Summer events in the foothills and Sierra

Nevada County Fair

Held under the shade of tall pine trees in Grass Valley, the Nevada County Fair is August 9-13. Lakes, rivers, oceans and beaches are being featured, a fitting theme thanks to a wet winter that has revived our area’s drought-ravaged lakes.

The fair is the perfect opportunity to listen to musical entertainment, eat delicious food from Treat Street, enjoy carnival rides and games, visit barns full of animals and see thousands of exhibits.

Arena events feature the Flying U Extreme Rodeo (August 9-10), Monster Trucks and Tuff Trucks (August 11-12), and the popular Destruction Derby (August 13).

In January, the Fairgrounds received the Western Fairs Association’s prestigious Merrill Award for its Community Involvement Day. The Merrill Award is the highest honor a Fairgrounds can receive. Community Involvement Day is on July 31 at the Fairgrounds. “Sea you at the Fair.” NevadaCountyFair.com

Eggplant Festival
The 30th annual Loomis Eggplant Festival is October 7, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Loomis Train Station Plaza. It draws thousands of visitors.

The morning begins with a pancake breakfast at the Loomis Fire Protection District’s firehouse, and continues with music, food, local beer and wine, cooking demonstrations, eggplant recipe contests, and arts and crafts. Eggplant parmesan is a popular dish.

LBB GastroPub & Smokehouse offers a special menu item, such as baba ganoush: smoked eggplant, a hummus-style spread and kalamata olives on flat bread. LoomisChamber.com

Lincoln Potters
Batter up! A new collegiate summer baseball team called the Lincoln Potters has launched its inaugural season. The 62-game slate includes 32 games at McBean Stadium through August 2.

The baseball league, which includes teams from California and Oregon, provides a professional, minor league-like atmosphere for top college players seeking professional baseball careers. The name Lincoln Potters originates from Gladding, McBean & Company, which has made pottery products in Lincoln for over 150 years. LincolnPotters.com

NEVADA CITY

July 12, 19 and 26
Summer Nights
An outdoor festival of arts and music. 6-9:30 p.m. NevadaCityChamber.com

June 17, July 7 & 22, Aug. 12 & 26
Movies Under the Pines
An outdoor cinema experience at Pioneer Park and the Nevada County Fairgrounds. NevadaCityFilmFestival.com
Sept. 8-15, Nevada City Film Festival World-class independent films in a festive environment. NevadaCityFilmFestival.com

Oct. 21-22
Nevada City Makers Faire
Downtown merchants present maker exhibits and demos. NevadaCityChamber.com

Aug. 11-12
Ukulele Festival
A concert and workshops. AuburnRec.com

GRASS VALLEY

July 4 Fourth of July Parade
A colorful parade in historic downtown Grass Valley at 11 a.m. and the foothills’ largest fireworks display
at 9:30 at the Nevada County Fairgrounds. GrassValleyChamber.com

July 8, Aug. 5
Branches & Blessings Farm Dinners
Farm-to-table dinners at Bierwagen’s Farm. BierwagensFarm.com

Sept. 21-24
Draft Horse Classic
The premier Draft Horse show in the western United States. NevadaCountyFair.com

AUBURN

July-Sept. 3
Heritage Trail
During the summer, 21 Placer County museums open their doors free of charge on certain Saturdays. Exam- ple: the new DeWitt History Museum in Auburn is free on September 1. placer.ca.gov/museums

PENN VALLEY

July-Sept. 4
Gold Panning
Gold panning lessons and demonstrations at Bridgeport. SouthYubaRiverStatePark.org

TRUCKEE

July 8
Truckee Air Show
An air show with aerobatic pilots, warbird rides, static aircraft displays, and World War II fighter pilots. TruckeeTahoeAirShow.com
Oct, 19-20 Haunted Historic Tours Historic tales come to life in the annual walking tour. TruckeeHistoryTour.org

LAKE TAHOE

July 9, 16, 23, 30; Aug. 6, 13, 20, 27 & Sept., 3
Concerts at Commons Beach
A summer concert beach series in Tahoe City. ConcertsAtCommonsBeach.com

July 20-23
Wanderlust Yoga & Music Festival
A four-day retreat of yoga, music, speakers, artists and chefs at Squaw Valley Resort. Wanderlust.com

Aug. 12-13
Ta-Hoe Nalu SUP Race
The nation’s longest running, largest SUP, prone paddleboard race series. Tahoenalu.com

(Painting: Katie Wolff Studio)