Majestic draft horse performances, breathtaking competitions, and seeing a Draft Horse “up close” are all part of the festivities at the 31st Annual Draft Horse Classic and Harvest Fair, September 21 – 24, at the beautiful Nevada County Fairgrounds in Grass Valley. Featuring six different performances by the Draft Horses, this event has become the premier Draft Horse show in the western United States. The Classic spotlights a variety of horses, teams, and performances; featuring everything from farm wagons, carriages, and driving competitions to dancing horses and racing mules. The stars of the show are the horses, and with more than 120 horses stabled on the grounds, the Classic offers a unique chance to observe them in a multitude of settings.
In between the performance classes, enjoy showcase specialty acts the CalCrush Clydesdales, California Cowgirls, chariot and chuck wagon races, an acrobatic equestrian production that incorporates aerialists and Roman riding, the Bobby Kerr Mustang Act, and the CHP Mounted Patrol Unit.
Also taking place at the Fairgrounds during the four days of the Classic is the Harvest Fair. Although there is a charge for the Draft Horse performances in the arena, admission to the Harvest Fair is free so all can enjoy the many activities of the Harvest Fair on the Fairgrounds. 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, and Art at the Classic. Plus, you don’t want to miss the opportunity to visit the barns and meet the draft horses.
During the Harvest Fair, you can also enjoy the Western Music Fest with ongoing musical entertainment beginning at 11 am on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. On Friday evening from 4:30 – 6 pm, don’t miss James Garner’s Tribute to Johnny Cash; and on Saturday from 4 – 6 pm, Left of Centre and the Country Artists Tribute to Jason Aldean takes the stage. All music at the Western Music Fest is free, so stop by the Fairgrounds, grab a bite to eat, and enjoy the music at the Pine Tree Stage. You can even catch a draft horse performance after each concert.
Tickets to the Draft Horse performances are on sale now. You can choose from six different performances or purchase a season ticket for all six. Performances are Thursday, September 21, and Friday, September 22, at 6:30 pm; Saturday, September 23, at 10 am and 6:30 pm; and Sunday, September 24, at 10 am and 4 pm. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Fairgrounds Office at (530) 273-6217, by visiting the Fairgrounds Office on McCourtney Road, or ordered online. There is a small transaction fee if you order your tickets online. All tickets purchased after 5 pm on Wednesday, September 20, are an additional $4 per ticket.
This year’s Draft Horse Classic is September 21 – 24 at the tree-covered Nevada County Fairgrounds in Grass Valley, 50 miles northeast of Sacramento.
