No other local event brings so many different acts to the community than the Plumas-Sierra County Fair, says fair manager John Steffanic. “From music to thrilling races, residents have always looked forward to the wide array of entertainment the annual fair has to offer,” he said. The 2024 Plumas-Sierra County Fair in Quincy will take place July 25 to 28 and welcomes the whole family.
This year, fairgoers can attend not one but two nights of motorized competition. Saturday evening will see the return of flat-track motorcycle racing in the grandstand with Fast Times Promotions. This event will require the purchase of separate tickets in addition to fair entry tickets.
The traditional auto racing will take place Sunday night, also in the grandstands. Quincy Speedway racing will begin at 7 p.m. Again, there is an additional cost for tickets, but attendance to the fair is free on Sunday.
The fair’s musical offerings include a free Caleb Montgomery concert on the west lawn on Friday evening at 8 p.m. This up-and-coming country/folk artist has been spending plenty of time in Nashville and on the road, said Steffanic, building a career that is sure to take off. Montgomery is an independent country singer-songwriter. His music is a unique blend of neo-traditional and Western styles, infused with troubadour-style storytelling lyrics.
As one of the newest artists signed to Nashville-based Label22, Montgomery released his first single, “Whiskey Talks,” ahead of his debut full-length album titled “Food Stamps Don’t Buy Flowers,” which launched April 12. “You just can’t beat sitting on the grass at sundown listening to good music!” said Steffanic.
More live music choices include local bands in the evenings in Old Town on the Plumas Bank Stage. Thursday brings Déjà Vu from Sierra County, Friday features Quincy’s Back 40 and Saturday night rocks with Rummy, also from Quincy. Beer and margaritas will be available for purchase.
Strolling acts will provide music throughout the fairgrounds. Salsa Steel drum performers return to take fairgoers on a mind tour of the Caribbean. Cowboy singer Cisco Jim can be found atop his trusty steed strumming away with tunes from the Old West. And the husband-and-wife team Wildcat Ramblers will make listeners start tapping their toes to their high-energy songs, promises Steffanic.
Additional entertainment is planned as well. “Kids of all ages will be entertained with the delightful marionette show presented by Puppets and Players, as well as the barrel of laughs the family will find at Swan Brother’s Circus,” said Steffanic. “Children sit enthralled as the puppets tell stories and perform tirelessly several times a day.” He said Zippy the Clown continues to bring smiles to the audience, as he has done for decades.
Those looking for a break from the sun can experience Eyeventure in the Mineral Building. Steffanic pointed out that this extensive exhibition of mind-boggling optical illusions usually is featured at much larger fairs, but this year the Plumas-Sierra County Fair is “lucky enough” to host the popular attraction. It’s free and opens daily at noon, closing at 8 p.m.
Several local favorites will also return, including the nightly performance by Quircus at the front gate. These performers dazzle the audience with amazing costumes, exciting music and lots of fire, said Steffanic. To see them, gather around the Peppard Cabin about 9 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.
Behind the Peppard Cabin during the day, fairgoers will find Johnene McDonald and Harmony Ridge Pets. Fairgoers can watch how McDonald trains dogs through her obstacle course. “Sometimes she tries to train small humans,” said Steffanic. “Let your kids take a shot at something four-legged kids do effortlessly.”
The fair also announces the return of the Ol’ Fishing Hole next to Peppard Cabin. With help from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, youngsters will have a chance to catch live trout in a small pond. Experts who love working with kids will be there to advise and help. “It can be the experience of their young lives, and it happens at the Plumas-Sierra County Fair,” said Steffanic.
The full schedule of events will be posted on the fair website and will be published each day in the Chipper Gazette, which is available at the front gate of the fair.
Information provided by Plumas-Sierra County Fair
