announcements and Nevada County Fair.
Tags: 2014 Nevada County Fair, Bill Mitchell, blue ribbon award, Nevada County Fair, Western Fairs Association, and WFA.

2013 Blue Ribbon Award

August 20, 2013 |

Debby Biddinger was recently named the 2013 Blue Ribbon Award recipient by the Nevada County Fairgrounds Board of Directors. The award was created by the Fair’s industry association, the Western Fairs Association (WFA), to recognize dedicated individuals who support their local Fair and continuously contribute to the quality of the Fair. Debby was recognized for her ongoing support of the Fairgrounds and its many activities, and for all her work at Tall Pines Nursery School at the Fairgrounds. 

 Debby has been the director of Tall Pines Nursery, a parent co-op preschool located at the Nevada County Fairgrounds, since 1985. She has also served as a teacher during this time and has become affectionately known as “Teacher Debby.”  During her 28 years at Tall Pines, Debby has seen almost 3,000 children pass through the preschool, and now has some families with three generations who have attended the school. 

 During the Fair, the preschool is closed; however, Debby can be found at the Fairgrounds getting the Tall Pines Nursery booth ready for the Fair, where they serve Round Table Pizza to Fair-goers as a fundraiser for the school. 

 Raised in Nevada County, Debby has been married to her husband, Tim, for 36 years, and they have a daughter, Amy. Throughout her years at the preschool, Debby has recruited both her husband and her daughter to help out at the preschool. To them, it’s “definitely a family event.” Their daughter, Amy, has followed in her Mom’s footsteps and is now a math teacher at Forest Charter. 

“I truly love everything about the Fairgrounds – and I love that Tall Pines is such a part of the Fairgrounds,” said Debby. “I’m surprised and overwhelmed to receive this award, and I feel very fortunate to be able to work in such a beautiful location, with the families and children I serve, and among the Fair team.”

“Debby is truly one of the Fair’s best friends,” said Sandy Woods, CEO of the Fairgrounds. “She has a deep love for the Fairgrounds and she passes that passion on to her little students. She is one of the guardians of California’s Most Beautiful Fairgrounds and is very protective of the facility. She is held in very high esteem by the entire Fair staff and we consider her part of the Fair family. We are thrilled to be able to honor her with this industry award.”

Debby was recognized in a surprise presentation at the Fair’s Opening Ceremonies on Wednesday, August 7. 

Debby Biddinger Receives 2013 Blue Ribbon Award

Debby Biddinger, director of Tall Pines Nursery School at the Nevada County Fairgrounds, recently received the 2013 Blue Ribbon Award for her ongoing support of the Fairgrounds and its activities and for her work at Tall Pines Nursery School.

Categories: Announcements.
Tags: blue ribbon award.

Debby Biddinger Receives 2013 Blue Ribbon Award

August 20, 2013 |

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – August 20, 2013

Contact: Sandy Woods, CEO, Nevada County Fair

 (530) 273-6217; 

Debby Biddinger Receives 2013 Blue Ribbon Award

Debby Biddinger was recently named the 2013 Blue Ribbon Award recipient by the Nevada County Fairgrounds Board of Directors. The award was created by the Fair’s industry association, the Western Fairs Association (WFA), to recognize dedicated individuals who support their local Fair and continuously contribute to the quality of the Fair. Debby was recognized for her ongoing support of the Fairgrounds and its many activities, and for all her work at Tall Pines Nursery School at the Fairgrounds. 

Debby has been the director of Tall Pines Nursery, a parent co-op preschool located at the Nevada County Fairgrounds, since 1985. She has also served as a teacher during this time and has become affectionately known as “Teacher Debby.”  During her 28 years at Tall Pines, Debby has seen almost 3,000 children pass through the preschool, and now has some families with three generations who have attended the school. 

During the Fair, the preschool is closed; however, Debby can be found at the Fairgrounds getting the Tall Pines Nursery booth ready for the Fair, where they serve Round Table Pizza to Fair-goers as a fundraiser for the school.  

Raised in Nevada County, Debby has been married to her husband, Tim, for 36 years, and they have a daughter, Amy. Throughout her years at the preschool, Debby has recruited both her husband and her daughter to help out at the preschool. To them, it’s “definitely a family event.” Their daughter, Amy, has followed in her Mom’s footsteps and is now a math teacher at Forest Charter. 

“I truly love everything about the Fairgrounds – and I love that Tall Pines is such a part of the Fairgrounds,” said Debby. “I’m surprised and overwhelmed to receive this award, and I feel very fortunate to be able to work in such a beautiful location, with the families and children I serve, and among the Fair team.”

“Debby is truly one of the Fair’s best friends,” said Sandy Woods, CEO of the Fairgrounds. “She has a deep love for the Fairgrounds and she passes that passion on to her little students. She is one of the guardians of California’s Most Beautiful Fairgrounds and is very protective of the facility. She is held in very high esteem by the entire Fair staff and we consider her part of the Fair family. We are thrilled to be able to honor her with this industry award.”

Debby was recognized in a surprise presentation at the Fair’s Opening Ceremonies on Wednesday, August 7. 

# # #

Debby Biddinger Receives 2013 Blue Ribbon Award

Debby Biddinger, director of Tall Pines Nursery School at the Nevada County Fairgrounds, recently received the 2013 Blue Ribbon Award for her ongoing support of the Fairgrounds and its activities and for her work at Tall Pines Nursery School.

 
Tags: blue ribbon award.