Bill Schultz, Rose Thompson, and William Wetherall, have been named to the Nevada County Fair’s Hall of Fame. The Fair’s Board of Directors recognized the individuals for their long-time support and dedication to the Nevada County Fair.
Bill Schultz, who passed away in 2013, was a long-time resident of Nevada County and had a tremendous love for the Fair. Decades ago, Bill was the Livestock Superintendent; and, most recently, he served on the Nevada County Fair’s Board of Directors for almost seven years. He also served as a director on the Fairgrounds Foundation Board.
In addition to Bill’s involvement in the Fair, he was extremely active in the community. He served for eight years with the Nevada County Board of Supervisors, as a board member of the Nevada County Council on Alcoholism, as a member and past president of the Grass Valley Rotary, and a member of the Grass Valley Chamber of Commerce.
“Bill’s dedication and passion for the Fair was energizing,” said Sandy Woods, CEO of the Nevada County Fair. “He was a bright, insightful person with a lively style characterized by a tell-it-like-it-is honesty. Bill’s dedication to Nevada County and the Nevada County Fair is admired, and he is greatly missed.”
William Wetherall served on the Fair’s Board of Directors for approximately 15 years, commencing in May 1962. In addition to his work with the Fair, William was the Dean of the Nevada County Bar, and he practiced law until his late 80’s. William passed away in 2013 at the age of 102.
His friend, Bradford Ellsworth, who recommended William in a letter to the Fair Board, said, “…for 15 years, he provided invaluable advice and guidance to the officers, directors, and management of the Nevada County Fair. I admired and respected William as much as any person I’ve ever met. He is deserving of recognition for the person he was and for his contributions to the Nevada County Fair.”
Rose Thompson has been an active participate at the Fair for the past 44 years, where she has been exhibitor, an employee, and a volunteer. Prior to moving to Grass Valley 44 years ago, Rose had never been to a Fair; however, upon her first year in Grass Valley, she volunteered to set up a display at the Fair, got “hooked on the Fair,” and has been at every Fair since!
For many years, Rose was in charge of setting up all of the exhibit buildings. With her Dad by her side, she would spend the summer preparing all of the buildings for the Fair exhibits. She also worked as a receptionist in the front office. In recent years, Rose has assisted with the Fiber and Textile exhibit, the Harvest Fair at the Draft Horse Classic, and the Gingerbread House competition at the Country Christmas Faire.
While volunteering at the Fair, Rose also worked for the Nevada County School District for 22 years, where she worked as a teacher’s aide and as an administration assistant to the Superintendent. She’s also been a member of the Pioneer Arts Club for more than 20 years, and also works with the Quilt Guild.
Rose explains that she was “stunned and overwhelmed” by her nomination into the Hall of Fame. She said it’s the people who have made her experience at the Fair so memorable and keep her coming back. “The people here truly are my family – my Fair family – and I love them all.”
“Rose is highly gifted artistically and with that talent she would create beautiful exhibit settings,” said Woods. “Although Rose is retiring this year from working at the Fair, she continues to have a deep devotion and love for the Fair – and her artistic talent can still be found in the buildings. It is an honor to induct her into the Fair’s Hall of Fame.”
Schultz, Wetherall, and Thompson will be formally inducted into the Hall of Fame at opening day ceremonies on Wednesday, August 6. The honorees will receive a portrait donated by Shaffers Originals of Grass Valley.
The 2014 Nevada County Fair is August 6 – 10. For more information, visit www.NevadaCountyFair.com or call (530) 273-6217.
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