Summer 2019: Nevada County Fair, Tower, Bridge Dinner, Loomis Eggplant Festival

NEVADA COUNTY FAIR, AUG. 7-11
Held under the shade of tall pine trees in Grass Valley, the Nevada County Fairgrounds are known as “California’s most beautiful fairgrounds.”

This year’s theme is “Farms, Food & Fun,” featuring a poster by Kial James, whose photography is featured regularly in our magazine. The fair is the perfect opportunity to listen to live music, eat delicious food from Treat Street, enjoy carnival rides and games, visit barns full of animals and see hundreds of exhibits.

Arena events feature the Flying U Extreme Rodeo (August 7); Motocross Madness & ATV & UTV racing (August 8); Monster Trucks, Stocks and Rough Trucks (August 10-11); and the popular Destruction Derby (August 11). NevadaCountyFair.com

DRAFT HORSE CLASSIC & HARVEST FAIR, SEPT. 19-22
The Classic, also at the Nevada County Fairgrounds, has grown to become the premier draft horse show in the western United States, and it features six performances, along with entertainment. See majestic draft horses “up close.”

The Harvest Fair features ongoing musical entertainment at the Pine Tree Stage, a Western trade show, horseshoeing demonstrations, delicious food, community exhibits, and Art at the Classic. NevadaCountyFair.com

SACRAMENTO TOWER BRIDGE DINNER, SEPT. 29
The 7th annual Tower Bridge Dinner is one of the nation’s most memorable dining experiences. Each year, hundreds gather to enjoy a locally sourced dinner prepared by some of the region top chefs, served along Sacramento’s famed Tower Bridge.

The 2019 Tower Bridge Dinner will feature an all-female lineup of chefs, including a two-star Michelin winner. Suzette Gresham, a chef at Acquerello, will lead the dinner.

The remaining four chefs all come from Sacramento: Allyson Harvie of Ella Dining Room and Bar, Casey Shideler of Taylor’s Kitchen, Molly Hawks of Hawks Restaurant, and Tokiko Sawada of Binchoyaki. FarmToFork.com

EGGPLANT FESTIVAL, OCTOBER 5
This year’s Loomis Eggplant Festival, now in its 32nd year, is estimated to draw 11,000 people. The morning begins with a pancake breakfast and continues with music, food, local beer and wine, cooking demonstrations, and arts and crafts. LoomisChamber.com

(Photo: Kial James)