Nevada County Fair: August 9 – 13

With a theme of “Sea You at the Fair,” this year’s Nevada County Fair is happening August 9 – 13 at the tree-covered Nevada County Fairgrounds in Grass Valley. The Nevada County Fair features five days of fun for Fair-goers of all ages, and is the perfect opportunity to listen to ongoing 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 Stingray Encounter, where Fair-goers can view, touch and learn about stingrays; the Beachcomber Area, which features a giant sandbox; a Bubble Gum Blow Off and a Frozen T-Shirt Challenge in the Special Events Tent; several robotics displays; and Michael Mesmer’s “Strange Magic,” featuring optical illusions and magic. Check out the livestock obstacle courses, the 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. All arena events begin at 7 pm.

Enjoy ongoing, musical entertainment at one of the two outdoor stages featuring more than 25 musicians and bands during the Fair. Enjoy rock and roll, traditional country, reggae, classic rock, Chicago blues, and West Coast blues. Or, check out the tribute bands – The Rhythm Vandals (Santana Tribute) and Starpeople (a tribute to the Rolling Stones).

Enter one of the special contests for adults and kids held daily in the Special Events tent. There’s a Bubble Gum Blow Off, a Frozen Shirt Challenge, Jell-O Eating Contest, Duct Tape Art Challenge, Live Art Battle, “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, pulled pork sandwiches, baked potatoes, nachos, hamburgers, corn dogs, caramel corn, and more. When you eat on Treat Street, you are supporting local nonprofit organizations.

Tickets are on sale now. To purchase tickets, visit here or you can purchase your tickets at the gate.  

The Nevada County Fairgrounds is located at 11228 McCourtney Road in Grass Valley. For a list of daily activities, event details, tickets, or general information, visit here or call (530) 273-6217.

Categories: Events, Nevada County Fair, and Nevada County Fairgrounds.

New Booths on Treat Street: NEO and Yuba River Charter School

We have two new organizations on South Treat Street this year – NEO Youth Center and Yuba River Charter School – and they have been busy fixing up their booths.  The buildings are going to be painted, the inside is brand new, and new signs will be going up soon.  These organizations are working so hard to get their booths ready, so be sure to visit them during the Fair! NEO will be selling fresh fruit, smoothies, grilled cheese sandwiches and PB and J; and Yuba River Charter School will be selling smoked turkey legs!  The former booths (Boy Scouts Caramel Corn; and Higgins Fire Department’s Nachos) have relocated to booths on Treat Street. 

Categories: Events and Nevada County Fair.

Treat Street Fun Facts: Nevada City Rotary

Treat Street fun facts: Did you know that the Nevada City Rotary booth on Treat Street serves delicious pulled BBQ pork and shredded chicken sandwiches? Your Treat Street proceeds from this booth have helped support youth scholarships, Girls Who Code, ACME Robotics team, KVMR’s Breaking the Trance Town Hall Meeting, Children’s Renaissance Festival, Miners Trail, Open World Kazakhstan Entrepreneur Visit and so much more! Nevada City Rotary is especially proud to support Nevada County’s ag students with the John Taylor Memorial Ag Scholarship during the Junior Livestock Auction. Thank you, Nevada City Rotary, for your service and dedication to Nevada County.

Categories: Nevada County Fair and Nevada County Fairgrounds.

Treat Street Fun Facts: Grass Valley Fire Department

Treat Street fun facts! Did you know that during the Fair the Grass Valley Fire Department’s Firefighters Association booth serves hot dogs, polish dogs, Cajun dogs, chili dogs and chili bowls? Last year’s addition of a Frito chili bowl was a big hit! Proceeds from Fair sales support the association’s efforts in restoring a 1920’s-era Seagrave fire engine, and allows them to provide a “broken wheel” (a long-standing tradition) to families of firefighters who have passed away. Thank you, Grass Valley Fire, for all your hard work!

 

Categories: Nevada County Fair.

Treat Street Fun Facts: SEED Booth

Treat Street fun facts:  Last August, 550 pounds of oak-smoked tri-trip were served to more than 1,000 customers from the SEED booth on South Treat Street. It is here that Fair-goers can get a delicious tri-tip dinner and wraps.

SEED – Student Excellence in Education Development – sees its Fair booth as an opportunity to help young people learn by experience. Food preparation, food service, record keeping, volunteer coordination, public service, accounting procedures, and leadership experiences help high school and college age young people learn a range of new skills. Operating the Fair booth is one expression of SEED’s commitment of community leaders resourcing young people in their personal and professional development.  In just three years, more than 90 kids have worked in the booth under the guidance of a team of adult volunteers. Profits from the booth are held as “credits” for students, which may be applied to extracurricular, educational events and programs.  Additionally, SEED has contributed nearly $3000 in support of Nevada County Fairgrounds.

Thank you, SEED, for all your hard work! 

Photo by Three Lilies Photography

Categories: Nevada County Fair.