Grass Valley, Calif. September 17, 2018 – The 32nd Annual Draft Horse Classic and Harvest Fair is happening this week, September 21 – 23, at the tree-covered Nevada County Fairgrounds in Grass Valley. Watch as beautiful draft horses pull meticulously restored freight wagons, loyally work farm equipment, skillfully complete intricate maneuvers, and compete with elegance and determination. With more than 175 horses stabled on the grounds, the Classic also offers a unique change to meet and see the draft horses up close.
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. It showcases a variety of horses, exhibitors and hitches, and features everything from farm wagons and carriages to driving competitions and log skidding. Between competition classes, guests will enjoy performances by expert horseman and trick rope artist Tomas Garcilazo, Bobby Kerr Mustang Act, CHP Mounted Patrol Unit, the California Cowgirls Drill Team and more.
Taking place on the grounds during the Classic is the Harvest Fair, featuring musical entertainment, community exhibits, vendors selling a variety of goods, a horseshoeing demonstration, delicious food, and Art at the Classic. Plus, you don’t want to miss the opportunity to visit the barns and meet the draft horses. Although there is a charge for the draft horse performances in the arena, admission to the Harvest Fair is free.
This year’s musical entertainment at the Harvest Fair begins at noon on Saturday and Sunday and at 11 am on Sunday. The lineup includes Strung Nugget Gang, Dust in my Coffee, Danny Morris and The California Stars, and Sourdough Slim. This year’s headliners are James Garner’s Tribute to Johnny Cash on Friday from 4:30 – 6, and award-winning cowboy music singer and songwriter Brenn Hill on Saturday from 4:30 – 6 pm. Musical entertainment 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. Choose from six different performances or purchase a season ticket for all six. Performances are Friday, September 21 at 10 am and 6:30 pm; Saturday, September 22 at 10 am and 6:30 pm; and Sunday, September 23 at 10 am and 4 pm. Tickets can be purchased online at NevadaCountyFair.com, by calling (530) 273-6217, or by visiting the Fairgrounds Office on McCourtney Road. All tickets purchased after 5 pm on September 20, are an additional $4 per ticket.
This year’s Draft Horse Classic is September 21 – 23 at the Nevada County Fairgrounds in Grass Valley. Visit NevadaCountyFair.com for more information.