It’s fair week! While the thrill of carnival rides and the Monster Trucks are mainstays for many, for others, it’s all about the cute farm animals and the tasty food on Treat Street.
Nevada County Fair starts Wednesday, August 7 and runs through Sunday, August 11. This year, in partnership with a dozen local organizations, a newly rebranded agricultural section is paying homage to the Family Farm.
“The vision is completely different this year and we’re really trying to connect the community to our roots. It’s a great chance to step outside the main fair experience and see what our local agriculture is all about,” said Andrew Trygg, Chief Executive Director of Nevada County Fairgrounds.
Animal lovers will find cattle and dairy cows, horses, sheep, goats, rabbits, chickens, pigs, turkeys and more. On Thursday night, dog lovers can even attend a dog show.
“Youth are coming here and this might be the very first time they get to see a 300 pound steer or a cute little rabbit. We’re all about connecting the community to agriculture,” said Trygg.
Located behind Treat Street next to the livestock is a new display area called “Family Farm” featuring blacksmiths and local vendors from 4-H, Nevada County Beekeepers, The Cattlewomen and the White Barn Project.The White Barn Project provides a uniform and clothing exchange for local 4-H Youth who are exhibiting at the fair.
“Farmer Bri” and Farmer Adam will be on hand with volunteers from Sierra Harvest at a new You-Pick station. It’s a chance for families to identify with where their food comes from.
Youngsters can pick cherry tomatoes, taste microgreens and water the mini garden in raised beds on display next to the bees and tractors.
“There’s going to be a nice place to relax and entertain kids,” said Farmer Brianna Abundiz, the Farm and Garden Education Manager for Sierra Harvest. Sierra Harvest supports 11 school gardens throughout Nevada County.
Next to the Nevada County Farm Bureau, The Nevada County Resource Conservation District (NCRCD) will be on hand to answer questions about land stewardship. They’ll share a booth called, “Farmer For A Day” with representatives from the Nevada County Agricultural Commissioner’s office and Bear Yuba Land Trust.
Since 1943, NCRCD has served the residents of Nevada County, working closely with federal partners from the Natural Resource Conservation Service, to provide education and on-site resources for pond management, erosion issues, fuel reduction, irrigation, livestock management and healthy soils.
“The Nevada County Fair is an important resource for our rural community and an absolute necessity for the continued support of agriculture. At the RCD, we believe in the future of agriculture in Nevada County and are excited to share in the week of education and fun with our partners and colleagues. Stop by and say hello, we look forward to meeting you,” said Executive Director, Briana Bacon.
Folks who want to support local youth, can attend the Ag Mechanics Silent and Live Auction in the Sugar Pine Lodge on Friday, August 9 at 5:30 p.m. and bid on 106 items made by local youth. On Sunday morning, the Junior Livestock Auction takes place at 9 a.m. in the Whitney Pavilion where local youth sell the animals they have been raising for months. People can also purchase “bump ups” to provide additional financial support. Buyer Registration forms are available online or in-person.
Each purchase at these auctions invests in the next generation of agriculture and supports college funding, vocational training and future agriculture projects. Close to 300 youth are involved with the fair this year.
“They’re a huge part of the fair,” said Katie Bielen, Deputy Manager for Nevada County Fairgrounds. She grew up in rural Nevada County participating in 4-H programs and is the Owner of Back to Basics Farm.
History
Under the shade of hundreds of towering pine trees on almost 90 acres, the Nevada County Fairgrounds located on McCourtney Road has been called “California’s Most Beautiful Fairgrounds.”
Formally known as the 17th District Agricultural Association, Nevada County Fairgrounds is a state agency, yet it does not receive any funding from the State of California. The Fairgrounds was established in 1884, stemming from legislative action in 1859 authorizing the formation of agricultural districts.
The first Nevada County Fair was held in 1938 at the Veterans Memorial Building. During World War II, there were no fairs between 1942 – 1946. The first Nevada County Fair at its current location on McCourtney Road was held in 1947 and the first buildings on the grounds were built in 1951.
The Fairgrounds’ revenue is generated through activities like the annual Fair, the Draft Horse Classic, the Country Christmas Faire, camping facilities and the more than 200 other activities that happen throughout the year.
Supporting Community on Treat Street
For many, waiting in line for a Job’s Daughters corn dog, Frosty Freeze, baked potato, ear of corn or bratwurst is the highlight of the fair experience.
This year, 24 nonprofits are participating in the fair and many are operating a variety of food booths on Treat Street. It’s a great way for the community to give back, say fair organizers.
Last year, nonprofits raised $1.1 million through food sales on Treat Street.
“We always like to joke that the calories don’t count but the money does,’ said Trygg. “What a lot of people don’t know is that nonprofits are facing shortages. We as a community need to step up and keep our nonprofits functioning.”
Forest Lake Christian School will be running the taco booth that the Nevada City Lions Club operated for over 60 years. Because of declining numbers, the Lions Club was not able to return. But through a competitive process, the school will take the reins. They even have the winning Lions Club recipe and will bring new offerings like Boba drinks and frozen lemonade.
“We’re really excited to welcome them to Treat Street,” said Trygg.
A new commercial food booth offering called Fury Hot Chicken will be making delectable chicken sandwiches highly recommended across the fair industry, said Trygg.
Throughout the fair, there are over 100 other vendors and commercial food operators. Besides food, attendees can have a caricature drawn, buy a tie dye tee-shirt and learn more about different political parties.
Grabbing some food, listening to live music on one of the stages and reconnecting with old friends is a winning combination that makes the fair a memorable summertime experience for many locals.
“Nevada County Fair is where people only see each other once a year. It’s a nice place for people to reconvene,” said Trygg.
Learn more at www.nevadacountyfair.com
Laura Petersen is a freelance writer living in Grass Valley. Contact her at laurapetersenmedia@gmail.com