Tickets are on sale now for the 32^nd Annual Draft Horse Classic and Harvest Fair, where you’ll experience beautiful draft horses pulling meticulously restored freight wagons, loyally working farm equipment, skillfully completing intricate maneuvers, and competing with elegance and determination.  Plus, this is the opportunity to meet the stars of show and see a draft horse up close. 

Happening September 21 – 23 at the Nevada County Fairgrounds in Grass Valley, the Draft Horse Classic is the premier draft horse show on the west coast and offers six different performances featuring draft horses and exhibitors from across the United States and Canada. In between competition classes, guests will enjoy performances by expert horseman and trick rope artist Tomas Garcilazo, Bobby Kerr Mustang Act, Cal Crush Clydesdales, CHP Mounted Patrol Unit, the California Cowgirls Drill Team and more. Additionally, with more than 150 horses stabled on the grounds, the Classic offers a unique chance to observe and meet these gentle giants.

New this year, the Draft Horse Classic is moving to three days, with two performances each day.  There’s also a new class schedule, more hitches, and exciting entertainment in the arena.

Tickets to this event are on sale now. You can choose from six different performances or purchase a season ticket for all six. Tickets can be purchased by calling (530) 273-6217, by visiting the Fairgrounds Office on McCourtney Road, or online here. All tickets purchased after 5 pm on Thursday, September 20, are an additional $4 per ticket.

Although there is a charge for the draft horse performances in the arena, admission to the Fairgrounds is free so all can enjoy the many activities of the Harvest Fair happening during the three days of the Classic. Visit the grounds to enjoy musical entertainment, a Western Trade Show with vendors selling wares, the Harvest Fair agricultural competitions and community exhibits, a horseshoeing demonstration, delicious food, Art at the Classic. Plus, don’t miss the opportunity to visit the barns and meet the draft horses. We even offer guided barn tours.

As part of the festivities, there will be two free concerts on the Pine Tree Stage. On Friday, September 21 from 4:30 pm – 6 pm, James Garner’s Tribute to Johnny Cash takes the stage. On Saturday, September 22 from 4 – 6 pm, Brenn Hill, an award-winning singer songwriter, will perform cowboy and country music. Both concerts are free, so stop by and grab a bite to eat, enjoy some music under the shade of the tall pine trees, and catch a Draft Horse performance after the musical entertainment.

It’s all happening at the Draft Horse Classic and Harvest Fair, September 21- 23, at the Nevada County Fairgrounds in Grass Valley, just 50 miles northeast of Sacramento. For information, call (530) 273-6217 or visit here.  

Photo by Lenkaland Photography