The Foothill Lions Club, as well as Bob and Debbe Peterson, have been named the 2015 Blue Ribbon Award recipients 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 their local Fair and continuously contribute to the quality of the Fair. The Foothill Lions Club is recognized for its ongoing support of the Fairgrounds, and for their partnership with the Nevada County Fairgrounds Foundation in producing the annual Cioppino Feed. The Petersons, owners of Lazy Dog Confections, are recognized for their devotion to the Fair and for fostering positive community relations.

Since its inception as a club, the Foothill Lions Club has been an avid supporter of the Nevada County Fairgrounds. They have always focused on fundraisers for the Fairgrounds, as evidenced by the spaghetti feed fundraiser to the annual Cioppino Feed to benefit the Fairgrounds Foundation. The Cioppino Feed, which was inspired by the Foothill Lions Club founder, Arnie Romanello, has grown into a partnership project between the Club and the Fairgrounds Foundation. The majority of the Club members devote their energy in the kitchen, creating delicious Cioppino. It’s through their volunteerism that tens of thousands of dollars have been raised by the Foundation to support the Nevada County Fair. The Foothill Lions Club also runs the arena beer booth during the Fair and Draft Horse Classic.

“The Foothill Lions Club feels honored and privileged to receive the Blue Ribbon Award from the Nevada County Fairgrounds,” said Jack Kuhwarth, President of the Foothill Lions Club. “Our club feels that the Nevada County Fairgrounds is an integral part of the community that brings all factions of our society together in its various events. We thank them for this honor.”

Bob and Debbe Peterson, creators and owners of Lazy Dog Ice Cream, have been quality purveyors on the Nevada County Fairgrounds and within our community for many years, providing exceptionally delicious ice cream throughout the summer during large outdoor events at the Fairgrounds. Patrons regularly gravitate to the lovely pink Lazy Dog stands, seeking delicious ice cream treats. The Petersons also serve their ice cream during the annual Fair and the Draft Horse Classic; and, during the Country Christmas Faire, they create a festive holiday gift booth filled with delicious candies and chocolates.

The Petersons, who were “absolutely stunned” to receive the Blue Ribbon award, have been making ice cream bars and candy since 1982, and at the Fair for 28 years.

“Over the years it has truly been a pleasure to work with the Petersons,” said former Fair CEO Sandy Woods. “Their energy has been boundless, and I am thrilled that they are being honored for their marvelous spirit, their love for the Fairgrounds, and for their impressive business venture, Lazy Dog Ice Cream.”

Members of the Foothill Lions Club and Bob and Debbe Peterson were recently recognized in private presentations.

Debbe and Bob Peterson accept their award at a surprise presentation.