Draft Horse Classic takes over fairgrounds

The gentle giants started to arrive at the Nevada County Fairgrounds on Tuesday, eclipsing the famous bronze statue at the gate with their shiny coats and stately gazes.

More than 250 draft horses and a handful of other breeds performing in specialty acts will descend upon the fairgrounds for the 20th annual Draft Horse Classic, which runs from Thursday to Sunday.

"This is probably the premier draft show on the West Coast," said show manager Sally Semas, who was busy putting up signs around the barns on Tuesday afternoon. She explained that a constant flow of entertainment in the arena sets the show apart from a regular show where only judged classes are presented.

The specialty acts scheduled during the four-day event include Clay Maier's "Fresian Spectacular," Hollywood stunt rider Ramon Becerra performing with his dancing horses and the California Cowgirl Drill Team.

The six breeds of draft horses are just one draw to the Fairgrounds this weekend. In booths scattered throughout the site, the Western Trade show will feature just about every ware imaginable, from horse trailers to fringed leather vests.

Over at Evergreen hall, local farmers will display an abundance of produce. Ribbons and cash prizes will be awarded to the top producers of garlic, pumpkins, sunflowers and other crops.

A new event added this year should appeal to wine-lovers. The Nevada City Winery Association will offer a wine tasting in Evergreen Hall featuring the most popular local wines.

Once visitors have sampled the food, horses and western gear, they can wander over to the Main Street Center next to the front gate for "Art at the Classic," a collection of western art in 11 categories including sculpture, oil painting and photography.

Organizers are predicting that one of the fair's more popular events will be the Clogging Jamboree and workshops, which take place at 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday on the Green. Other traditional crowd favorites include the lumberjack show and the horseshoeing demonstration.

Finally, what is a draft horse classic without cowboy poets and western music? Featured acts at the Pine Tree Stage include the bluegrass group Mountain Laurel, the Anderson Family Band and poets Tony Argento and Larry Ilg.

Nolan Darnell of Corning arrived Tuesday with four Clydesdales and six English gray shire for his 17th classic. He said that he likes the show for the camaraderie that has developed among the exhibitors who come back every year.

"They may be competitive in the show ring, but outside of the ring we enjoy each other's company."

Barbara Rowland of the Rockin' R Ranch in Penn Valley agreed.

"We love coming back and getting together with all of our draft horse friends."

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To contact Staff Writer Jill Bauerle, e-mail jillb@theunion .com or call 477-4219.



What: 20th Annual Draft Horse Classic featuring six arena performances, workshops, art, western gear, music, produce and wine.

Where: Nevada County Fairgrounds, 11228 McCourtney Road in Grass Valley.

When: Thursday through Sunday. Thursday's events begin at 6:30 p.m. Gates open at 8 a.m. on Friday through Sunday and close each night after the end of the last performance.

Tickets: Season tickets for all six performances cost $75; reserved seating for individual performances cost $18 or non-reserved $15. For tickets call 273-6217 or go to the fairground Web site at www.nevadacountyfair.com

Parking: Public parking in lots 1 and 4 cost $4. A season parking pass is $6.

Wine tasting: Tickets for "A Taste of the Gold Country" cost $25 in advance and $30 at the door. For advance tickets call 272-8315.

Camping: "Hookup" sites require a 4-night minimum stay at $25 per night; Dry camping costs $20 per night with no minimum.