The 33rd Annual Draft Horse Classic and Harvest Fair is happening this week, September 19 – 22, at the tree-covered Nevada County Fairgrounds in Grass Valley. Watch as beautiful draft horses pull meticulously restored freight wagons, loyally work farm equipment, skillfully complete intricate maneuvers, and compete with elegance and determination. With more than 175 horses stabled on the grounds, the Classic also offers a unique change to meet and see the draft horses up close.
The Draft Horse Classic is the premier draft horse show on the west coast and offers six different performances featuring draft horses and exhibitors from across the United States and Canada. It showcases a variety of horses, exhibitors and hitches, and features everything from farm wagons and carriages, to driving competitions and log skidding. In between classes, guests will enjoy performances from Romano: the Andalusian Stallion, Gladius the Show, the California Cowgirls Drill Team, CHP Mounted Patrol, and more.
Taking place on the grounds during the Classic is the Harvest Fair, featuring musical entertainment, community exhibits, vendors selling a variety of goods, a horseshoeing competition, delicious food, and Art at the Classic. Plus, you don’t want to miss the opportunity to visit the barns and meet the draft horses. Although there is a charge for the draft horse performances in the arena, admission to the Harvest Fair is free.
This year’s musical entertainment at the Harvest Fair begins at noon on Saturday and Sunday and at 11 am on Sunday. The lineup includes Banner Mountain Boys, Jessica Rose Band, Harold Roy Miller and Diana Miller, Heifer Belles, Sourdough Slim, Everyday Outlaw and Big Iron. Musical entertainment is free, so stop by the Fairgrounds, grab a bite to eat, and enjoy the music at the Pine Tree Stage. You can even catch a draft horse performance after the musical entertainment.
Tickets to the Draft Horse performances are on sale now. Choose from six different performances or purchase a season ticket for all six. Performances are Thursday, September 19 at 6:30 pm; Friday, September 20 at 6:30 pm; Saturday, September 21 at 10 am and 6:30 pm; and Sunday, September 22 at 10 am and 4 pm. Tickets can be purchased online at NevadaCountyFair.com, by calling (530) 273-6217, or by visiting the Fairgrounds Office on McCourtney Road. All tickets purchased after 5 pm on September 18, are an additional $4 per ticket.
This year’s Draft Horse Classic is September 19 – 22 at the Nevada County Fairgrounds in Grass Valley. Visit NevadaCountyFair.com for more information.