Sandy Woods, CEO of the Nevada County Fairgrounds

By Wendy Oaks

Sandy Woods, Chief Executive Officer of the Nevada County Fairgrounds, has been elected as President of the Western Fairs Association’s (WFA) Board of Directors. Woods was recently inaugurated at the association’s annual conference in Anaheim.

Woods will serve a one year term as President. During the past two years, she has also served as Vice President and Treasurer. All WFA directors are elected by their peers.

As President of the Board, Woods will represent the more than 800 WFA members and will work on their behalf for legislative advocacy, as well as govern the activities and policies of the association.

“The President of Western Fairs serves as the Chair of the 19 member elected Board of Directors and is ultimately accountable for all of the associations programs, including the legislative advocacy efforts,” noted WFA Executive Director Stephen Chambers. “It’s a challenging job in these tumultuous times. The fairs of the West are strong, however, funding and oversight issues continue to impact their success and our members stand ready to support Ms. Woods leadership.”

The Western Fairs Association is a non-profit trade association serving the Fair industry throughout the Western United States and Canada. WFA serves fair-related businesses, fair management, fair board directors, festivals, and industry associations.

The 2012 Nevada County Fair, “Barnyard Safari,” is August 8 – 12.
Wendy Oaks
Publicist, Nevada County Fairgrounds
(530) 273-6217
wsoaks@gmail.com

Website: www.NevadaCountyFair.com
Facebook: Nevada County Fairgrounds

Nevada County Fair                          August 8 – 12, 2012
Draft Horse Classic                            September 20 – 23, 2012
Halloween at the Fairgrounds      October 27, 2012
Country Christmas Faire                  November 23 – 25, 2012

Related articles

• Nevada County Artwork Design Contest 2012 (nevadacounty.com)
• Contests, Costumes, and A Cupcake Walk at the Nevada County Fair 2011 (nevadacounty.com)
• Two Halloween Events Planned On October 29 At The Nevada County Fairgrounds (nevadacounty.com)
• Costume Contest At Graveyard Ghoul-A At Nevada County Fairgrounds 2011 (nevadacounty.com)

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Nevada County Heart of the Gold Country Image via Wikipedia

WIN IN $250 IN ARTWORK DESIGN CONTEST
Submit the winning artwork for the 2012 Nevada County Fair and you could win

The Nevada County Fairgrounds is sponsoring a contest to find the best artwork to illustrate the 2012 Nevada County Fair theme – “Barnyard Safari.” If you’re a talented artist, and you’d like $250, this is the contest to enter!

The contest, which is open to Nevada County residents only, takes place now through Friday, February 10.  If you submit the winning artwork, you will win $250 and a 2012 Nevada County Fair package that includes admission tickets, parking and carnival coupons. Additionally, the winning artwork will be used on various Fair promotional pieces, print ads, buttons, t-shirts, banners, posters, and flyers.

Interested artists may use any medium and can submit up to three entries, which must be on 8-1/2 by 11-inch paper. Entries can be delivered to the Fairgrounds Office at 11228 McCourtney Road or mailed to the Fair Office at PO Box 2687, Grass Valley, CA  95945. A complete set of rules can be found on the Fair’s website at the Nevada County Fair Website, or by calling the Fair Office at (530) 273-6217.

The 2012 Nevada County Fair is August 8 – 12.

Related articles

• Create A Ginerbread House And Win At The Nevada County Fair (nevadacounty.com)
• Nevada County Fairground County Christmas Faire 2011 (nevadacounty.com)
• Contests, Costumes, and A Cupcake Walk at the Nevada County Fair 2011 (nevadacounty.com)
• Costume Contest At Graveyard Ghoul-A At Nevada County Fairgrounds 2011 (nevadacounty.com)
• Two Halloween Events Planned On October 29 At The Nevada County Fairgrounds (nevadacounty.com)

Thinking of buying or selling?
For all your real estate needs
Email or call:
John J. O’Dell Realtor® GRI
(530) 263-1091
Email jodell@nevadacounty.com

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Gingerbread House Best of Show 2011

By Wendy Oaks

Gingerbread House Competition Results and Canned Food Drive Results

A successful canned food drive, more than 100 vendors, and 50 gingerbread houses built made the 27^th Annual Country Christmas Faire at the Nevada County Fairgrounds a success.

The 9^th Annual Gingerbread House Competition was once again a crowd favorite, with 50 entries received. Of those entries, the Best of Show winner was Kristal Souza of Grass Valley, and the People’s Choice Award went to Mary Abbott of Grass Valley. The Best of Show is chosen by the judges, and the People’s Choice is selected through ballots cast by individuals who attend the Craft Faire.

Gingerbread house People's Choice

First place winners in the individual categories include Willow West (child 5 & under); The Dougherty Family (child – ages 6-8); Mollie Becker (child – ages 9-12); Helen Sands (kits – ages 8 & under); Nora Devlin (teen – ages 13-17); Kristal Souza (adult – 18 -64); Mary Abbott (adult – 65 & over); Hennessy Tween Tigers (group – children 12 & under); Lauren Kraemer (group – family); and The Perilmans and Crew (group – adult 18 & over). A complete list of the winners can be found on the Fairgrounds’ website at www.NevadaCountyFair.com.

With the help of HOPE (Help Other People Eat) in Nevada County, Sunday’s canned food drive collected more than 250 cans of food, as well as cash donations. These donations will be used at the organization’s December food distribution. HOPE in Nevada County is a program established through the Grass Valley Elks, who partner with the Food Bank of Nevada County to feed those in need. HOPE distributes food once a month to anyone in the county in need of food and emergency food every Monday.

The 2012 Country Christmas Faire is planned for Thanksgiving weekend,
November 23 – 25, 2012. For information, visit www.NevadaCountyFair.com or call 273-6217.

Wendy Oaks
Publicist, Nevada County Fairgrounds
(530) 273-6217
wsoaks@gmail.com
Website: www.NevadaCountyFair.com
Facebook: Nevada County Fairgrounds

Nevada County Fair                         August 8 – 12, 2012

Draft Horse Classic                         September 20 – 23, 2012

Halloween at the Fairgrounds      October 27, 2012

Country Christmas Faire                November 25 – 27, 2011
Thinking of buying or selling?
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Email or call:

John J. O’Dell Realtor® GRI
(530) 263-1091
Email jodell@nevadacounty.com

By Wendy Oaks

Submit your entry form by Friday, November 18

Now is the time for holiday bakers to think about the creation of a magical Gingerbread House to enter into the 9^th annual Gingerbread House Competition at the Country Christmas Faire, held November 25 – 27 at the Nevada County Fairgrounds.

Houses, bungalows, cottages, and castles fashioned from spicy gingerbread will be displayed for holiday shoppers to enjoy at the Nevada County Fairgrounds in Grass Valley during the Thanksgiving weekend festivities.

Competitors may enter any of the 11 categories, including children, teens, adults, special needs, families, groups and businesses. There’s even a category for children under 8 years of age who want to enter a house made by a kit.

Prizes and ribbons abound for all. First through third place winners will receive award money, and the Best of Show will win $100. A special gift basket from Tess’ Kitchen Store will be awarded to the Best of Show winner and the People’s Choice Award.

Entry forms must be received at the Fairgrounds by Friday, November 18; the actual gingerbread house entry must be delivered to the Fairgrounds on Tuesday, November 22.  The cost is $2 to enter, and all Gingerbread House exhibitors will receive two free passes to the Country Christmas Faire.

Entry forms and a complete list of rules can be picked up at the Fairgrounds office on McCourtney Road, or downloaded from the Fair’s website at www.NevadaCountyFair.com.

The 27^th annual Country Christmas Faire begins Friday, November 25, and runs through Sunday, November 27.  The hours are 10 am – 5 pm on Friday and Saturday; and 10 am – 4 pm on Sunday. Admission is $4 for adults, and children 12 and under are free. Parking is $5; however, Faire-goers will receive one free admission for each paid parking pass.

Talented artisans fill the Fairgrounds exhibit buildings with quality hand-made crafts and unique gifts, so you can get all your holiday shopping done in one location. Visitors to the Faire will enjoy strolling live entertainment, festival foods, wagon rides, and a community bon-fire. Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus will be on hand to greet children and a photographer will be available to capture the special moment with Santa.

Free babysitting will be offered so parents can drop off their children while they enjoy holiday shopping, and errand elves will be available to assist shoppers throughout the event.

The Nevada County Fairgrounds is located at 11228 McCourtney Road in Grass Valley. For more information, visit www.NevadaCountyFair.com or call (530) 273-6217.

 
For all your real estate needs:
Call or email

John J. O’Dell Realtor® GRI
Real Estate Broker

(530) 263-1091
Email jodell@nevadacounty.com

DRE #00669941

By Wendy Oaks

The Nevada County Fairgrounds Foundation is hosting a costume contest at its Halloween event on Saturday, October 29, from 2 – 5 pm at the Nevada County Fairgrounds. The costume parade and contest will take place at 3 pm at the Main Exhibit Building, with prizes awarded following the contest.

There will also be games and treats for kids, face painting, and even a cupcake walk! A silent auction will be happening throughout the event. Hamburgers and hot dogs will be served and “Running for Cover” will provide toe-tapping live entertainment for all to enjoy. The Nevada County Narrow Gauge Model Railroad will be open for tours, and, weather permitting, Empire Carriage Company will provide carriage rides around the Fairgrounds.

Also at the event, Nevada Union students will also host several interactive booths, including face painting and a fun tractor booth. Chickens, cattle, lambs, goats, pigs, and horses will be on display in the mock farm setting; and the farm scarecrow will welcome children to a California agriculture experience. Don’t forget about the Pumpkin Chuckin’ event, which is a competition between Nevada Union and Bear River high school FFA students that involves catapulting pumpkins across the Fairgrounds grass area.

It’s all happening, rain or shine, on Saturday, October 29 from 2 – 5 pm at the Nevada County Fairgrounds. The cost is only $5 per person and includes food, treats, games and entertainment!  Tickets can be purchased on the day of the event at the Fairgrounds.

The Halloween Fun the Fairgrounds event is sponsored by Cirino’s at Main Street/Cirino’s Bar and Grill.  Visit www.NevadaCountyFair.com for information or call
(530) 273-6217.

Wendy Oaks
Publicist, Nevada County Fairgrounds
(530) 273-6217
wsoaks@gmail.com

Website: www.NevadaCountyFair.com
Facebook: Nevada County Fairgrounds

Nevada County Fair August 8 – 12, 2012
Draft Horse Classic September 22 – 25, 2011
Halloween at the Fairgrounds October 29, 2011
Country Christmas Faire November 25 – 27, 2011

Thinking of buying or selling?
For all your real estate needs
Email or call:

John J. O’Dell Realtor® GRI
(530) 263-1091
Email jodell@nevadacounty.com

By Wendy Oaks

Join us for a ghoulishly good time at the Graveyard Ghoul-a at the Nevada County Fairgrounds on Saturday, October 29, from 8 pm to midnight. As part of the fun, there will be numerous costume contests, including one for the most original costume, one for the scariest/goriest costume, and one for the most humorous costume. Contestants will have a chance to win cash, as well as tickets to the annual Nevada County Fair and the Draft Horse Classic.

The event will feature dancing, and DJ Melo-D will be busy playing modern house music, hip hop, funky disco and new dance hits. He’ll also be taking requests at the event, so be prepared to dance to your favorite song! 

A bar will be available for beer and booooze, delicious food will be available, and fantastic door prizes will be given away, including gift certificates to Ben Franklin, The Bookseller, and Culture Shock Yogurt.

Tickets to the Graveyard Ghoul-a are $15 and can be purchased at the door. Parking is free. For your convenience, camping will be available.  Must be 21 years or older to attend.

Visit www.NevadaCountyFair.com for information or call (530) 273-6217.

Wendy Oaks
Publicist, Nevada County Fairgrounds
(530) 273-6217
wsoaks@gmail.com

Website: www.NevadaCountyFair.com
Facebook: Nevada County Fairgrounds

Nevada County Fair                          August 8 – 12, 2012
Draft Horse Classic                            September 22 – 25, 2011
Halloween at the Fairgrounds      October 29, 2011
Country Christmas Faire                  November 25 – 27, 2011

Thinking of buying or selling?
For all your real estate needs
Email or call:

John J. O’Dell Realtor® GRI
(530) 263-1091
Email jodell@nevadacounty.com

By Wendy Oaks

Event part of Halloween Fun at the Fairgrounds on October 29 from 2-5 pm

As part of the Halloween Fun at the Fairgrounds on Saturday, October 29, Nevada Union and Bear River High School FFA students will compete in a Pumpkin Chuckin’ competition, as well as host several interactive booths throughout the afternoon event.

The Pumpkin Chuckin’ competition will involve catapulting pumpkins across the Fairgrounds grass area. Each hour from 2 – 5 pm, students will launch pumpkins and compete in accuracy contests, a funniest pumpkin contest, and a watermelon toss. Additionally, the final “chuck” at 5 pm will be a distance competition.

The public is invited to come out and watch the fun contest between the two schools. The crowd will be able to vote on their favorite chucker, with the winner being determined by the crowd vote, the different tosses, and the distance contest. Agriculture students from both schools will also have a booth set up to educate the public about the industry.

Also at the event, Nevada Union students will also host several interactive booths, including face painting and a fun tractor booth. Additionally, chickens, cattle, lambs, goats, pigs, and horses will be on display in the mock farm setting; and the farm scarecrow will welcome children to a California agriculture experience. Interactive activities and prizes will be awarded to participants.

FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education. There are more than 500 students involved in FFA in the Nevada Joint Union High School district, with successful programs at Bear River and Nevada Union High Schools.

Halloween Fun at the Fairgrounds is a family-friendly event hosted by the Nevada County Fairgrounds Foundation. The event takes place from 2 – 5 pm on Saturday, October 29 at the Fairgrounds. The cost is $5 and includes a hamburger or hot dog, treats, lots of games, live entertainment and a cupcake walk. Plus, you don’t want to miss the costume contests and a chance to win some great prizes!

Tickets can be purchased on the day of the event at the Fairgrounds.  Visit www.NevadaCountyFair.com for information or call (530) 273-6217.

Contact:

Sandy Woods, CEO, Nevada County Fairgrounds (530) 273-6217;
sandy@NevadaCountyFair.com

Luke Browning, Nevada Union High School, Agriculture Mechanics
(530) 273-4431, ext. 2110; lbrowning@njuhsd.com

Tim Reid, Bear River High School, Agriculture Mechanics
(530) 520-1820, ext. 4852 treid@njuhsd.com

Thinking of buying or selling?
For all your real estate needs
Email or call:

John J. O’Dell Realtor® GRI
(530) 263-1091
Email jodell@nevadacounty.com

Click on poster to enlarge

By Wendy Oaks

Halloween Fun at the Fairgrounds: 2 – 5 pm Graveyard Ghoul-a: 8 pm – midnight

Join in the fall festivities and Halloween fun at the Nevada County Fairgrounds on Saturday, October 29. This year, there are two events to choose from – “Halloween Fun at the Fairgrounds” during the day for children and families, and a “Graveyard Ghoul-a” at night for adults. Rain or shine, in costume or in street clothes, don’t miss out on the fun!

Halloween Fun at the Fairgrounds: A Treat for the Kids

Bring your family and friends for some Halloween Fun at the Fairgrounds, from 2- 5 pm on Saturday, October 29. Hamburgers and hot dogs will be served, and there will be live musical entertainment. There will be treats for the kids, a silent auction, a cupcake walk, and lots of games. Plus, you don’t want to miss the costume contests and a chance to win some great prizes!

As part of the fun this year, Nevada Union and Bear River high schools will compete in a Pumpkin Chuckin’ contest that takes place during each hour of the event. Watch as students from these two schools catapult pumpkins for the furthest distance.

The cost for the Halloween event at the Fairgrounds is only $5 per person and includes food, treats, games, and entertainment!  Tickets will be available at the door on the day of the event. This family-friendly Halloween event is hosted by the Nevada County Fairgrounds Foundation

Graveyard Ghoul-a: A Treat for Adults

In the evening, for those over 21 years of age, we’ve got some ghoulish goings-on at the Graveyard Ghoul-a, which takes place on Saturday, October 29, from 8 pm to midnight.  Join us for a ghoulishly good time, including dancing, a rockin’ DJ, beer and booooze, food, and a costume contest.  And you don’t want to miss out on some great door prizes. Tickets to the Graveyard Ghoul-a are $15 and can be purchased at the door. Parking is free, and, for your convenience, camping will be available.

For more details or questions, call the Fair Office at (530) 273-6217, or visit www.NevadaCountyFair.com.

Wendy Oaks
Publicist, Nevada County Fairgrounds
(530) 273-6217
wsoaks@gmail.com

Website: www.NevadaCountyFair.com
Facebook: Nevada County Fairgrounds

Nevada County Fair                  August 8 – 12, 2012
Draft Horse Classic                 September 22 – 25, 2011
Halloween at the Fairgrounds       October 29, 2011
Country Christmas Faire             November 25 – 27, 2011

Thinking of buying or selling?
For all your real estate needs, call or email:

John J. O’Dell Realtor®
Real Estate Broker
O’Dell Realty
9530) 263-1091
jodell@nevadacounty.com

Arlin Wareing and his Shires perform at the 25th annual Draft Horse Classic. Wareing, of Blackfoot, Idaho, was the winner of the Six-Up Ultimate Hitch Championship.

By Wendy Oaks

Awards for the 25^th annual Draft Horse Classic, held September 22 – 25 at the Nevada County Fairgrounds in Grass Valley, have been announced.  Jim Poole of St. Louis, Missouri judged the Draft Horse competitions and halter show. Dwight Gilbert from Nevada was the judge of the pulling contest; and Jake Engler, visiting from Magnolia, Texas, was the horseshoe competition judge.

Draft horse exhibitors from California, Nevada, Oregon, Idaho, and Iowa competed for more than $35,000 in premium awards. The competitions took place during six performances over the four-day event.

The winner of the Six-Up Ultimate Hitch Championship was Arlin Wareing of The Wareings, from Blackfoot, Idaho.

For the fifth consecutive year, Danielle Simpson of Simpson Percherons from Rio Vista, California, was recognized as the outstanding lady driver, accumulating high points to win the Susan Parnell High Point Perpetual Award.

The Teamster of the Year Award was presented to Arlin Wareing, an honor bestowed upon him by the voting of his fellow teamsters. The Draft Horse & Mule Association presented their special Teamster Award to Larry Barnes of Reno, Nevada.  Ciera Barry of Shady Oaks Ranch in Millville, California, won the Youth of the Show award.

The Overall Supreme Champion horse and the Grand Champion Stallion was Jack of Hearts, owned by Jeanne Williams of Lodi, California, and shown by Vernon Helmuth. The Grand Champion Mare was Mercedes, owned by The Howells and shown by Timothy Howell, both of Blackfoot, Idaho.

The winner in the 2011 Edward Martin Perpetual Horseshoeing Competition was Nick Rossi of Danville, California.

At the first annual Classic Rib Cook-Off, the first place winner was Andy Ferrendelli cooking for A&L BBQ, based out of Princeton, California. Second place went to Chuck Collendez, cooking for Bowling Over Pigs BBQ from Brentwood, California; and third place went to Plane Ole BBQ, with cook Ray Campbell from Lincoln, California.  The People’s Choice Champion was also Plane Ole BBQ.

At the Harvest Fair, the People’s Choice award for the scarecrows included Sherry Andreini for first place, Stuart Woodhall for second place, and The Hays Family for third place. The Best of Division in Scarecrows went to Roy Hays of The Hays Family.

A complete list of 2010 Draft Horse Classic awards, as well as all the Harvest Fair winners, is on the Nevada County Fairgrounds’ website at www.NevadaCountyFair.com.

The 2012 Draft Horse Classic is scheduled for September 20 – 23. Tickets will go on sale on May 1, 2012.  Visit www.NevadaCountyFair.com for more information

Click on the following.  They are pdf files showing the results of the judging for the Draft Horse Classics:

Draft Horse Classics Results

Draft Horse Classics Halter Classes

Special Awards

If you do not have a pdf reader, you may down load it for free at Adobe free pdf reader

Wendy Oaks
Publicist, Nevada County Fairgrounds
(530) 273-6217
wsoaks@gmail.com

Website: www.NevadaCountyFair.com
Facebook: Nevada County Fairgrounds

Nevada County Fair                          August 8 – 12, 2012
Draft Horse Classic                           September 22 – 25, 2011
Halloween at the Fairgrounds       October 29, 2011
Country Christmas Faire                  November 25 – 27, 2011

Thinking of buying or selling?
For all your real estate needs, call or email:

John J. O’Dell Realtor® GRI
Real Estate Broker
O’Dell Realty
9530) 263-1091
jodell@nevadacounty.com

By Wendy Oaks

Mark your calendar for the 27^th annual Country Christmas Faire at the Nevada County Fairgrounds in Grass Valley on November 25, 26, and 27. Rated as one of the top handcrafted shows in Northern California, the Country Christmas Faire features unique gifts and crafts from top artisans from across the state.

Exhibit buildings will be filled during the Thanksgiving weekend, giving shoppers a chance to start their holiday shopping with quality hand-made holiday items, ornaments, jewelry, wooden crafts, soaps and lotions, hand-woven baskets, stained glass, candles, bead work, and dozens of other unique gifts.

Visitors to the Faire will enjoy strolling live entertainment, festival foods, the magical Gingerbread House exhibit, Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus, errand elves, and a community bon-fire. Wagon rides around the Fairgrounds will be offered; and Victorian singers, the bell ringing RiverBells, and the Sierra Symphony quartet will perform throughout the event.

Free babysitting will be offered, so parents can drop off their children while they enjoy holiday shopping.

The Country Christmas Faire begins Friday, November 25, and runs through Sunday,

November 27. Admission is $4 for adults, and children 12 and under are free. Parking is $5; however, Faire-goers will receive one free admission for each paid parking pass.  The hours are 10 am – 5 pm on Friday and Saturday, and 10 am – 4 pm on Sunday.

The Nevada County Fairgrounds is located at 11228 McCourtney Road in Grass Valley, 50 miles northeast of Sacramento, off Highway 49. For more information, visit the Fair’s web site at www.NevadaCountyFair.com or call (530) 273-6217.

Wendy Oaks
Publicist, Nevada County Fairgrounds
(530) 273-6217
wsoaks@gmail.com

Website: www.NevadaCountyFair.com
Facebook: Nevada County Fairgrounds

Nevada County Fair                          August 8 – 12, 2012
Draft Horse Classic                            September 22 – 25, 2011
Halloween at the Fairgrounds      October 29, 2011
Country Christmas Faire                  November 25 – 27, 2011

Thinking of buying or selling?
For all your real estate needs, call or email:

John J. O’Dell Realtor®
Real Estate Broker
O’Dell Realty
9530) 263-1091
jodell@nevadacounty.com