Simi Lyss Inducted into Nevada County Fairgrounds Hall of Fame

October 5, 2020 |

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – October 6, 2020

Contact: Wendy Oaks, Deputy Manager, Nevada County Fairgrounds
(530) 273-6217; WendyO@NevadaCountyFair.com

SIMI LYSS INDUCTED INTO NEVADA COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS HALL OF FAME

The Nevada County Fairgrounds Board of Directors recently inducted Dr. Simi Lyss into the Nevada County Fairgrounds Hall of Fame. The Board recognized Lyss as the 2020 Hall of Fame inductee for his longtime service and commitment to the Nevada County Fairgrounds.

Simi first became involved with the Fairgrounds as a volunteer with the Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum Club, where he assisted the group in renovating their displays and expanding their youth outreach program. During that time, he began attending Fairgrounds Board meetings and was ultimately appointed by the Governor to serve as a member of the Nevada County Fairgrounds Board of Directors.  He went on to serve on the Board for 14 years, where he worked tirelessly on behalf of the Fairgrounds.  He was instrumental in the formation of the Nevada County Fairgrounds Foundation, which continues to serve a vital role in supporting and improving the health and beauty of the Fairgrounds and fostering projects that develop local youth in agriculture. As a nature supporter, he also initiated and funded the tree reforestation program at the Fairgrounds.

“Simi’s commitment to serve the Fairgrounds and the community has proven to be valuable and noteworthy,” said Jeanette Royal, president of the Fairgrounds Board of Directors. “His extensive executive experience and financial background have greatly benefitted the Board, and we are so thankful for his years of selfless commitment and professionalism.”

Simi is a Board-certified dermatologist who retired from active practice in 1999.  Working roles included Senior Vice President for Health Affairs and Chief Medical Officer for Health Partners of the Southeast; Regional Medical Director of Kaiser Permanente, Northeast Region; Chief of Staff of Kaiser Foundation Hospital; and Physician-in-Chief of The Permanente Medical Group in Walnut Creek, CA. Following retirement, Simi served as the Interim Chief Medical Officer of the Western Medical Clinic, as well as President of the Kellermann Foundation.

He graduated with a Doctor of Medicine from the University of California, San Francisco and is American Board of Dermatology certified. He also received a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley; and he is a graduate of the School of Business Executive Program at Stanford University.  Simi is a 1953 graduate of Nevada Union High School.  He is married to wife Cookie, and together they have three children and two grandchildren.

As for the Fairgrounds, Simi says “I have so many fond memories at the Fairgrounds –from operating the push truck with my son, Rob, at the weekly races, visiting the carnival area during high school, and even helping a friend show a steer. But, by far, my fondest memories are of the people – some of whom have become my dearest friends – I’ve met along the way.”

Of being inducted into the Hall of Fame, “I was totally surprised and am honored,” said Simi. “I believe the Nevada County Fairgrounds is a community treasure. There is no other place like the Fairgrounds that serves as such a valuable resource while also bringing the community together to laugh and celebrate, and I’m so proud to be part of their story.”

Simi was inducted into the Hall of Fame via Zoom at a September Board of Director’s meeting, with several friends and family in attendance to express their congratulations and appreciation for Simi.  He received a portrait donated by Shaffers Originals of Grass Valley.

# # #

Photo by Shaffers Originals

Categories: Nevada County Fair and Nevada County Fairgrounds.
Tags: hall of fame.

2019 Hall of Fame: Bill Mitchell

May 25, 2019 |

What fun it was to surprise Bill Mitchell at Thursday’s Fairgrounds staff meeting with the news that he has been selected by the Nevada County Fairgrounds Board as a 2019 Nevada County Fair Hall of Fame inductee. The honor is given to those who have provided long-term service and dedication to the Nevada County Fairgrounds. Bill, whom we fondly refer to as “Mitchell,” has provided countless hours (years!) of volunteer service to the Fairgrounds and we are a better place because of him. We’ll be sharing more about Bill later and the many reasons he was chosen; but right now we just want to say – congratulations, Mitchell!

Categories: Nevada County Fair.
Tags: 2019 fair and hall of fame.

Myra Davies Inducted into Fair’s Hall of Fame

July 26, 2018 |

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – July 23, 2018

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

Myra Davies To Be Inducted Into Nevada County Fair’s Hall Of Fame

The Nevada County Fair’s Board of Directors has announced that Myra Davies will be inducted into the Nevada County Fair’s Hall of Fame. The Board recognized Davies for her longtime service and dedication to the Nevada County Fair and for her commitment to local agriculture.

Davies is a fifth-generation local rancher who lives on her family’s historic Dipper Valley Ranch in Nevada City.  Since retiring from her county job, Davies can often be found on her ranch checking her cows and delivering firewood. “The legacy of the history, the land and the soil are in my soul and part of who I am,” she says. “To me, ranching and farming is not a job, it is a chosen way of life.”

That love of ranching and farming can be seen in her commitment to the Nevada County Fair and her involvement in community activities dedicated to supporting agriculture and youth in agriculture.  During the Fair, Davies, who has been attending the Fair since she was a child, can be found at the Cattlewomen’s Marian Ghidotti Red Barn and the Nevada County Farm Bureau booths where she works diligently to carry on agricultural traditions.

In addition to her work at the Fair, Davies has served in various capacities in the Kentucky Flat 4-H Club, including Community Club Officer/President and a Horse and Hiking leader. She currently serves as a Nevada County Farm Bureau Director, President of the Placer Nevada Cattlewomen’s (PNCW) Association, and Chair of the PNCW Beef Ambassador Program. She is actively involved in Ag in the Classroom, a member of California Cattlewomen, National Cattlewomen, Nevada County Republican Women Federated, and Nevada County Grown.

 “I am deeply honored to be inducted into the Fair’s Hall of Fame,” said Davies. “The Nevada County Fair is a stronghold for our community. There is no other place as beautiful, accommodating, and with such strong community support for youth to showcase their yearlong projects. The Nevada County Fair is a hub, a focal point, to keep these traditions strong and it’s very important that I support organizations that carry on family and agricultural traditions. My life is family, faith, community, clubs, the Dipper Valley Ranch, beef, keeping ag alive through youth, and the Fair. That’s really all I need.”

Davies will be inducted into the Hall of Fame at opening day ceremony on August 8 and will receive a portrait donated by Shaffers Originals of Grass Valley. The 2018 Nevada County Fair is August 8 – 12.

 

Tags: hall of fame and Myra Davies.

Myra Davies Inducted into Fair’s Hall of Fame

July 23, 2018 |

The Nevada County Fair’s Board of Directors has announced that Myra Davies will be inducted into the Nevada County Fair’s Hall of Fame. The Board recognized Davies for her longtime service and dedication to the Nevada County Fair and for her commitment to local agriculture.

Davies is a fifth-generation local rancher who lives on her family’s historic Dipper Valley Ranch in Nevada City.  Since retiring from her county job, Davies can often be found on her ranch checking her cows and delivering firewood. “The legacy of the history, the land and the soil are in my soul and part of who I am,” she says. “To me, ranching and farming is not a job, it is a chosen way of life.”

That love of ranching and farming can be seen in her commitment to the Nevada County Fair and her involvement in community activities dedicated to supporting agriculture and youth in agriculture.  During the Fair, Davies, who has been attending the Fair since she was a child, can be found at the Cattlewomen’s Marian Ghidotti Red Barn and the Nevada County Farm Bureau booths where she works diligently to carry on agricultural traditions.

In addition to her work at the Fair, Davies has served in various capacities in the Kentucky Flat 4-H Club, including Community Club Officer/President and a Horse and Hiking leader. She currently serves as a Nevada County Farm Bureau Director, President of the Placer Nevada Cattlewomen’s (PNCW) Association, and Chair of the PNCW Beef Ambassador Program. She is actively involved in Ag in the Classroom, a member of California Cattlewomen, National Cattlewomen, Nevada County Republican Women Federated, and Nevada County Grown.

 “I am deeply honored to be inducted into the Fair’s Hall of Fame,” said Davies. “The Nevada County Fair is a stronghold for our community. There is no other place as beautiful, accommodating, and with such strong community support for youth to showcase their yearlong projects. The Nevada County Fair is a hub, a focal point, to keep these traditions strong and it’s very important that I support organizations that carry on family and agricultural traditions. My life is family, faith, community, clubs, the Dipper Valley Ranch, beef, keeping ag alive through youth, and the Fair. That’s really all I need.”

Davies will be inducted into the Hall of Fame at opening day ceremony on August 8 and will receive a portrait donated by Shaffers Originals of Grass Valley. The 2018 Nevada County Fair is August 8 – 12.

 

Categories: Nevada County Fair.
Tags: fair, hall of fame, Myra Davies, and Nevada County Fairgrounds.

Congratulaions, Myra Davies

March 8, 2018 |

What fun it was to surprise Myra Davies at Nevada County Resource Conservation District’s dinner last night with the news that she has been selected by the Nevada County Fairgrounds Board as the 2018 Nevada County Fair Hall of Fame inductee.  The honor is given to those who have provided long-term service and dedication to the Nevada County Fair, and Myra has provided decades of support to youth in agriculture as a leader and mentor. We’ll be sharing more about Myra and the many reasons she was chosen; but right now we just want to say congratulations, Myra!

 

Categories: Events and Nevada County Fair.
Tags: Grass Valley, hall of fame, Myra Davies, Nevada City, Nevada County, and Nevada County Fairgrounds.

Hall of Fame Inductees: Karen Henderson and Jim Drew, Robin Hauck

August 2, 2017 |

Karen Henderson and Jim Drew, along with Robin Hauck, have been named to the Nevada County Fair’s Hall of Fame.

Henderson and Drew have been attending the Nevada County Fair since childhood and were both Nevada Union FFA members who exhibited steers, market hogs, and lambs. They went on to become local agriculture teachers and FFA advisors for a combined total of 56 years. They have been buyers at the Junior Livestock Auction for almost 20 years, and help with the livestock sale each year; and Henderson served on the Nevada County Fair Board of Directors for five years.  Additionally, their six children and two of their grandchildren have exhibited livestock as well. 

“We have deep roots in the Fair and truly love what the Fair means to our community,” said Henderson. “The Fair and the Fairgrounds is a rich piece of history and cornerstone to our community’s agriculture heritage.  When you realize the first high school agriculture classes were held in the Main Exhibit Building, the thousands of young people who learned about agriculture and developed a strong work ethic by exhibiting, the community activities and gatherings, you will understand why Jim and I know the Fair is vital to Nevada County.”

Henderson currently works fulltime for Live Wire Products Inc, her parent’s business in Penn Valley. She also raises project and freezer lambs, gardens, and recently qualified to enter the Boston Marathon for 2018. She is also on the Nevada County Farm Bureau Board. Drew was recently elected President of the Nevada Joint Union School District Board, and also serves on the Nevada County Resource Conservation Board and the Nevada County Livestock Producers Board. He works a large garden and vineyard on their property, and is an avid fisherman.  Both are members of The Range, shooting weekly in the handgun league.

“Karen and Jim are an integral part of our Fair’s agriculture community,” said Rea Callender, Fairgrounds CEO. “They have dedicated countless hours to youth and Nevada County agriculture, and we are grateful for their service.”

Robin Hauck served as the Deputy Manager of the Nevada County Fairgrounds from 2009 until she retired in March.  Prior to working at the Nevada County Fair, she was CEO of the Merced County Fair for four years, worked for the El Dorado County Fair for 17 years and the Grand National Rodeo at the Cow Palace, and served as a fair industry consultant.

Hauck, who grew up in Loomis, showed at and visited Fairs throughout California during her childhood.  “My roots are in agriculture, and so is the Fair,” said Hauck. “The Fair provides a forum for the promotion and education of agriculture, the exchange of information, a celebration of our traditions and to recall our history.  The Fair does all of this with charm, excitement and the competitive spirit – and I’m proud to be part of the industry.”

While at the Fairgrounds, Hauck founded several community service projects, including the Fair’s partnership with local libraries for their summer reading program and Ag-Sperience at the Fair (where Fair-goers can learn about agriculture in Nevada County).  She also founded Community Involvement Day, which recently received the Western Fairs Association’s Merrill Award, the Fair industry’s highest honor.

“These community-based programs at the Fair are here because of Robin’s vision,” said Callender.  “We are fortunate to have had Robin at the Nevada County Fairgrounds for the past 8 years, and I thank Robin for her years of service and dedication to the Fair industry, to the Nevada County Fairgrounds, and to the community,” said Callender.   

Hauck is the current Treasurer of the Greater Grass Valley Chamber of Commerce and a member of the Nevada County Fairgrounds Foundation Board.

Henderson, Drew and Hauck will be inducted into the Hall of Fame at opening day ceremony on August 9, and will receive a portrait donated by Shaffers Originals of Grass Valley.

Photos by Shaffers Originals

Karen Henderson & Jim Drew, Hall of Fame 2017 Robin Hauk

Categories: Nevada County Fair and Nevada County Fairgrounds.
Tags: 2017 Nevada County Fair, hall of fame, Jim Drew, Karen Henderson, Robin Hauck, and Sea You at the Fair.

Hall of Fame Inductees: Karen Henderson and Jim Drew, Robin Hauck

August 2, 2017 |

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – August 1, 2017

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

Karen Henderson And Jim Drew, Robin Hauck To Be Inducted Into Nevada County Fair’s Hall Of Fame

Henderson and Drew have been attending the Nevada County Fair since childhood and were both Nevada Union FFA members who exhibited steers, market hogs, and lambs. They went on to become local agriculture teachers and FFA advisors for a combined total of 56 years. They have been buyers at the Junior Livestock Auction for almost 20 years, and help with the livestock sale each year; and Henderson served on the Nevada County Fair Board of Directors for five years.  Additionally, their six children and two of their grandchildren have exhibited livestock as well. 

“We have deep roots in the Fair and truly love what the Fair means to our community,” said Henderson. “The Fair and the Fairgrounds is a rich piece of history and cornerstone to our community’s agriculture heritage.  When you realize the first high school agriculture classes were held in the Main Exhibit Building, the thousands of young people who learned about agriculture and developed a strong work ethic by exhibiting, the community activities and gatherings, you will understand why Jim and I know the Fair is vital to Nevada County.”

Henderson currently works fulltime for Live Wire Products Inc, her parent’s business in Penn Valley. She also raises project and freezer lambs, gardens, and recently qualified to enter the Boston Marathon for 2018. She is also on the Nevada County Farm Bureau Board. Drew was recently elected President of the Nevada Joint Union School District Board, and also serves on the Nevada County Resource Conservation Board and the Nevada County Livestock Producers Board. He works a large garden and vineyard on their property, and is an avid fisherman.  Both are members of The Range, shooting weekly in the handgun league.

“Karen and Jim are an integral part of our Fair’s agriculture community,” said Rea Callender, Fairgrounds CEO. “They have dedicated countless hours to youth and Nevada County agriculture, and we are grateful for their service.”

Robin Hauck served as the Deputy Manager of the Nevada County Fairgrounds from 2009 until she retired in March.  Prior to working at the Nevada County Fair, she was CEO of the Merced County Fair for four years, worked for the El Dorado County Fair for 17 years and the Grand National Rodeo at the Cow Palace, and served as a fair industry consultant.

Hauck, who grew up in Loomis, showed at and visited Fairs throughout California during her childhood.  “My roots are in agriculture, and so is the Fair,” said Hauck. “The Fair provides a forum for the promotion and education of agriculture, the exchange of information, a celebration of our traditions and to recall our history.  The Fair does all of this with charm, excitement and the competitive spirit – and I’m proud to be part of the industry.”

While at the Fairgrounds, Hauck founded several community service projects, including the Fair’s partnership with local libraries for their summer reading program and Ag-Sperience at the Fair (where Fair-goers can learn about agriculture in Nevada County).  She also founded Community Involvement Day, which recently received the Western Fairs Association’s Merrill Award, the Fair industry’s highest honor.

“These community-based programs at the Fair are here because of Robin’s vision,” said Callender.  “We are fortunate to have had Robin at the Nevada County Fairgrounds for the past 8 years, and I thank Robin for her years of service and dedication to the Fair industry, to the Nevada County Fairgrounds, and to the community,” said Callender.   

Hauck is the current Treasurer of the Greater Grass Valley Chamber of Commerce and a member of the Nevada County Fairgrounds Foundation Board.

Henderson, Drew and Hauck will be inducted into the Hall of Fame at opening day ceremony on August 9, and will receive a portrait donated by Shaffers Originals of Grass Valley.

Karen Henderson & Jim Drew, Hall of Fame 2017

Karen Henderson & Jim Drew, Hall of Fame 2017

Robin Hauk

Robin Hauk

Tags: hall of fame, Jim Drew, Karen Henderson, and Robin Hauck.

Hall of Fame Inductees: George and Sandy Woods

August 1, 2016 |

George and Sandy Woods have been named to the Nevada County Fair’s Hall of Fame. The Fair’s Board of Directors recognized the Woods for their long-time service and dedication to the Nevada County Fair.

George and Sandy have been involved with the Fair since they moved to Nevada County in 1985.  As active exhibitors, they won the Best of Show for their Zinfandel from their vineyard; and Sandy won the Proud Tradition for needlepoint and Best of Show in preserved foods. Besides being exhibitors, during the Fair they shoveled manure and assisted with cleaning the barns for the Farm Bureau; they were buyers at the Junior Livestock Auction; and as Master Food Preservers, they organized the Master Food Preservers exhibit and performed demonstrations of canning, pickling, pressure cooking, and dehydration.

Sandy started working as Deputy Manager at the Nevada County Fairgrounds in 1995, and served as the CEO of the Fairgrounds from 2009 to 2015.  She served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Western Fairs Association for 10 years and as the WFA President in 2012, and was inducted into WFA’s Hall of Fame in 2015.  During this time, she also served as the Chair of the California Fairs Alliance, where she provided leadership in creating successful legislation to significantly reduce the regulatory oversight of fairs and sought reinstatement of fair funding for California’s 78 Fairs.

During Sandy’s employment at the Fair, George worked quietly behind the scenes as the head volunteer at the Fairgrounds. He filled in wherever he was needed – and he always did it with a smile! He spent years on the exhibit crew, spending summers creating the exhibit props and getting the buildings ready for the Fair, and then weeks after the Fair undoing the exhibits and storing them for the following year.  He also managed the work of the trustee labor from the jail, including transporting them to and from the jail.  Additionally, on the Day for People with Disabilities, George would transport individuals from the local rest homes to the Fair so they could participate in the parade. George was often in disguise, dressing up in costumes for parades and skits.   One year, after dressing up in an antique rooster costume and prancing around the stage during Opening Day Ceremony, George almost passed out as a result of the heat and lack of oxygen from wearing the rooster head!

“The Fair is a great community asset – it’s where our community comes to celebrate who we are,” said Sandy. “It’s where our children learn to ride their bicycles.  It’s where our community seeks safety when there’s a disaster.  It’s where we come together to hold fundraisers so that we can infuse money back into our economy and assist those who may be less fortunate.  There’s a spirit on the Fairgrounds, which makes it a very special place.”

While Sandy and George have many fond memories of the Fair – George says that his favorite is the year they purchased a pig at the Junior Livestock Auction and it escaped from the auction ring, ran through the crowd, and stopped right in front of them. He says with a laugh “our visiting relatives from the city were amazed and thought that was a normal procedure and that we were going to grab the pig and take it home with us.”  Sandy says one of her fondest Fair memories occurred late one evening as she was standing at Gate 5 watching patrons leave. Two couples were strolling together and as they approached the gate, one of the women looked over her shoulder and said, “Farewell Fair – I’ll see you next year.”  To Sandy, this demonstrates her belief “that the success of the Nevada County Fair is the love the community feels for the Fair.”

Sandy and George, who will be married 40 years in October, have three children – Peggy, Jenine and Dan; as well as eight grandchildren, and two great grandchildren. Now that Sandy and George have retired, they are enjoying time developing a vegetable garden, entering canning and pickling in the Fair, traveling, hiking, fishing, and putting their extensive wilderness and primitive skill training in use.  They are members of the Nevada County Fairgrounds Foundation and the Foothill Lions Club, and have been buyers at the Junior Livestock Auction since 1985.

“We are both deeply honored to be chosen for induction into the Hall of Fame,” said Sandy. “When we were told, George was stunned and I was delighted with his inclusion.  Not only has he devoted many hours to volunteering at the Fair, but he has graciously and patiently accepted the many hours and days that the Fair drew my attention away from my family.”

“Sandy and George’s service and dedication to the Nevada County Fair are commendable,” said Rea Callender, CEO of the Fairgrounds. “They have worked tirelessly on behalf of the Nevada County Fair, and their work has ensured that the Fairgrounds can be enjoyed by future generations. It is an honor to be able to celebrate them.”

The Woods will be inducted into the Hall of Fame at opening day ceremony on August 10.

Photo by Shaffers Originals of Grass Valley

George and Sandy Woods, 2016

The 2016 Nevada County Fair Hall of Fame inductees are George and Sandy Woods, who are recognized for their long-time service, dedication and contributions to the Nevada County Fair. Photo credit: Shaffers Originals

Categories: Nevada County Fair.
Tags: fair, Grass Valley, hall of fame, Nevada City, and Nevada County.

George And Sandy Woods To Be Inducted Into Nevada County Fair’s Hall Of Fame

August 1, 2016 |

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – August 1, 2016

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

George And Sandy Woods To Be Inducted Into Nevada County Fair’s Hall Of Fame

George and Sandy Woods have been named to the Nevada County Fair’s Hall of Fame. The Fair’s Board of Directors recognized the Woods for their long-time service and dedication to the Nevada County Fair.

George and Sandy have been involved with the Fair since they moved to Nevada County in 1985. As active exhibitors, they won the Best of Show for their Zinfandel from their vineyard; and Sandy won the Proud Tradition for needlepoint and Best of Show in preserved foods. Besides being exhibitors, during the Fair they shoveled manure and assisted with cleaning the barns for the Farm Bureau; they were buyers at the Junior Livestock Auction; and as Master Food Preservers, they organized the Master Food Preservers exhibit and performed demonstrations of canning, pickling, pressure cooking, and dehydration.

Sandy started working as Deputy Manager at the Nevada County Fairgrounds in 1995, and served as the CEO of the Fairgrounds from 2009 to 2015. She served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Western Fairs Association for 10 years and as the WFA President in 2012, and was inducted into WFA’s Hall of Fame in 2015. During this time, she also served as the Chair of the California Fairs Alliance, where she provided leadership in creating successful legislation to significantly reduce the regulatory oversight of fairs and sought reinstatement of fair funding for California’s 78 Fairs.

During Sandy’s employment at the Fair, George worked quietly behind the scenes as the head volunteer at the Fairgrounds. He filled in wherever he was needed – and he always did it with a smile! He spent years on the exhibit crew, spending summers creating the exhibit props and getting the buildings ready for the Fair, and then weeks after the Fair undoing the exhibits and storing them for the following year. He also managed the work of the trustee labor from the jail, including transporting them to and from the jail. Additionally, on the Day for People with Disabilities, George would transport individuals from the local rest homes to the Fair so they could participate in the parade. George was often in disguise, dressing up in costumes for parades and skits. One year, after dressing up in an antique rooster costume and prancing around the stage during Opening Day Ceremony, George almost passed out as a result of the heat and lack of oxygen from wearing the rooster head!

“The Fair is a great community asset – it’s where our community comes to celebrate who we are,” said Sandy. “It’s where our children learn to ride their bicycles. It’s where our community seeks safety when there’s a disaster. It’s where we come together to hold fundraisers so that we can infuse money back into our economy and assist those who may be less fortunate. There’s a spirit on the Fairgrounds, which makes it a very special place.”

While Sandy and George have many fond memories of the Fair – George says that his favorite is the year they purchased a pig at the Junior Livestock Auction and it escaped from the auction ring, ran through the crowd, and stopped right in front of them. He says with a laugh “our visiting relatives from the city were amazed and thought that was a normal procedure and that we were going to grab the pig and take it home with us.” Sandy says one of her fondest Fair memories occurred late one evening as she was standing at Gate 5 watching patrons leave. Two couples were strolling together and as they approached the gate, one of the women looked over her shoulder and said, “Farewell Fair – I’ll see you next year.” To Sandy, this demonstrates her belief “that the success of the Nevada County Fair is the love the community feels for the Fair.”

Sandy and George, who will be married 40 years in October, have three children – Peggy, Jenine and Dan; as well as eight grandchildren, and two great grandchildren. Now that Sandy and George have retired, they are enjoying time developing a vegetable garden, entering canning and pickling in the Fair, traveling, hiking, fishing, and putting their extensive wilderness and primitive skill training in use. They are members of the Nevada County Fairgrounds Foundation and the Foothill Lions Club, and have been buyers at the Junior Livestock Auction since 1985.

“We are both deeply honored to be chosen for induction into the Hall of Fame,” said Sandy. “When we were told, George was stunned and I was delighted with his inclusion. Not only has he devoted many hours to volunteering at the Fair, but he has graciously and patiently accepted the many hours and days that the Fair drew my attention away from my family.”

“Sandy and George’s service and dedication to the Nevada County Fair are commendable,” said Rea Callender, CEO of the Fairgrounds. “They have worked tirelessly on behalf of the Nevada County Fair, and their work has ensured that the Fairgrounds can be enjoyed by future generations. It is an honor to be able to celebrate them.”

The Woods will be inducted into the Hall of Fame at opening day ceremony on August 10. They will receive a portrait donated by Shaffers Originals of Grass Valley. The 2016 Nevada County Fair is August 10 – 14.

# # #

George and Sandy Woods, 2016

The 2016 Nevada County Fair Hall of Fame inductees are George and Sandy Woods, who are recognized for their long-time service, dedication and contributions to the Nevada County Fair. Photo credit: Shaffers Originals

 

Tags: hall of fame and Sandy Woods.

Hall of Fame: John and Teresia Renwick

August 1, 2015 |

John and Teresia Renwick have been named to the Nevada County Fair’s Hall of Fame. The Fair’s Board of Directors recognized the Renwicks for their long-time service and dedication to the Nevada County Fair.

John and Teresia have had a long history with the Nevada County Fair, beginning in 1995, when their children, Chrissy and Brandon, were active exhibitors as members of Meadowlarks 4H Club. Both John and Teresia were leaders in Meadowlarks, and contributed many hours to the Fair. John volunteered his expertise and labor on numerous livestock projects, and he also contributed to major renovations on the Meadowlark’s pasties booth.

Teresia’s poultry passion and expertise has supported the poultry exhibit for many years – from being the Poultry Superintendent to currently serving as the Fair’s poultry health inspector. For many years, Teresia was the producer of the Happy Valley Youth Rabbit and Poultry Show and donated the proceeds from the show to purchase equipment for the small animal exhibit and to help make improvements to the Fair’s small animal exhibit.

The Renwicks have been buyers at both the Junior Livestock Auction and the Ag Mechanics Auction for decades. John has actively participated at the Junior Livestock Auction as a ring man; and, each year, the Renwicks host and prepare a special barbecue for the Ag Mechanics buyers during the Fair. Their company, RE/MAX Performance Real Estate, sponsors numerous youth awards, as well as the setting up of the video monitor during the auction.

In addition to being supporters of the Fair, the Renwicks are avid supporters of the Nevada County Fairgrounds Foundation. Teresia serves as the Secretary of the Board, and is the Chair of the Cioppino Feed. At the annual Cioppino Feed, John volunteers his auctioneer talent and has helped raise thousands of dollars at the event’s auctions to benefit the Foundation.

“We love the small town feel of our Fair and the beautiful surroundings,” said Teresia. “We also love that when Fair time rolls around it’s like an annual family reunion.”

When asked about their favorite memory of the Fair, both John and Teresia agree that it was camping on the hill during the Fair with their kids and being woken every morning by the pigs getting their morning bath.

John and Teresia, who were named the 2002 Fair Family of the Year, have been married for 28 years. They have two children, Chrissy, 27; and Brandon, 23. In 2013, they purchased the RE/MAX franchise for Nevada County and are busy growing the company.  They are also active in numerous other community organizations, including the Greater GV Chamber of Commerce, the South Nevada County Chamber of Commerce, Habitat for Humanity, Animal Save, Nevada County 4-H, Bear River and Nevada Union FFA, and Interfaith Food Ministry. Additionally, John donates his auctioneering services to local non-profit organizations.

“This is such a huge surprise for us to be chosen for induction into the Hall of Fame,” said Teresia. “We never expected such an honor. We participate because it is so much fun to help and be a part of such a great organization.”

“The Renwicks are a remarkable family, with great enthusiasm and dedication to the Fair,” said Sandy Woods, retired CEO of the Nevada County Fair. “Their ongoing passion and commitment to the Fair have benefitted many, and have greatly contributed to the success of the Nevada County Fairgrounds. This is a well-deserved honor for the Renwick family.”

The Renwicks will be formally inducted into the Hall of Fame at opening day ceremonies on Wednesday, August 12.

Photo by Shaffers Originals

John and Teresia Renwick (2015)

Categories: Announcements and Nevada County Fair.
Tags: 2015 Nevada County Fair, hall of fame, John Renwick, Nevada County Fair, Nevada County Fairgrounds, RE/MAX Nevada County, and Teresia Renwick.