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.

We feel extra lucky at the fairgrounds because we feel like we get two Christmas'... day after tomorrow and August 11-15. Both holidays are centered around making others happy, and everyone who works and volunteers here likes doing that. Every plan or improvement we make takes into consideration how it will serve our customers. And boy do we have plans.

We are planning a non-competitive exhibition of Plumas and Sierra Counties' favorite places. Everyone has their little spot they like to hike to, or attend a meeting at, or have a nice meal at. (As a Portola High graduate, I see nothing wrong with ending so many thoughts with a preposition). Please share a photograph of your favorite spot. I said non-competitive, that would be for the photos. It will be competitive for the favorite spots though. We will ask visitors to cast a ballot voting for which spot is their favorite. You can e-mail your photo or drop off a copy at the fair office. [email protected].

We are very excited to feature a new attraction at this year's fair..."The Redneck Electricity Parade" after dark, every night. We will share more details later, but we can tell you it involves a parade, electricity and rednecks. Watch out Rose Bowl Parade!

We wish each and every one of you a wonderful Christmas and a prosperous New Year. Be safe and share lots of love and joy.