Every once in a while you hit on an idea that's simple, useful and fun. Welcome to Fair U. We had to postpone it once, and even though the weather wasn't perfect this past weekend, we forged ahead. Two of our instructors couldn't make it, but that didn't make a bit of difference. We had about 30 people show up and take classes in soap making, scarecrow making, crochet and planting in Plumas County. The vibe was wonderful and everyone who attended looked motivated and informed.
The feeling was just what you expect when a small community comes together; no complaining, quick to laugh, helping each other and satisfaction in participation. It was a darn near perfect day. We will do it again, with even more classes. We hope everyone who attended will enter something in this year's Fair. After all, that was the purpose of Fair U.
Thank you to all the instructors, participants, and to our generous benefactor who shall remain nameless, but has our deepest gratitude. Go Fair U!
We just had a meeting to discuss plans, wishlists and ideas for next year's Fair. Sorry if you couldn't make it, but it's not too late to share your ideas. You can always post them on this blog, e-mail them to us or pick up the good old phone and tell me personally. We talked about what kind of events to have in the grandstands, where we should put the live music and trying to get the schools involved by exhibiting science fair displays from this year. The hay maze will likely be back, and look for the first ever Redneck Waterpark! Share your ideas. Think about sharing your time. Most great ideas need someone to pull them off. If you have the time in August to coordinate an activity, it only makes for a better Fair.
There will be an exhibit guide meeting on November 6 in the Mineral Building. It starts at 9am. We mainly cover what's in the exhibit guide; things like times, premiums, awards and new divisions. We also talk a little about new ideas, so if you missed this last meeting, try to make the November 6 one.
Oh boy, have we been busy! First off, the exhibit guide is being printed as you read this. However, if you can't wait, just click on the menu item above labeled Exhibit Guide. We will be taking stacks of the guide out to the different parts of the county over the next few weeks. First we will get them into the schools, then the libraries, banks, post offices, and high traffic businesses. Of course, you can stop by the Fair office too.
We have several projects going on to improve the fairgrounds. Wait until you see the floor of the Tulsa Scott Pavillion. The wood has been refinished. It's gorgeous. We had a 4H Work Day this past Saturday and worked on painting the panels in the Horse Arena. Over 30 people showed up and the panels look brand new! We still have more to do there, so keep an eye out for any announcements of work days, if you're interested in helping. That's just the tip of the iceberg! The fairgrounds are going to sparkle.
There is new footing in the SPI Pavillion, several horse people have been taking advantage of the covered facility throughout the winter. We are just waiting on the weather to put in new footing in the main horse arena. It's been awhile since my last post, and I've thought about dozens of things I wanted to share with you, but now my pea brain is blank, so more on this when I remember.
We are putting the final touches on this year's exhibit guide. We should start printing next week and then get them out onto the street by the end of the month. Thanks for your patience. We are constantly thinking of things we should add to it, but somewhere along the line, you just have to stop and wrap it up. Please, please, please, please enter something in the Fair. I'm sure there is some catagory that is of interest to you. We really want to stuff the exhibit halls with the things we do here in the mountains.
Have you been to our Facebook page yet? Check it out...
The most anticipated book next to the Grand Jury Report will be out around the end of the month. We are doing the final editing now and looking for a couple of businesses that could run an ad in the guide, let me know if you are interested. Cheap!
We really want to increase the number of entries into the Fair this year because that is what a fair is all about. It is what we have made, grown or raised. Then we show it at the fair. We will post the guide on line as well as distribute it at schools, businesses and libraries. Take a look at all the different catagories and think about what you have made, grown or raised. (Kids don't count) It's cheap to enter and the amount of money you can win is mostly lousy, but there is not a better feeling of accomplishment in your life than to win a blue ribbon in the county fair. I won a blue ribbon for a photograph I entered back in the 1977 Plumas County Fair. It wasn't even that good of a picture! But you know I still have it. Do yourself a favor and keep an eye out for the exhibit guide later this month.
OK! It's a few days before Christmas, and although it's hard to keep our minds on summer events, progress is being made for a great year! Some things are still in the works, and I can't mention them yet, but some things are a for sure deal. The biggest announcement is that we are going back to a 5 day Fair! For those of you who have lived here a while, you will remember the Plumas Sierra County Fair always kicked off on Wednesday. Most fairs in the state have gone to 4 day events as we did. Well, we felt there was enough going on to warrant putting that day back in. When we get the exhibit guide out, take a close look at the calendar to make sure you don't miss a deadline or event, things will be moving around because of the extra day.
Speaking of exhibit guides, (remember when they were called Premium Books?) we are 90% done with this year's publication. We've worked hard to make it more understandable. Yes, I said understandable. Remember, exhibits are the centerpiece of any fair. Plan ahead and enter as many things as you can, and get your friends and neighbors to do the same. A friend of mine, Cindy Noble, has challenged a group of her friends to "bring it on" in the scarecrow division. Maybe you could do the same in the highly competitive world of confections.
Anyway, I'm planning on keeping this updated often, so check back soon!
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