2015 Nevada County Fair Wrap Up

September 3, 2015 |

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – September 2, 2015

Contact:     Rea Callender, Chief Executive Officer
(530) 273-6217;

2015 NEVADA COUNTY FAIR WRAP-UP
Junior Livestock Auction, Ag Mechanics Auction, Treat Street Benefit Nevada County

Beautiful weather (well, one really hot day), more than $500,000 raised for Nevada County youth, highly-attended arena events, and several community partnerships made for a successful 2015 Nevada County Fair.

  • More than 91,000 people attended this year’s Fair.
  • More than $825,000 was generated on Treat Street by local non-profit organizations. Proceeds raised will allow local non-profit organizations to provide vital services to our community.
  • The Ag Mechanics Auction, featuring 50 custom items handmade by Bear River and Nevada Union FFA students, raised approximately $53,000 for these students.
  • Two hundred and thirty five animals were sold at the Junior Livestock Auction, grossing more than $463,000 for the youth of Nevada County. This year, there were 584 bumps on 235 animals, which is an average of 2.5 bumps per student. A bump occurs when a buyer offers additional money to the price of the animal, as a benefit to the student. That’s a supportive community!
  • More than 3,600 students and educators attended Wednesday’s Scholar Student Day.
  • Almost 11,000 attended the Fair’s five arena events – the Flying U Extreme Rodeo, Monster Trucks, Tuff Truck racing, and the Rotary Club-sponsored Destruction Derby. The arena events sold out on Friday, Saturday and Sunday night!
  • Sunday’s special promotion of “Five Until Five,” brought 5,600 visitors to the Fair, and coupled with paid attendance after five, saw more than 15,000 visitors on that day.
  • In the Special Events Tent on Saturday, 11 people – including mother/daughter team, Holly and Lydia Panter – donated hair to Locks of Love.
  • This year’s Fair included more than 7,040 exhibits from our community, including 500 photos in our Instagram Contest and almost 30 entries in the new Recycled Fan Art category.
  • One week prior to opening day, the Fair partnered with BloodSource, The Food Bank of Nevada County, Foothill Lions Club, Story Club, NEO, Nevada County 2-1-1, and Sierra Harvest, to offer Community Involvement Day – a day to donate items to these non-profit organizations, while also receiving free tickets to the Fair. As a result of this day, 107 blood donors were registered and 88 pints of life saving blood were collected; more than 700 books were collected (and 100 were given away); garden tools and supplies were collected; 1,800 pounds of food (enough to feed 45 families of 4 for one week) were donated; enough school supplies were received to provide for 20 families; more than $600 worth of crafts were donated to NEO; and 343 prescription eye glasses and seven hearing aids were donated.
  • More than 225 vendors and concessionaires participated in this year’s Fair.
  • The Fair teamed up with local libraries on their summer reading program and provided carnival ride tickets as prizes to children who read during the summer. During Fair time, more than 150 coupons were given to young readers in our community.
  • Seventy three business sponsors partnered with the Fair to provide valuable services – like free shuttle rides, materials for the special contests in the Special Events tent, shavings for the sale ring, and free drinking water.
  • The Fair partnered with Nevada County’s agricultural community for the sixth year to create Ag-Sperience, an area devoted to education in local agriculture.

“Our community is what makes this Fair so special – and successful,” said Rea Callender, CEO of the Nevada County Fair. “We thank our customers and our community partners for making this year’s Fair a success, and for their ongoing support of this Fair and the Fairgrounds.”

The 2016 Nevada County Fair is August 10 – 14.

Tags: "Catch the Fair Bug", Nevada County Fair, Nevada County Fairgrounds, and Treat Street.

Nevada County Fair: August 12 – 16

August 12, 2015 |

It’s Nevada County Fair time – and we’re excited about the 2015 Fair and its theme of “Catch the Fair Bug!”   This year’s Nevada County Fair, August 12 – 16, is held under the shade of the tall pine trees in Grass Valley and 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.

There’s so much to see and do at this year’s Fair. We’ve got the Bug Zone (with cock roach races and bug tastings), an extreme rodeo, the 22-foot Spider Zone, and the Newlywed Game on the Pine Tree Stage. Don’t forget a visit to Ag-Sperience, the Hay Bucking contest, a zip line across The Green, nightly karaoke, and several livestock competitions.

Long-time crowd pleasing events will soar into the Fair’s arena Wednesday through Sunday evening. There’s the Flying U Extreme Rodeo happening on Wednesday and Thursday evening; Friday and Saturday night features Tuff Trucks and Monster Trucks; and Sunday night features the popular Destruction Derby. All arena events begin at 7 pm.

Enjoy ongoing, musical entertainment at one of the outdoor stages. This year features a variety of music – pop rock, country rock, traditional country, Chicago-style blues, jazz, traditional and contemporary bluegrass, rockabilly dance, and rock and roll. Barbershop quartets, hula dancers, and Michael Mezmer’s TranceNosis Comedy Hypnosis Show will be featured on the various stages.

For more fun, enter one of the special contests held daily in the Special Events tent. There’s a Cell Phone Photo Scavenger Hunt, an Instagram contest, a Duct Tape Art Challenge, a Live Art Battle, Create a Litter Bug contest, a Scrapbook Page Layout Contest, “Minute to Win It” fun, a Just Dance Contest, Build A Bug Snack, and nightly karaoke. No pre-registration required – just show up and have fun. Details for contests are available on the Fair’s website.

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, tempura zucchini, baked potatoes, nachos, hamburgers, corn dogs, caramel corn, and more – all while supporting local, non-profit organizations.

For the best deals, purchase your tickets before the Fair begins. Tickets are on sale now and advanced sale discounts are available through August 11 at 5 pm. To purchase tickets, visit NevadaCountyFair.com, stop by the Fair Office, or call the Fair Office.

Join us at this year’s Nevada County Fair, August 12 – 16, and find out why we’ve been voted as the “Best Community Event” for 13 years in a row. The Nevada County Fairgrounds is located at 11228 McCourtney Road in Grass Valley.

Categories: Announcements and Nevada County Fair.
Tags: "Catch the Fair Bug", 2015 Nevada County Fair, fair, musical entertainment, Nevada County Fair, special contests, tickets, and Treat Street.

How Long Have You Been Attending the Fair?

August 4, 2015 |

We love that so many families and friends return to the Fair year after year! How long have you been attending the Nevada County Fair? Or, is this your first year? Post a comment on our Facebook page, and we’ll randomly choose a few winners to receive a free admission ticket.

Family time at the Fair (2014)

Categories: Announcements and Nevada County Fair.
Tags: "Catch the Fair Bug", 2015 Nevada County Fair, Facebook, fair, Grass Valley, Nevada City, Nevada County, Nevada County Fair, and ticket giveaway.

Nevada County Fair Planned For August 12 – 16

July 30, 2015 |

Public Service Announcement

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – July 29, 2015

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

Nevada County Fair Planned For August 12 – 16
Fairgrounds confirms that Fair will take place as planned

The Nevada County Fairgrounds confirmed today that the Nevada County Fair will continue as planned on August 12 – 16.

While the Fairgrounds are currently being used for a command post and fire camp, the Fair team is busy behind the scenes preparing for its biggest event of the year – the Nevada County Fair.

“There have been rumors of the Fair’s cancellation, but that was never part of our plan,” said Rea Callender, CEO of the Fairgrounds. “While we are happy to be able to assist our community and provide a place of rest for our heroic firefighters, we are still busy preparing for this year’s Fair, which opens in less than two weeks.”

To date, the Fair has received more than 7,000 entries for community exhibits, discounted tickets are being sold, and entries for special contests are being accepted.

Additionally, the Fair confirmed that Community Involvement Day – a day to donate items to non-profit organizations, while also receiving free tickets to the Fair – will take place in the Gate 1 parking lot on Monday, August 3. This year, the Nevada County Fairgrounds is teaming up with the Food Bank of Nevada County, Foothill Lions, Story Club, Nevada County 2-1-1, Sierra Harvest, NEO, and BloodSource for Community Involvement Day. These organizations will be set-up at the Fairgrounds Gate 1 parking lot on Monday, August 3, from 1 – 6 pm, to receive donations of items.

“The fire camp will still be on the grounds during Community Involvement Day, but we’re ready to host the event, which will cause little disruption to the fire camp,” said Callender.

While the Fair will take place as planned in two weeks, the grounds are currently closed to pedestrians and bicyclists; and RV camping is limited. The Fairgrounds will notify the community when these services are open again to the public.

The Main Office will continue to sell advanced sale Fair tickets, and continues to be open during normal business hours of Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm.

“On August 12, we will be ready to open our gates to the community and welcome them to the 2015 Nevada County Fair,” said Callender. “At that time, we’ll also take the time to celebrate our community and thank our firefighters for their efforts in keeping us all safe.”

For information about the Nevada County Fair, August 12 – 16, call 530-273-6217 or visit NevadaCountyFair.com.

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Tags: "Catch the Fair Bug", Cal Fire, fire, Lowell Fire, and Nevada County Fair.

Nevada County Fair: Let’s Go!

July 29, 2015 |

The Nevada County Fairgrounds confirmed today that the Nevada County Fair will continue as planned on August 12 – 16.

While the Fairgrounds are currently being used for a command post and fire camp, the Fair team is busy behind the scenes preparing for its biggest event of the year – the Nevada County Fair.

“There have been rumors of the Fair’s cancellation, but that was never part of our plan,” said Rea Callender, CEO of the Fairgrounds. “While we are happy to be able to assist our community and provide a place of rest for our heroic firefighters, we are still busy preparing for this year’s Fair, which opens in less than two weeks.”

To date, the Fair has received more than 7,000 entries for community exhibits, discounted tickets are being sold, and entries for special contests are being accepted.

Additionally, the Fair confirmed that Community Involvement Day – a day to donate items to non-profit organizations, while also receiving free tickets to the Fair – will take place in the Gate 1 parking lot on Monday, August 3. This year, the Nevada County Fairgrounds is teaming up with the Food Bank of Nevada County, Foothill Lions, Story Club, Nevada County 2-1-1, Sierra Harvest, NEO, and BloodSource for Community Involvement Day. These organizations will be set-up at the Fairgrounds Gate 1 parking lot on Monday, August 3, from 1 – 6 pm, to receive donations of items.

“The fire camp will still be on the grounds during Community Involvement Day, but we’re ready to host the event, which will cause little disruption to the fire camp,” said Callender.

While the Fair will take place as planned in two weeks, the grounds are currently closed to pedestrians and bicyclists; and RV camping is limited. The Fairgrounds will notify the community when these services are open again to the public.

The Main Office will continue to sell advanced sale Fair tickets, and continues to be open during normal business hours of Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm.

“On August 12, we will be ready to open our gates to the community and welcome them to the 2015 Nevada County Fair,” said Callender. “At that time, we’ll also take the time to celebrate our community and thank our firefighters for their efforts in keeping us all safe.”

For information about the Nevada County Fair, August 12 – 16, call 530-273-6217 or visit NevadaCountyFair.com.

Categories: Announcements and Nevada County Fair.
Tags: "Catch the Fair Bug", 2015 Nevada County Fair, August, carnival, community involvement day, exhibits, Grass Valley, Nevada City, Nevada County, Nevada County Fair, and Nevada County Fairgrounds.

Family of the Year: Garcia-McDonald Family

July 28, 2015 |

Eddie and Nancy Garcia, as well as daughter Barbara and son-in-law Larry McDonald, have been named the 2015 Family of the Year by the Nevada County Fair’s Board of Directors. The Board chose the Garcia-McDonald Family for their volunteer efforts, their vision for the Foundation Station, and their ongoing support of the Nevada County Fairgrounds.

The Garcia-McDonald family moved to Nevada County in 2008, and, in 2009, Eddie was asked by his high school friend, George Woods, to be part of the ring crew for the Draft Horse Classic. Eddie continued to volunteer at the Draft Horse Classic each year and two years ago Larry joined him on the crew. Additionally, Barbara and Larry’s horse boarding business, La Vida Buena Ranch, have been sponsors of the Draft Horse Classic; and, in 2013, Barbara began volunteering at the Halter Classes during the Classic.

The Garcia-McDonald family are also active in the Fairgrounds Foundation. Eddie joined the Nevada County Fairgrounds Foundation in 2011 as a director, followed by Barbara in 2013, and Larry in 2014. She now serves as Treasurer, and she and Larry operate the Foundation Station that opened in 2014.

“The Fair has such a sense of tradition and is the focal point of summer fun and community,” says Barbara. “The Nevada County Fairgrounds are so unique and beautiful and the Fair is such an integral part of our community. Having been to other fairs, we see how special the Nevada County Fair is and we want to make sure that the Fair continues to provide that feeling for generations to come.”

Nancy and Eddie Garcia met in high school, and have been married 54 years this year. They lived briefly in Barcelona where Barbara was born and then moved back to California where they started a furniture business. Barbara joined the family business after she graduated from Santa Clara University. Larry grew up in San Leandro and followed his father into the trucking business. Barbara and Larry married in 2004; and they have a daughter, Shayna, who attends Sierra College and works at Echo Valley Ranch in Auburn. Today, Barbara is the Chief Workshop Manager at Build A Bear Workshop at the Galleria at Roseville, while Larry owns a trucking company.

“The Garcias and the McDonalds are great supporters of the Fair,” said Sandy Woods, former CEO of the Nevada County Fairgrounds. “Their passion for the Fair developed as soon as they moved to Nevada County, and it was through their vision that the new beer booth, Foundation Station, was designed and built in 2014. Because of their eye for operational detail and their public relation skills, the success of the Foundation Station continues. It is an honor to recognize both families for their generosity and volunteer efforts.”

The Garcia-McDonald Family will be honored at the Fair’s opening ceremonies. They will receive a Fair package, as well as a family portrait by Shaffers Originals of Grass Valley.

Photo by Shaffers Originals.

Garcia-McDonald family (Family of the Year)

Categories: Announcements and Nevada County Fair.
Tags: "Catch the Fair Bug", 2015 Nevada County Fair, Fair Foundation, family of the year, Garcia-McDonald Family, Nevada County Fair, Nevada County Fairgrounds, and Shaffers Originals.