The Plumas Mudslingers have scheduled a bout in Serpilio Hall during the County Picnic next week, June 4. The event will begin at 2pm I think. I'll check on that. Anyway, if you haven't seen these girls yet, they put on one of the best shows you will ever see in the borders of Plumas County. Really.

Bit of bad news.... one of our twice yearly ropings had to be cancelled this weekend due to an outbreak of equine herpes. Yes, horses get herpes, and it can be serious. It just seemed prudent to put off the event, but they will be back on Labor Day weekend

One thing no one can argue with is how busy these fairgrounds are. This past weekend were the races and a terrific Quilt Show put on by the Quincy Crazy Quilters. What a professional show they put on! Very impressive and a great example of the kinds of events that help the local economy, drawing visitors from Nevada and Alturas, as well as the valley. They camped, they ate out, they explored our county. It was a great piece of business for the fairgrounds as well.

The next American Valley Speedway race will be at the County Picnic on June 4 and that's great entertainment, throughout the summer. Did you know we have had over 175 events and meetings at the fairgrounds since January 1 of this year? We aren't even into our busy season yet. Although our staffing has been reduced, we continue to serve a greater number of our community with a place to meet, entertain and gather in case of emergency. Thank you to everyone who has given and offered support. We need it.

County Picnic is only one month away! It should be bigger than usual this year. Besides the Sierra Cascade Streetrodders annual show, there will be a Cub Scout Bike Rodeo, the Quincy Chamber Chili Cook-off, the fast growing Plumas Business Exposition and the Out-and-Abouters Plant Sale. Of course there will be the Lion's Breakfast and 4H Showmanship and Awareness day. That night will be the popular American Valley Speedway race. You will find food vendors, commercial vendors, and entertainment too. It's not too late to sign up as a vendor, just call Willo or Kathy during the week, or go to our Forms and Applications page and download the vendor application. Plan on coming out, Saturday, June 4 from 10am to 3pm and soak up the start of the good weather.

It's great to get out on a chilly spring morning and chase cows. This past Saturday was weigh-in for our junior livestock members raising beef. Much thanks to all the people that are always there to help.... Monte & Lisa, Willo, Margie & Bill, Oran and all the parents that are quick to jump in and get pooped on. It's been a couple of years since we had one get loose on the fairgrounds, so it was great fun to chase one around this year. With the poor weather, most everyone hasn't had the time to work with their animals as much as they would have like to. Still, most were well behaved. Small animal weigh-in is Saturday, June 11 at 9am.

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!

When you think of special fair events, what comes to mind? Frog jumping? Ugly Dog Contest? Ugly Baby Contest? (No one has done that one yet, but I would love to see it!) We currently have several kooky ideas on the burner to help make us stand apart (which means make more money to be self sufficient). But one is a "go". Snowmobile Drag racing will make its debut at the Plumas Sierra County Fairgrounds on July 23. That's right, you can watch people drag race their snowmobiles on the grass in the middle of summer. Lots of camping, food, beer, hot machines and maybe even a bikini contest. Keith Barnett and Kenny Chance are working their ends off on this event, which is primarily a fundraiser for the fair and off road access for snowmobile enthusiasts. Check out www.sierraaccess.com to see what that is all about. It sounds like there are already hundreds of competitors ready to show, so put this on your calendar. Look for more information here or in the newspaper.

We've obviously struck a educational gold mine. People are clamoring for space in Fair U. Maybe it's the free t-shirt when you pre-register, or maybe it's the lure of learning how to make your own soap, but we've had an impressive response to this effort to encourage people to enter things into the fair. Mother Nature wants us to put off the event until March 26. Our Master Food Preserver didn't think he would make it up. So, that's fine. Let's wait for better weather and maybe more people can make it now.

Please consider writing your legislator about opposing the 100% funding cut to fairs in California. There are links to their addresses on the home page.

I made it to Sacramento twice last week to appear before the budget sub-committees for the State Assembly and Senate. Over half the fairs in California were in attendance and spoke to why fairs are important to our state. The politicians were very sympathetic and obviously are fair supporters. However, they all talked about how this budget was going to hurt, and fairs might be injured. Our goal as an industry was to have the sub-committees hold the issue of cutting our funds open for further discussion. They agreed to do so and we are working on ways to keep fairs funded. Fairs have a lot of friends in the legislature, we hope they stick with us.

We got word that the 59th Army Band stationed in Sacramento will be performing at our fair this year! They are the band that plays for any of the Governor's offical events. They have been here before and were very well received. Planning goes on...

Fairs generate revenue. The Plumas Sierra County Fair creates the equivalent of 79 jobs by the Fair itself, it's support businesses and attendees. The Fair and the events that occur throughout the year generate an estimated $95,500 in additional business taxes. In 2009, our fairgrounds was an economic engine that generated around $6,450,000 in spending activity. All this came from the California Department of Food & Agriculture, which is facing budget cuts of 30%, including a 100% elimination of funding for California Fairs. That report says that California Fairs generate upwards of $2.5 BILLION in economic activity. The State gets that sort of return from $32 million. That's right. Only $32 million creates thousands of jobs, millions in tax revenue and billions in spending. It's funny how quickly people forget what fairs have done.

For those that remember the Great Depression, they may also remember the proof that fairs are the "original" stimulus program. During the worst economic time in our history, North American fairs grew from under 300, to more than 3,000. California had nine official fairs going into the Great Depression and had 54 by the beginning of World War II. The Plumas Sierra County Fair was one of those.

Look, we all know something has to be done to right our financial ship. Fairs know they have to help. If you could take some time and write your representative in Sacramento, tell them how important the Fair is to Plumas and Sierra Counties, we would appreciate it.