Hansen Family Recognized as Fair Family of the Year

July 27, 2019 |

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – July 21, 2019 Contact: Wendy Oaks, Information Officer, Nevada County Fairgrounds (530) 273-6217;

Hansen Family To Be Recognized As Family Of The Year At The Nevada County Fair

The Hansen Family – Jeff, Andrea, Savannah May and Russell – have been named the 2019 Family of the Year by the Nevada County Fairgrounds Board of Directors. The Board chose the Hansen Family for their ongoing support of local youth in agriculture and their volunteer efforts and dedication to the Nevada County Fair.

Jeff and Andrea, who both grew up in Nevada County, have been attending the Nevada County Fair since they were kids and have been active with the Junior Livestock Auction since they started dating. They married in 2004 and now love sharing these annual traditions with their two children, Savannah May, 12, and Russell, 10. This year, both kids will have livestock entries at the Fair – Savannah May has been raising a market steer and heifer while Russell has been raising a market hog.

“We all love the Nevada County Fair,” says Andrea. “Each year, the kids and I scour the Fair’s Competition Handbook as soon as it’s released to circle all the still exhibits and livestock entries we want to enter. Some of the kid’s yearly goals revolve around the Fair and its judging.”

In addition to entering livestock and exhibits at the Fair, the Hansen family volunteers at the auction each year and the four of them work at the Meadowlarks Pasty Booth. Savannah May loves doing barn duty and working in the red barn and Russell loves camping during the Fair and being with friends.

When asked about their favorite part of the Fair, Andrea says it’s the livestock. “We love the auction and supporting the auction,” she says. “Watching the kids on Sunday is so emotional because we know the dedication and commitment that goes into the care and raising of each animal. Now that our own kids are showing, it adds a whole new dynamic to our experience.”

Andrea says that the family was so surprised and honored to be chosen as the Fair family of the year and to represent their favorite county event. “Fair is a huge cumulation of people’s hard work – not only from people’s exhibits but also from fair employees – and it’s so fun to see all the moving parts and seeing it all on display. The Fair provides a unique, invaluable experience and life skills for our kids, and it provides friendships and a place for our children to meet others who have the same passions they do.”

While not at the Fair, Jeff operates Hansen Bros. Enterprises, serves on the Nevada Joint Union High School Ag Advisory Board and loves to hunt. Andrea is a teacher at Clear Creek School, where Russell and Savannah May attend, and she also serves as a Meadowlarks project leader. Savannah May plays basketball and volleyball and Russell enjoys riding dirt bikes, swimming and playing with his two dogs, Ketchup and Levi. Both kids also love spending countless hours with their animals in the barn.

The Hansen Family will be honored at the Fair’s opening ceremony and will also receive a family portrait by Shaffers Originals of Grass Valley. This year’s Nevada County Fair is August 7 – 11.

Tags: family of the year.

Hansen Family Recognized as Fair Family of the Year

July 21, 2019 |

The Hansen Family – Jeff, Andrea, Savannah May and Russell – have been named the 2019 Family of the Year by the Nevada County Fairgrounds Board of Directors. The Board chose the Hansen Family for their ongoing support of local youth in agriculture and their volunteer efforts and dedication to the Nevada County Fair.

Jeff and Andrea, who both grew up in Nevada County, have been attending the Nevada County Fair since they were kids and have been active with the Junior Livestock Auction since they started dating. They married in 2004 and now love sharing these annual traditions with their two children, Savannah May, 12, and Russell, 10. This year, both kids will have livestock entries at the Fair – Savannah May has been raising a market steer and heifer while Russell has been raising a market hog.

“We all love the Nevada County Fair,” says Andrea. “Each year, the kids and I scour the Fair’s Competition Handbook as soon as it’s released to circle all the still exhibits and livestock entries we want to enter. Some of the kid’s yearly goals revolve around the Fair and its judging.”

In addition to entering livestock and exhibits at the Fair, the Hansen family volunteers at the auction each year and the four of them work at the Meadowlarks Pasty Booth. Savannah May loves doing barn duty and working in the red barn and Russell loves camping during the Fair and being with friends.

When asked about their favorite part of the Fair, Andrea says it’s the livestock. “We love the auction and supporting the auction,” she says. “Watching the kids on Sunday is so emotional because we know the dedication and commitment that goes into the care and raising of each animal. Now that our own kids are showing, it adds a whole new dynamic to our experience.”

Andrea says that the family was so surprised and honored to be chosen as the Fair family of the year and to represent their favorite county event. “Fair is a huge cumulation of people’s hard work – not only from people’s exhibits but also from fair employees – and it’s so fun to see all the moving parts and seeing it all on display. The Fair provides a unique, invaluable experience and life skills for our kids, and it provides friendships and a place for our children to meet others who have the same passions they do.”

While not at the Fair, Jeff operates Hansen Bros. Enterprises, serves on the Nevada Joint Union High School Ag Advisory Board and loves to hunt. Andrea is a teacher at Clear Creek School, where Russell and Savannah May attend, and she also serves as a Meadowlarks project leader. Savannah May plays basketball and volleyball and Russell enjoys riding dirt bikes, swimming and playing with his two dogs, Ketchup and Levi. Both kids also love spending countless hours with their animals in the barn.

The Hansen Family will be honored at the Fair’s opening ceremony and will also receive a family portrait by Shaffers Originals of Grass Valley. This year’s Nevada County Fair is August 7 – 11.

Categories: Nevada County Fair.
Tags: family of the year.

Fair Family of the Year: Prechter Family

August 2, 2018 |

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – July 31, 2018

Contact: Patrick Eidman, Deputy Manager, Nevada County Fairgrounds
(530) 273-6217;

Prechter Family To Be Recognized As Family Of The Year At The Nevada County Fair

Mark and Michelle Prechter have been named the 2018 Family of the Year by the Nevada County Fair’s Board of Directors. The Board chose the Prechter Family for their ongoing commitment to and participation in the livestock program at the Nevada County Fair.

Mark and Michelle, who met and married in Montana, moved to Nevada County in 2000. Mark, who had grown up showing in 4-H, took Michelle to the Nevada County Fair and they immediately fell in love with the tree covered grounds, the friendly atmosphere and Treat Street. Michelle remembers that first Fair, where she was pregnant with their first child, and “eating her way through Treat Street.” After buying some property and a small herd of cattle, they quickly became involved in agriculture and soon the Nevada County Fair.

That involvement increased as they had children. Today, they have helped at the Fair in the show arenas, volunteered at the Foundation Station, served as leaders in the barns, and are strong advocates for youth in agriculture. They also spend countless hours in the livestock barns helping their two girls prepare their animals for the Fair. 

The Prechters, who will celebrate their 18th wedding anniversary this year, have two daughters – Maddie and Rylee – who are also active in the Fair. Both girls have been competing at the Fair since they were five years old showing everything from pygmy goats to market eggs to entering the ugliest cake contest. The last several years the girls have shown market steer, and this year Rylee will show a market lamb and Maddie will show a market steer and Angus Heifers.  Both girls have their own breeding stock and have placed in the top 10 with the California Junior Livestock Association.  Maddie graduated this year and will attend Butte College to study Animal Science and Ag Business, and Rylee is a Sophomore at Bear River who also loves volleyball.

“The Fair is important to us because it has taught our girls to stay humble when they win and to be gracious when they lose,” says Michelle. “Raising livestock and having the opportunity to show animals at the Nevada County Fair has taught them responsibility, given them confidence, and, most importantly, how to work together as a team.”

When asked about their favorite memory at the Fair, Michelle says there are several. “Being at the Fair is a vacation in a crazy kind of way. It’s our time together and it’s us working alongside our friends and community. We look back on all the years we’ve been at the Fair and we realize what a significant impact it’s had on our lives and the raising of our children.”

Her other favorite memory happened in 2014 when Maddie won Supreme Champion Steer and Rylee won Reserve Supreme Champion Steer.  And last year, 2017, Maddie and Rylee both won Large Animal Master Showmanship (Maddie won the FFA Large Animal Master Showmanship and Rylee won the 4-H Large Animal Master Showmanship).  Says Michelle, “they are an amazing team, work great together and always help each other reach their goals.”

When not at the Fair, the Prechters lead an equally busy schedule. In addition to working full time raising commercial cattle (that small herd has grown and become a full-time business), Mark is a full-time farrier and Michelle is a preschool teacher at United Auburn Indian Community.  They are also members of the Nevada County Livestock Producers and Michelle serves as the secretary of the Bear River FFA Ag Boosters. Additionally, both have served as
4-H Leaders and as Nevada County Beef Advisors.

The Prechter Family will be honored at the Fair’s opening ceremony and will also receive a family portrait by Shaffers Originals of Grass Valley.  This year’s Nevada County Fair is August 8 – 12. 

Tags: 2018 fair and family of the year.

Fair Family of the Year: Prechter Family

July 31, 2018 |

Mark and Michelle Prechter have been named the 2018 Family of the Year by the Nevada County Fair’s Board of Directors. The Board chose the Prechter Family for their ongoing commitment to and participation in the livestock program at the Nevada County Fair.

Mark and Michelle, who met and married in Montana, moved to Nevada County in 2000. Mark, who had grown up showing in 4-H, took Michelle to the Nevada County Fair and they immediately fell in love with the tree covered grounds, the friendly atmosphere and Treat Street. Michelle remembers that first Fair, where she was pregnant with their first child, and “eating her way through Treat Street.” After buying some property and a small herd of cattle, they quickly became involved in agriculture and soon the Nevada County Fair.

That involvement increased as they had children. Today, they have helped at the Fair in the show arenas, volunteered at the Foundation Station, served as leaders in the barns, and are strong advocates for youth in agriculture. They also spend countless hours in the livestock barns helping their two girls prepare their animals for the Fair. 

The Prechters, who will celebrate their 18th wedding anniversary this year, have two daughters – Maddie and Rylee – who are also active in the Fair. Both girls have been competing at the Fair since they were five years old showing everything from pygmy goats to market eggs to entering the ugliest cake contest. The last several years the girls have shown market steer, and this year Rylee will show a market lamb and Maddie will show a market steer and Angus Heifers.  Both girls have their own breeding stock and have placed in the top 10 with the California Junior Livestock Association.  Maddie graduated this year and will attend Butte College to study Animal Science and Ag Business, and Rylee is a Sophomore at Bear River who also loves volleyball.

“The Fair is important to us because it has taught our girls to stay humble when they win and to be gracious when they lose,” says Michelle. “Raising livestock and having the opportunity to show animals at the Nevada County Fair has taught them responsibility, given them confidence, and, most importantly, how to work together as a team.”

When asked about their favorite memory at the Fair, Michelle says there are several. “Being at the Fair is a vacation in a crazy kind of way. It’s our time together and it’s us working alongside our friends and community. We look back on all the years we’ve been at the Fair and we realize what a significant impact it’s had on our lives and the raising of our children.”

Her other favorite memory happened in 2014 when Maddie won Supreme Champion Steer and Rylee won Reserve Supreme Champion Steer.  And last year, 2017, Maddie and Rylee both won Large Animal Master Showmanship (Maddie won the FFA Large Animal Master Showmanship and Rylee won the 4-H Large Animal Master Showmanship).  Says Michelle, “they are an amazing team, work great together and always help each other reach their goals.”

When not at the Fair, the Prechters lead an equally busy schedule. In addition to working full time raising commercial cattle (that small herd has grown and become a full-time business), Mark is a full-time farrier and Michelle is a preschool teacher at United Auburn Indian Community.  They are also members of the Nevada County Livestock Producers and Michelle serves as the secretary of the Bear River FFA Ag Boosters. Additionally, both have served as
4-H Leaders and as Nevada County Beef Advisors.

The Prechter Family will be honored at the Fair’s opening ceremony and will also receive a family portrait by Shaffers Originals of Grass Valley.  This year’s Nevada County Fair is August 8 – 12. 

Categories: Announcements and Nevada County Fair.
Tags: 2018 fair and family of the year.

The Fowler Family Recognized as the 2017 Fair Family of the Year

July 26, 2017 |

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – July 24, 2017

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

Fowler Family To Be Recognized As Family Of The Year At The Nevada County Fair

Brad and Alana Fowler have been named the 2017 Family of the Year by the Nevada County Fair’s Board of Directors. The Board chose the Fowler Family for their ongoing commitment, participation and volunteer efforts in the livestock program at the Nevada County Fair.

Brad and Alana, who were both born and raised in Nevada County, have been attending the Fair since they were children. Alana started showing animals in 4-H at nine years old and continued through high school in FFA; and Brad showed throughout high school in FFA.  Since that time, they’ve continued to help in the show arenas, volunteer on Treat Street, work in educational booths, assist at the Junior Livestock Auction, set up various displays, and clean barns after the Fair.  Today, they spend countless hours in the livestock barns, helping their own children, as well as other youth exhibitors, prepare their animals for the Fair.  

The Fowlers, who will celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary this year, have five daughters – Macey, 14; Molly, 12; Morgan, 10; Wendy, 7; and Wyatt, 7. All their children have been involved with livestock since birth, and have been showing and exhibiting at the Fair since they were young. The older girls started with pygmy goats and rabbits and moved to beef and dairy. Their oldest three daughters raise steers for the Junior Livestock Auction, and their youngest daughters entered Mutton Bustin’ last year. The girls have each started their own herds of various species, so in addition to bringing steers to the Fair this year, the oldest three girls will also bring some of their own breeding animals, both beef and dairy cattle, to show. The youngest girls help their sisters and have their own animals that will be the foundation for the future livestock they exhibit at the Fair. Additionally, Macey works with several horses during the week, trading for lessons; Molly plays volleyball; and Morgan competes in track.

Not surprisingly, when asked about their favorite memories at the Fair, both share fond memories of their time with the livestock community. “My favorite part of the Fair is watching the Junior Livestock Exhibitors show their animals,” says Brad. “Fair is also important to me because I get to see people in the community.”  Alana echoes his comments. “Fair is like a family vacation with friends and family,” she says. “I love to see the livestock exhibitors sharing their knowledge of these animals with families that visit.”

When not busy at the Fair, Alana reports that “life outside of Fair is much like Fair.”   They are self-employed, and for the past 10 years they have sold pasture-raised hogs, turkeys and chickens, as well as grass fed beef, lamb and goat directly to consumers in Nevada County.  They also use goats and sheep for fire prevention grazing throughout Nevada, Placer and Yuba counties. Outside of work, the Fowlers are involved with the Nevada County Farm Bureau, the Nevada County Food and Farm Conference, Nevada County 4-H, Nevada County Food Policy Council, and Nevada County Livestock Producers.

“The Fowler’s involvement in the livestock community, and their countless hours of volunteering at the Nevada County Fair, embody the community spirit that makes up the Nevada County Fair,” said Rea Callender, CEO of the Fairgrounds. “We are thrilled to be able to recognize them as the 2017 Fair Family of the Year.”

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

Photo by Shaffers Originals of Grass Valley

Tags: alana fowler, brad fowler, family of the year, and fowler family.

The Fowler Family Recognized as the 2017 Fair Family of the Year

July 24, 2017 |

 

Brad and Alana Fowler have been named the 2017 Family of the Year by the Nevada County Fair’s Board of Directors. The Board chose the Fowler Family for their ongoing commitment, participation and volunteer efforts in the livestock program at the Nevada County Fair.

Brad and Alana, who were both born and raised in Nevada County, have been attending the Fair since they were children. Alana started showing animals in 4-H at nine years old and continued through high school in FFA; and Brad showed throughout high school in FFA.  Since that time, they’ve continued to help in the show arenas, volunteer on Treat Street, work in educational booths, assist at the Junior Livestock Auction, set up various displays, and clean barns after the Fair.  Today, they spend countless hours in the livestock barns, helping their own children, as well as other youth exhibitors, prepare their animals for the Fair.  

The Fowlers, who will celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary this year, have five daughters – Macey, 14; Molly, 12; Morgan, 10; Wendy, 7; and Wyatt, 7. All their children have been involved with livestock since birth, and have been showing and exhibiting at the Fair since they were young. The older girls started with pygmy goats and rabbits and moved to beef and dairy. Their oldest three daughters raise steers for the Junior Livestock Auction, and their youngest daughters entered Mutton Bustin’ last year. The girls have each started their own herds of various species, so in addition to bringing steers to the Fair this year, the oldest three girls will also bring some of their own breeding animals, both beef and dairy cattle, to show. The youngest girls help their sisters and have their own animals that will be the foundation for the future livestock they exhibit at the Fair. Additionally, Macey works with several horses during the week, trading for lessons; Molly plays volleyball; and Morgan competes in track.

Not surprisingly, when asked about their favorite memories at the Fair, both share fond memories of their time with the livestock community. “My favorite part of the Fair is watching the Junior Livestock Exhibitors show their animals,” says Brad. “Fair is also important to me because I get to see people in the community.”  Alana echoes his comments. “Fair is like a family vacation with friends and family,” she says. “I love to see the livestock exhibitors sharing their knowledge of these animals with families that visit.”

When not busy at the Fair, Alana reports that “life outside of Fair is much like Fair.”   They are self-employed, and for the past 10 years they have sold pasture-raised hogs, turkeys and chickens, as well as grass fed beef, lamb and goat directly to consumers in Nevada County.  They also use goats and sheep for fire prevention grazing throughout Nevada, Placer and Yuba counties. Outside of work, the Fowlers are involved with the Nevada County Farm Bureau, the Nevada County Food and Farm Conference, Nevada County 4-H, Nevada County Food Policy Council, and Nevada County Livestock Producers.

“The Fowler’s involvement in the livestock community, and their countless hours of volunteering at the Nevada County Fair, embody the community spirit that makes up the Nevada County Fair,” said Rea Callender, CEO of the Fairgrounds. “We are thrilled to be able to recognize them as the 2017 Fair Family of the Year.”

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

Photo by Shaffers Originals of Grass Valley

Categories: Nevada County Fair.
Tags: 2017 fair, 2017 Nevada County Fair, alana fowler, brad fowler, fair, family of the year, fowler family, Grass Valley, Nevada City, Nevada County, and Sea You at the Fair.

Fair Family of the Year: The Warmuth Family

July 19, 2016 |

PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – July 18, 2016
Contact:     Rea Callender, CEO, Nevada County Fairgrounds
(530) 273-6217;

Warmuth Family To Be Recognized As Family Of The Year At The Nevada County Fair

Michelle and Brandon Warmuth have been named the 2016 Family of the Year by the Nevada County Fair’s Board of Directors. The Board chose the Warmuth Family for their volunteer efforts and their ongoing participation in the livestock and exhibit programs at the Fair.

Brandon and Michelle, who have attended the Fair every year for 32 and 25 years respectively, have been participating in the Fair for many years. Michelle entered exhibits as a teen and participated in the Miss Nevada County Pageant. She and Brandon ran Treat Street’s Mexican Hot Spot for several years; and, today, they spend countless hours volunteering in the 4-H Booth on Treat Street and helping their children prepare animals and exhibits for the Fair.

Brandon and Michelle, who met at the Fair in 1997 and will celebrate their 18th wedding anniversary this year, have 8 children – Nathanael, 16; Victoria, 15; Dylan, 15; Hillary, 10; Valerie, 8; Bethany, 6; Johannah, 4; and Evelyn, 2. All of their children enter exhibits – livestock and still exhibits for the older children, and still exhibits for the younger children – in the Fair.

“The first Fair entry that my oldest entered in the Mommy and me category was a foam dragonfly wind spinner,” says Michelle. “That was when he was 3 – now he is 16. Over the years, with 8 kids, I don’t think there is a youth category the kids haven’t entered.”

As a family tradition, when the kids turn 5, they get to join 4-H – something the children look forward to with great anticipation. Once they are 4-H members, they enter and show livestock. They have brought chickens, pigs and sheep to the Fair; and this year they are bringing rabbits. Together, the kids have been showing for 7 years; and, collectively, the kids have shown 29 animals at the Fair. Their favorite event is the chicken and rabbit costume contest!

Additionally, Nathanael is a Nevada County 4-H All-Star, the Penn Valley 4-H Club President, and recently spent two weeks in Washington DC with the Washington Focus Program through 4-H. Victoria is a teen leader in 4-H, Dylan served as a Sargent at Arms for their 4-H club, and both recently spent a week at the 4-H Citizenship Program in Sacramento. Hillary is serving her second term as her 4-H Club’s Historian. As Michelle says, “the joke around the house is that we bleed green.”

“The Fairgrounds is like a second home to our children, and the Fair is so important to us because it speaks of the community we live in and how the community comes together to support one another,” says Michelle. “The Fair allows us to learn from others and their expertise. It is wonderful to see the talent that is so widespread in our community.”

When not busy at the Fair or volunteering, Brandon works at his construction company, Prestige Tile and Construction, and as a partner in a private security company in the Sacramento area. Michelle is a fulltime Mom, and spends summers speaking at homeschooling conferences and hosting workshops on various topics. They served as a foster family for 9 years with Environmental Alternatives, and have cared for more than 20 children during that time. They are also members of Penn Valley Community Church.

“The Warmuth Family’s involvement and volunteer efforts at the Fair embody the community spirit and collaboration that is the Nevada County Fair,” said Rea Callender, CEO of the Fairgrounds. “Their participation in the livestock and still exhibit program, and their investment in the community by serving others, is commendable and admirable – and makes them the perfect choice for the 2016 Family of the Year.”

Upon being named the Family of the Year, Michelle says they were shocked! “The surprising part is that what we do at the Fair and in the community is what we do because we love it and it’s part of who we are as a family. It never crossed our minds that we would be noticed, much less stand out! It’s a great honor and we hope that by having the opportunity to share our hearts, people will be inspired to invest in their community with their time and talents.”

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Photo by Shaffers Originals of Grass Valley

Family of the Year (Warmuth Family)

 

 

 

Tags: family of the year and Warmuth Family.

Fair Family of the Year: The Warmuth Family

July 18, 2016 |

Michelle and Brandon Warmuth have been named the 2016 Family of the Year by the Nevada County Fair’s Board of Directors. The Board chose the Warmuth Family for their volunteer efforts and their ongoing participation in the livestock and exhibit programs at the Fair.

Brandon and Michelle, who have attended the Fair every year for 32 and 25 years respectively, have been participating in the Fair for many years. Michelle entered exhibits as a teen and participated in the Miss Nevada County Pageant. She and Brandon ran Treat Street’s Mexican Hot Spot for several years; and, today, they spend countless hours volunteering in the 4-H Booth on Treat Street and helping their children prepare animals and exhibits for the Fair.

Brandon and Michelle, who met at the Fair in 1997 and will celebrate their 18th wedding anniversary this year, have 8 children – Nathanael, 16; Victoria, 15; Dylan, 15; Hillary, 10; Valerie, 8; Bethany, 6; Johannah, 4; and Evelyn, 2. All of their children enter exhibits – livestock and still exhibits for the older children, and still exhibits for the younger children – in the Fair.

“The first Fair entry that my oldest entered in the Mommy and me category was a foam dragonfly wind spinner,” says Michelle. “That was when he was 3 – now he is 16. Over the years, with 8 kids, I don’t think there is a youth category the kids haven’t entered.”

As a family tradition, when the kids turn 5, they get to join 4-H – something the children look forward to with great anticipation. Once they are 4-H members, they enter and show livestock. They have brought chickens, pigs and sheep to the Fair; and this year they are bringing rabbits. Together, the kids have been showing for 7 years; and, collectively, the kids have shown 29 animals at the Fair. Their favorite event is the chicken and rabbit costume contest!

Additionally, Nathanael is a Nevada County 4-H All-Star, the Penn Valley 4-H Club President, and recently spent two weeks in Washington DC with the Washington Focus Program through 4-H. Victoria is a teen leader in 4-H, Dylan served as a Sargent at Arms for their 4-H club, and both recently spent a week at the 4-H Citizenship Program in Sacramento. Hillary is serving her second term as her 4-H Club’s Historian. As Michelle says, “the joke around the house is that we bleed green.”

“The Fairgrounds is like a second home to our children, and the Fair is so important to us because it speaks of the community we live in and how the community comes together to support one another,” says Michelle. “The Fair allows us to learn from others and their expertise. It is wonderful to see the talent that is so widespread in our community.”

When not busy at the Fair or volunteering, Brandon works at his construction company, Prestige Tile and Construction, and as a partner in a private security company in the Sacramento area. Michelle is a fulltime Mom, and spends summers speaking at homeschooling conferences and hosting workshops on various topics. They served as a foster family for 9 years with Environmental Alternatives, and have cared for more than 20 children during that time. They are also members of Penn Valley Community Church.

“The Warmuth Family’s involvement and volunteer efforts at the Fair embody the community spirit and collaboration that is the Nevada County Fair,” said Rea Callender, CEO of the Fairgrounds. “Their participation in the livestock and still exhibit program, and their investment in the community by serving others, is commendable and admirable – and makes them the perfect choice for the 2016 Family of the Year.”

Upon being named the Family of the Year, Michelle says they were shocked! “The surprising part is that what we do at the Fair and in the community is what we do because we love it and it’s part of who we are as a family. It never crossed our minds that we would be noticed, much less stand out! It’s a great honor and we hope that by having the opportunity to share our hearts, people will be inspired to invest in their community with their time and talents.”

Photo by Shaffers Originals of Grass Valley

Family of the Year (Warmuth Family)

Categories: Nevada County Fair.
Tags: 2016 fair, 4-H, Exhibitors, Fair Family, family of the year, Grass Valley, Kick It Up Fair, LIVESTOCK, Nevada County Fairgrounds, volunteers, and Warmuth Family.

Family of the Year: Garcia-McDonald Family

July 29, 2015 |

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – July 29, 2015

Contact:     Robin Hauck, Deputy Manager, Nevada County Fairgrounds
(530) 273-6217;

Garcia-Mcdonald Family To Be Recognized As Family Of The Year At The Nevada County Fair

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)

Tags: Fair Foundation, family of the year, Garcia-McDonald Family, and Nevada County Fair.