That's right, there is such a thing as a fair convention. Besides information about how to run a better fair, there are dozens of entertainers trying to get booked. There is some amazing performers and I would have loved to hire half of them, but when you try to get a Motown cover band that has 9 members come from San Diego to Quincy, it gets a little expensive. We were able to firm thing up with several acts. The Pedal Tractor Pulls is in. The Nevada Gunfighters are back as well as Splash Dogs. Tony from SplashDogs was there with his dog Sierra, a black lab that makes your heart melt. We won't be getting the Elvis impersonator this year, or the Medieval Jousters.

There were some great speakers as well. At one session, we listened to a presentation from a stand-up comedian named Dick Hardwich who has been on shows like Jeff Foxworthy. He told the story of taking a date to a fair in the midwest. As the two of them were strolling down the midway of the carnival, a sudden tornado popped up. They did as they had been told through the years and layed down flat on the ground. The tornado went straight down the midway, destroying every booth in its way. When the two of them stood up and looked around, the only thing that didn't budge were those darned milk bottles.

I told that to our carnival operator Jason, and he got a good laugh out of it too.

It took longer to get to and from work this week, but it wasn't that bad of a storm for us. I hear it's a little bit tougher up in the Lake Alamanor end of the county. Winter time is usually a take it easy time at the fair, but Oran has a list of chores a mile long. His crew has started to refinish the floor of the Tulsa Building, they've painted some long neglected trim work and the ticket booths are getting a facelift.

We're firming up the details for Trailer Choir. I got the contract and it's different from many other entertainment contract in that they aren't making alot of demands. They seem like nice folk. We should probably feed them, so if any Quincy restaurant wants to treat the band and crew to a nice meal in a private room, let me know. Tickets have already started to sell. This one will sell out. Stay dry!

Entertainment for this year's fair is starting to pick up steam. I hate to mention some things we're working on, in case they fall through. But I just can't stand it, so here's a couple of things I think we are going to get! Pig Racing! Yes! These little porkers tear around the track at top speed, winner gets an Oreo and soft serve ice cream. The audience is organized into teams, supporting the different compigitors. As if that's not enough... Pedal Tractor Pulls! Kids compete by pedaling mini John Deere tractors pulling a trailer filled with weights. It looks easier than it is, and it looks like total fun. Of course we'll have all the local bands we can get performing on the West Lawn, but this year, Oran is putting together a huge shade structure so you don't have to bake while you listen. By the way, no news on if we will have an opening act for Trailer Choir, let alone who it might be. You will be the first to know.

Yeah, it is exciting. For those of us that have been in the county a long time, we remember when performers like Reba, Alabama, Johnny Cash and other big time country stars performed at the fairgrounds. What many don't remember is that many of them were on their way up. Trailer Choir is a country trio that has hit the charts with "Rockin' the Beer Gut", which is a funny, and good, song. They have a couple of other hits and opened for Toby Keith most of last year. There are a few videos out there were they sing national anthems for a Steelers/Cheif's game and a NASCAR event. Evidently, they are tied in with more racing events, so 2010 should be a good year for them. And we have them! Tickets are cheap too! This might be one of those deals where they play ARCO Arena and tickets run $90. You can see them at the Plumas Sierra County Fair for $25 or less! We don't know about an opening act yet, but the phone is ringing right now and that might be what it is about. Stay tuned...

We have just released the sponsorship programs for the 2010 Fair. You will find the link to that information at the top of the page. It is presented in a Prospectus form because it is truly an investment in one of the most important and loved entity in our two counties...the Plumas Sierra County Fairgrounds. Having been a businessman for so many years in Plumas County, I realize how important it is to get the most for your buck. We have all given generously through the years to schools, churches, clubs and athletics. Although those are very important to the fabric of our community, the Fair is no less so. In fact, from a business perspective, the fairgrounds provide a very real financial return to the community in the form of wages paid, supplies and materials purchased locally, and the drawing of people from around Northern California to our various events. Top that off with the more abstract benefits of supporting the many organizations that hold events on the fairgrounds or that benefit from events held here, and your financial support really does become a sound investment. We've made sure that any support you give the fairgrounds is filled with value. Besides the above reasons, your contributions include tickets to the Fair, carnival ride tickets, signs, ads, announcements and even preferred parking! To stretch your investment even further, we will extend your sponsorship to other events throughout the year, some for a small fee, some for free! Acting early gets you the most for your money, so please take some time to look our programs over. You can even pay for them on-line all at once, or we can split up your sponsorship into monthly payments charged to your credit card. Thanks in advance for your support!

Did you enjoy the holidays? It seems to me that most people weren't as frantic and where enjoying the season more than usual. Maybe we are appreciating the nicer things in life more. I took part of the family up to Spokane to visit relatives on Christmas Day and came back the following Tuesday. The drive up took 12-13 hours, the drive back, due to weather and detours, took 23-24 hours. That's the kind of trip that makes you just want to stay where you are! Beautiful scenery, not many gas stations. And what's with Oregon people making fun of us Californians? At least we know how to pump our own gas! Anyway, it gave me a long time to conjure up some pretty cool ideas for the Fair.

Our offer to a national act in our grandstands has been accepted. Who is it? Can't say. Yet. I can tell you it's a country act with several top 40 hits on the country charts. We are waiting for the "Release to Promote" contract. To which we will send a "Release to Release the Release to Promote Contract". Just kidding, these acts do bring a lot of goofy paperwork and rules, but anything for our customers.... you!

Oh yeah. After my trip, I thought of where my entry for the Favorite Places Display would be. Home. There's no place like home.