Old tradition renewed
A tradition has been born, based on an old one. The legendary Fair Director’s meeting room in the Plumas-Sierra County Fair administration building has come back to life.
For many years, the room was the social heart of the annual fair. As the economy of Plumas County changed, along with budget cuts and an evolution in the social habits of the community, the space became just another small meeting room and a place for Fair Manager John Steffanic to sleep during the fair.
With the birth of the PSCF Foundation, the room was brought back to life at the 2018 fair as the VIPer Lounge. Sponsors and donors of the fair, along with members of the PSCF Foundation, gathered on several nights of the fair to enjoy snacks created by Foundation President Nancy Gambell, and have a libation or two.
The effort had two purposes; the first was to thank those who have financially supported the fair, and the second was to invite people to join the PSCF Foundation.
After the success of the fair gatherings, members of the foundation board saw an opportunity for a regular social club. As often as once a month, foundation members can come and enjoy snacks and a glass of wine. They are also encouraged to invite one or two other people who may be interested in joining the foundation.
The first of these gatherings took place Dec. 28, at 5:30 p.m. Those who said they were coming were asked to bring $20 in Lottery Scratcher tickets and the evening was spent listening to old 45 records, story-telling and scratching lottery tickets. When it was all said and done, the group went through $100 worth of tickets, and won $99.
John Sheahan generously threw in $1 and $100 was deposited in the Foundation bank account. The next soiree is planned for February with bingo on the agenda.
Memberships in the PSCF Foundation start at around $50 and come with perks and swag, not the least of which are these social clubs. The foundation board also has arranged for those that may want to contribute time to foundation projects instead of contributing money. In fact, in many cases, time is even more valuable than money.
The foundation is a registered nonprofit that exists to solely support the Plumas-Sierra County Fair. In 2018, the foundation spent over $20,000 on projects to improve the fair. From helping to construct the new front gate to purchasing stage sound and light equipment, every dollar the nonprofit raises must be spent to benefit the fairgrounds.
If interested in joining by paying dues or to find out what kind of projects you could work on in lieu of dues, contact Steffanic at 283-6272.
Information on the foundation can also be found on the fair website www.plumas-sierracountyfair.net.
