GRASS VALLEY, Calif. September 6, 2017 – Guided barn tours are available to visitors at this year’s Draft Horse Classic and Harvest Fair, September 21 – 24, at the Nevada County Fairgrounds. The behind-the-scenes tours, led by teamster and assistant show manager, Eleanor Roberts, are another way for visitors to be able to meet and talk with draft horse exhibitors, as well as meet the stars of the Draft Horse Classic.
Guided barn tours are offered on Friday, September 22, at 3 pm and Saturday, September 23, at 2 pm. Advance reservations are highly recommended, as there are a limited number of openings for each tour. The cost for the tour is $15 per person, and advance reservations can be made by calling the Fair Office at (530) 273-6217. If there is still availability, tickets may also be purchased the day of the event at the arena box office.
Each tour lasts approximately 45 minutes and includes meeting the exhibitors and learning about how they got involved with draft horses, discussing and seeing the different draft horse breeds, a show and tell of draft horse equipment, and a discussion about the training of draft horses and what it takes to put a team together. You’ll also get to roam to the various barns on the Fairgrounds to meet the beautiful draft horses.
If you can’t make it to a guided barn tour, the barns are open in between draft horse performances for viewing the draft horses. Additionally, a world class art show, special exhibits, delicious food, vendors selling wares and farming supplies, and a horseshoeing competition are all part of the Harvest Fair, which takes place at the Fairgrounds during all four days of the Classic.
On the Pine Tree Stage, there’s also the Western Music Fest, which features ongoing musical entertainment beginning at 11 am on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. On Friday evening, from 4:30 – 6 pm, don’t miss James Garner’s Tribute to Johnny Cash; and on Saturday from 4 – 6 pm, Left of Centre and the Country Artists Tribute to Jason Aldean takes the stage. All music at the Western Music Fest is free, so stop by the Fairgrounds, grab a bite to eat, and enjoy the music.
The 31st annual Draft Horse Classic and Harvest Fair starts Thursday, September 21 and runs through Sunday, September 24 at the Nevada County Fairgrounds in Grass Valley. The Draft Horse Classic features six performances in the arena, and the Harvest Fair runs throughout the Fairgrounds during the four days of the Classic.
For tickets to the draft horse performances or the barn tours, call the Fairgrounds at 273-6217 or visit NevadaCountyFair.com.