There are many opportunities available to sponsors of the annual Nevada County Fair, the Draft Horse Classic, and the Country Christmas Faire. Sponsorship is a great way to partner with the Nevada County Fairgrounds, while also providing support for some of the area’s most popular and well-attended events.
For information about becoming a 2022 Fairgrounds Partner, contact:
Craig Hoddy
Cell – 530-559-3239
The Nevada County Fairgrounds Board of Directors announced that Patrick Eidman has been named the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Nevada County Fairgrounds, effective immediately.
Eidman has served as the Deputy Manager of the Nevada County Fairgrounds since March 2017 and as the acting CEO since July 2018. He brings more than 20 years of management, grant writing, fundraising, event planning, and financial reporting experience to the job, as well as an extensive agricultural background.
A native of Grass Valley who graduated from Nevada Union High School, Eidman has deep roots in Nevada County and a long history with fairs. He has fond memories of his grandparents bringing him to the Nevada County Fair during his childhood, showing sheep at fairs across the Western United States with his parents and sisters, and exhibiting steers and sheep as an FFA member at the Nevada County Fair. He was also Livestock Secretary from 2011 – 2016 at the Nevada County Fair.
“To be leading the Nevada County Fairgrounds, a place I love and in a community I call home, is an honor and privilege,” said Eidman. “I look forward to working with our exceptional team and our many community partners to continue the long tradition of the Fairgrounds serving the people of Nevada County in times of need and in times of celebration.”
Eidman has experience in the private, nonprofit, and public sectors. Before joining the Fairgrounds team in 2017, he worked for the Sierra Nevada Conservancy, where he served as the Special Projects and Field Operations Grant Program Coordinator and managed the Conservancy’s local assistance grant program. Prior to that, he worked for the State of Colorado as the Director of Historic Preservation Technical Outreach.
He is the Second Vice President of the Nevada County Farm Bureau, a member of the Nevada County Fairgrounds Foundation, and the Mother Lode Area chair for Western Fairs Association. He recently completed the Nevada County Citizens Academy program and is a graduate of Sonoma State University, where he received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Environmental Studies with a focus on City and Regional Planning.
“On behalf of the entire Board, we are pleased that Patrick has accepted the role of CEO,” said Steve Steele, President of the Nevada County Fairgrounds Board of Directors. “He brings years of experience to the job and he has certainly proven himself as a leader the past five months while serving as the interim CEO and guiding the Fairgrounds team through three major events. He is the ideal candidate – one who honors and respects the traditions of the Nevada County Fairgrounds and one who is prepared to lead us into the future with new ideas – and we are fortunate to have him leading the way.”
As CEO, Eidman will be responsible for overseeing the annual Nevada County Fair, the Draft Horse Classic, the Country Christmas Faire, interim events and facility rentals, the RV Park, and the infrastructure of the Nevada County Fairgrounds.
Patrick Eidman
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – December 7, 2018
Contact: Steve Steele, President, Nevada County Fairgrounds Board of Directors
(530) 273-6217;
Nevada County Fairgrounds Board Names New CEO
The Nevada County Fairgrounds Board of Directors announced that Patrick Eidman has been named the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Nevada County Fairgrounds, effective immediately.
Eidman has served as the Deputy Manager of the Nevada County Fairgrounds since March 2017 and as the acting CEO since July 2018. He brings more than 20 years of management, grant writing, fundraising, event planning, and financial reporting experience to the job, as well as an extensive agricultural background.
A native of Grass Valley who graduated from Nevada Union High School, Eidman has deep roots in Nevada County and a long history with fairs. He has fond memories of his grandparents bringing him to the Nevada County Fair during his childhood, showing sheep at fairs across the Western United States with his parents and sisters, and exhibiting steers and sheep as an FFA member at the Nevada County Fair. He was also Livestock Secretary from 2011 – 2016 at the Nevada County Fair.
“To be leading the Nevada County Fairgrounds, a place I love and in a community I call home, is an honor and privilege,” said Eidman. “I look forward to working with our exceptional team and our many community partners to continue the long tradition of the Fairgrounds serving the people of Nevada County in times of need and in times of celebration.”
Eidman has experience in the private, nonprofit, and public sectors. Before joining the Fairgrounds team in 2017, he worked for the Sierra Nevada Conservancy, where he served as the Special Projects and Field Operations Grant Program Coordinator and managed the Conservancy’s local assistance grant program. Prior to that, he worked for the State of Colorado as the Director of Historic Preservation Technical Outreach.
He is the Second Vice President of the Nevada County Farm Bureau, a member of the Nevada County Fairgrounds Foundation, and the Mother Lode Area chair for Western Fairs Association. He recently completed the Nevada County Citizens Academy program and is a graduate of Sonoma State University, where he received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Environmental Studies with a focus on City and Regional Planning.
“On behalf of the entire Board, we are pleased that Patrick has accepted the role of CEO,” said Steve Steele, President of the Nevada County Fairgrounds Board of Directors. “He brings years of experience to the job and he has certainly proven himself as a leader the past five months while serving as the interim CEO and guiding the Fairgrounds team through three major events. He is the ideal candidate – one who honors and respects the traditions of the Nevada County Fairgrounds and one who is prepared to lead us into the future with new ideas – and we are fortunate to have him leading the way.”
As CEO, Eidman will be responsible for overseeing the annual Nevada County Fair, the Draft Horse Classic, the Country Christmas Faire, interim events and facility rentals, the RV Park, and the infrastructure of the Nevada County Fairgrounds.
For more information about the Fairgrounds, visit NevadaCountyFair.com.
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Patrick Eidman
Public Service Announcement
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – October 6, 2018
Contact: Steve Steele, President, Nevada County Board of Directors
(530) 273-6217;
Nevada County Fairgrounds Begins Search For Chief Executive Officer
Recruitment for new CEO begins; closing date is October 15, 2018
The Board of Directors of the Nevada County Fairgrounds announced this week that the search for the position of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for the Nevada County Fairgrounds has begun. The CEO position is responsible for managing the Nevada County Fair, the Draft Horse Classic and Harvest Fair, the Country Christmas Faire, year-round events, concerts, the RV Park, and community gatherings at the Nevada County Fairgrounds.
Qualified candidates should have a background in business administration, agriculture, and event/fair experience. Candidates should also have strong leadership, organizational, financial management, marketing and communication skills; as well as a willingness to be active in local, regional, and state association activities.
For those interested, the application process and details can be found at NevadaCountyFair.com. If applying, please send a cover letter, comprehensive resume, and five professional references via mail to:
Nevada County Fairgrounds
Attention: Steve Steele, Board President
11228 McCourtney Road
Grass Valley, CA 95949
The closing date for applications is October 15, 2018.
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PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – May 27, 2015
Contact: Arnie Romanello, Nevada County Fairgrounds, Board President
(530) 273-6217;
Nevada County Fairgrounds Board Names New CEO
New CEO brings business development, marketing, management, and fundraising experience to job
GRASS VALLEY – The Nevada County Fairgrounds Board of Directors announced this week the appointment of Rea Callender as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Nevada County Fairgrounds, effective June 8, 2015. The Board of Directors retained Ralph Andersen and Associates to conduct the extensive search, which produced interest from talented candidates from across the nation.
An entrepreneur and philanthropist with corporate, start-up and non-profit experience, Callender, brings more than 25 years of sales and business development experience to the job; as well as accomplishments in fundraising, marketing, team building, and management.
Callender has served as CEO and Founder of several businesses. He founded Schoolpop, Inc., an online loyalty marketing company and fundraising tool for K-12 schools, which raised $250 million since 1999 for K-12 schools nationwide. Additionally, he founded and built Animated Systems and Design, Inc., a website development company, which he sold to Bozell Advertising.
“We are thrilled that Rea is joining the Fairgrounds’ team and will be leading the organization in the future,” said Arnie Romanello, president of the Fair Board. “This was an extensive process, with many applicants, and we are confident that Rea’s accomplishments, his active involvement in the business world, and his significant experience in fundraising for non-profits will serve the Fairgrounds well.”
Callender spent part of his youth in Nevada County, and his family owned a working 2,000 acre cattle ranch in Grass Valley. He participated in the Junior Livestock Auction at the Nevada County Fair in his youth, and his father ran the JLA for many years – and it was there that his love for the Nevada County Fair was born.
He is a former Board Member of Child Family Health International; The Menlo Park Atherton Education Foundation; and The Parker School, where he implemented the “Leadership Speaker Series,” which brings business education to high school students via access to business leaders and real-life leadership experiences. He is a graduate of University of California, Irvine, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics.
Rea Callender will begin as CEO at the Nevada County Fairgrounds on June 8. He replaces Sandy Woods, who became the CEO of the Fairgrounds in 2009, and has been at the Nevada County Fairgrounds since 1995. He will be responsible for overseeing the annual Nevada County Fair, the Draft Horse Classic, and the Country Christmas Faire; as well as the interim events and facility rentals, the RV Campground, and the infrastructure of the Nevada County Fairgrounds.
For more information about the Fairgrounds, visit NevadaCountyFair.com.
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The Nevada County Fairgrounds Board of Directors announced this week the appointment of Rea Callender as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Nevada County Fairgrounds, effective June 8, 2015. The Board of Directors retained Ralph Andersen and Associates to conduct the extensive search, which produced interest from talented candidates from across the nation.
An entrepreneur and philanthropist with corporate, start-up and non-profit experience, Callender, brings more than 25 years of sales and business development experience to the job; as well as accomplishments in fundraising, marketing, team building, and management.
Callender has served as CEO and Founder of several businesses. He founded Schoolpop, Inc., an online loyalty marketing company and fundraising tool for K-12 schools, which raised $250 million since 1999 for K-12 schools nationwide. Additionally, he founded and built Animated Systems and Design, Inc., a website development company, which he sold to Bozell Advertising.
“We are thrilled that Rea is joining the Fairgrounds’ team and will be leading the organization in the future,” said Arnie Romanello, president of the Fair Board. “This was an extensive process, with many applicants, and we are confident that Rea’s accomplishments, his active involvement in the business world, and his significant experience in fundraising for non-profits will serve the Fairgrounds well.”
Callender spent part of his youth in Nevada County, and his family owned a working 2,000 acre cattle ranch in Grass Valley. He participated in the Junior Livestock Auction at the Nevada County Fair in his youth, and his father ran the JLA for many years – and it was there that his love for the Nevada County Fair was born.
He is a former Board Member of Child Family Health International; The Menlo Park Atherton Education Foundation; and The Parker School, where he implemented the “Leadership Speaker Series,” which brings business education to high school students via access to business leaders and real-life leadership experiences. He is a graduate of University of California, Irvine, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics.
Rea Callender will begin as CEO at the Nevada County Fairgrounds on June 8. He replaces Sandy Woods, who became the CEO of the Fairgrounds in 2009, and has been at the Nevada County Fairgrounds since 1995. He will be responsible for overseeing the annual Nevada County Fair, the Draft Horse Classic, and the Country Christmas Faire; as well as the interim events and facility rentals, the RV Campground, and the infrastructure of the Nevada County Fairgrounds.
Photo: Rea Callender, CEO of the Nevada County Fairgrounds
Assemblyman Brian Dahle presenting a resolution to Fairgrounds CEO Sandy Woods for all her work on behalf of the Nevada County Fairgrounds and the Fair industry. What a nice surprise!
Public Service Announcement
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – February 24, 2015
Contact: Norb Bartosik, Ralph Andersen & Associates
(916) 630-4900;
Nevada County Fairgrounds Begin Search For Chief Executive Officer
Recruitment for new CEO begins; closing date is March 30, 2015
The Board of Directors of the Nevada County Fairgrounds announced this week that the search for the position of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for the Nevada County Fairgrounds has begun. The CEO position is responsible for managing the Nevada County Fair, the Draft Horse Classic and Harvest Fair, the Country Christmas Faire, year-round events, concerts, the RV Park, and community gatherings at the Nevada County Fairgrounds.
Qualified candidates should have a background in business administration, agriculture, and event/fair experience. Candidates should also have strong leadership, organizational, financial management, marketing and communication skills; as well as a willingness to be active in local, regional, and state association activities.
For those interested, the application process and details can be found here. Electronic submittals are strongly preferred, and should be sent to Ralph Andersen & Associates via email at . The closing date for applications is March 30, 2015.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss the opportunity further, please contact Norb Bartosik, Ralph Andersen and Associates, at (916) 630-4900. Confidential inquires welcomed.
# # #
The Board of Directors of the Nevada County Fairgrounds announced this week that the search for the position of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for the Nevada County Fairgrounds has begun. The CEO position is responsible for managing the Nevada County Fair, the Draft Horse Classic and Harvest Fair, the Country Christmas Faire, year-round events, concerts, the RV Park, and community gatherings at the Nevada County Fairgrounds.
Qualified candidates should have a background in business administration, agriculture, and event/fair experience. Candidates should also have strong leadership, organizational, financial management, marketing and communication skills; as well as a willingness to be active in local, regional, and state association activities.
For those interested, the application process and details can be found here. Electronic submittals are strongly preferred, and should be sent to Ralph Andersen & Associates via email at . The closing date for applications is March 30, 2015.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss the opportunity further, please contact Norb Bartosik, Ralph Andersen and Associates, at (916) 630-4900. Confidential inquires welcomed.
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – January 23, 2015
Contact: Tom Browning, President, Nevada County Fairgrounds Board of Directors
(530) 273-6217;
NEVADA COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS CEO ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT
Sandy Woods announces retirement from Nevada County Fairgrounds
After serving for 20 years at the Nevada County Fairgrounds, Chief Executive Officer Sandy Woods announced this week that she will be retiring as CEO. Woods’ retirement will be effective upon the hiring of a new CEO. She will continue in her role as CEO until that time, and will assist the Fairgrounds’ Board of Directors in a transition plan for a new CEO.
Woods has worked at the Nevada County Fairgrounds since 1995, where she started as Deputy Manager, and has served as the CEO since 2009. Additionally, Woods has served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Western Fairs Association since 2005, and served as the WFA Board President in 2012. She is the former Chair of the California Fairs Alliance, which provides advocacy and resource development for the network of California fairs. Woods was recently inducted into the Western Fairs Association’s Hall of Fame, and recognized for her dedication and significant contributions to the fair industry.
An executive search for the new Chief Executive Officer will begin in February.
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