Nevada County Fair: August 9 – 13

August 8, 2017 |

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.
Tags: Arena Events, Destruction Derby, eat at the fair, eat on treat street, fair, flying u rodeo, Grass Valley, local events, Monster Trucks, Nevada City, Nevada County, Rodeo, Sea You at the Fair, special contests, Treat Street, and Tuff Trucks.

Special Contests Each Day at the Nevada County Fair

August 6, 2017 |

At the Nevada County Fair, August 9 – 13, there are exciting contests and activities happening each day of the Fair! Here are a few of the fun contests planned for this year’s Fair.

New this year is the Bubble Gum Blow Off on Friday from 3:30 – 4:30 pm. The biggest bubble in each category will earn the biggest prizes, and bubble gum blowers of all ages are invited to join the fun. Also new is the Frozen T-Shirt Challenge on Thursday and Sunday from 3 – 4:30 pm. Shirts are doused with water, scrunched and frozen; and the object is to be the first to thaw the t-shirt and successfully fit your head and arms into the shirt. Entrants receive a free t-shirt.  

With the “Sea You at the Fair!” theme, we have fun activities like the Pool Noodle Sea Life, where Fair-goers turn pool noodle pieces into floating sail boats and other seafaring critters on Thursday and Friday from 2 – 3 pm; Egg Carton Sea Creatures on Wednesday and Thursday from 1 – 2 pm; and Fun in the Sun Kids Games featuring pool noodle games, beach ball hockey and turtle relays on Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday from noon – 1 pm.

A returning favorite this year is the Jell-O Eatin’ Contest on Wednesday from 3:30 – 4:30 pm. Be the first to finish a bowl of Jell-O and whipped cream without using your hands! Also returning this year is the Live Art Battle on Saturday from 1:30 – 4:30 pm.  Artists of all ages will have 20 minutes to create a painting, and then the audience will vote for their favorite. All supplies provided. Entry forms are available online or at the Fair Office.

If you love creating with Duct Tape, don’t miss the Duct Tape Art Challenge.  Kids and adults will have 30 minutes to create an item or thing. Some tape will be available for use; however, if your project requires specific colors/patterns or supplies, please provide. Happening on Sunday; kids contest at 1 pm; adults 1:45 pm.

We’ve also got Seafaring Squash Mobile Races on Friday at noon, “Minute to Win It” fun each day from 4:30 – 5:30 pm, and karaoke happening every night from 8 – 11 pm and Sunday from 8 – 10 pm.

There are no entry forms for these events (except Live Art Battle) – just show up 15 minutes early at the Special Events Tent and get ready to play. Lots of fun and great prizes!

For a complete list of special contests and activities at this year’s Fair, August 9 – 13, visit here.

 

Categories: Events and Nevada County Fair.
Tags: fair, Grass Valley, Nevada City, Nevada County, Sea You at the Fair, and special contests.

Arena Events at the Nevada County Fair

August 4, 2017 |

This year’s Nevada County Fair features a full line up of excitement and loud, crazy fun in the arena each night. Wednesday and Thursday night features the Flying U Extreme Rodeo, Friday and Saturday night features Monster Trucks and Tuff Truck racing, and Sunday night is the return of the Destruction Derby.

The Flying U Extreme Rodeo, produced by Cotton Rosser and Flying U Rodeo, returns to the arena on Wednesday and Thursday night with cowboys, bull riding, local barrel racing, and the Flying Cowboys performing freestyle FMX motocross jumps!  Each night starts with a sky diver flying into the rodeo. Mutton Bustin, where young cowboys and cowgirls get the chance to hop on a trusty sheep and head for the thrill of their young lives, is scheduled during the event on both nights. If you have children interested in participating in Mutton Bustin, please visit the Fair Office for registration forms and to pay the entry fee. Also returning this year will be a Coin Dig, which features 100 gold coins buried in the arena, and children 10 years and younger in the audience will be invited down to the arena to dig for the coins.  The cost to attend the Flying U Extreme Rodeo is $10 for adults and $8 for kids under 12.

On Friday night it’s Monster Trucks and Modified Tuff Truck Racing, and Saturday night features Monster Trucks and Stock Tuff Truck Racing. It’s a brand-new show this year, with four of the best All Star Monster Trucks doing battle in a best trick competition, full throttle racing, and a freestyle throw down. This year’s monster truck lineup includes the father-son team of Rick Swanson in Obsession and his son, Eric Swanson, in his new Retro-Body 1968 Ford, Obsessed. They compete against twin brother drivers, Aaron and Darron Basl from Houston, Texas. Darron drives the legendary King Krunch; and Aaron drives Nitro Hornet, a beautiful 1987 Square Body Chevy. This year’s competition is going to be fierce! Ticket price includes a Meet and Greet, from 5:30 to 6:30 pm, where you can go on the floor of the arena and meet the Monster Truck drivers.  Additionally, Monster Truck drivers will be available for autographs after the show at the merchandise tent. Tickets are $15 for adults and $8 for kids under 12.

On Sunday, it’s the Demolition Derby, hosted by KNCO.  This crowd favorite event features drivers putting their cars to the ultimate test by crashing, smashing, and ramming other vehicles while trying to keep their own vehicle running! This is destruction at its best. Tickets are $15 for adults and $8 for kids 12 and under.

All arena events start at 7 pm, so there’s plenty of time before and after the events to enjoy time at the Fair. Tickets to all arena events are available here or at the arena box office at the Fair.  This year’s Nevada County Fair is August 9 – 13.

Categories: Events, Nevada County Fair, and Nevada County Fairgrounds.
Tags: 2017 fair, arena, Arena Events, Cotton Rosser, demolition derby, Flying U, Grass Valley, Monster Trucks, Nevada City, Nevada County, reno rosser, Rodeo, Sea You at the Fair, stock tuff truck racing, and Tuff Trucks.

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.

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

July 28, 2017 |

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.
Tags: 2017 fair, eat on treat street, fresh fruit, Grass Valley, NEO, neo youth center, Nevada City, Nevada County, sandwiches, Sea You at the Fair, smoothies, Treat Street, turkey legs, and yuba river charter school.

Flying U Extreme Rodeo: Wednesday and Thursday Night at the Fair

July 27, 2017 |
Who’s going to this year’s rodeo at the Fair?  This year’s Flying U Extreme Rodeo features cowboys, bull riding, Mutton Bustin’, and the Flying Cowboys performing freestyle FMX motocross jumps! Each night starts with a sky diver flying into the rodeo, and we’ve also got a coin dig for kids and local barrel racing on both nights. Get your tickets for Wednesday or Thursday night of the Fair!
 
Categories: Events and Nevada County Fair.
Tags: 2017 fair, barrel racing, Bull Riding, cowboys, fair, flying cowboys, Flying U Extreme Rodeo, FMX motocross, Grass Valley, Mutton Bustin', Nevada City, Nevada County, Rodeo, and Sea You at the Fair.

Treat Street Fun Facts: Nevada City Rotary

July 27, 2017 |

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.
Tags: 2017 fair, community organizations, eat on treat street, fair, Grass Valley, Nevada City, nevada city rotary, Nevada County, pulled pork, Rotary, sandwiches, Sea You at the Fair, serving the community, and Treat Street.