40 Volunteers Make Nevada County Fair Feel Like Home

When fairgoers walk through Gate 1 at Nevada County Fairgrounds, they're greeted by something rare these days: volunteers who genuinely want to help them feel at ease.

Forty volunteers signed up this year to staff the Guest Services booth, answering questions about everything from bus schedules to bathroom locations. They field inquiries from over 20,000 people who pass through the gates daily, armed with nothing but pocket guide books, maps, and warm smiles.

"We are the ambassadors of the fair," said Angel Holbrook, volunteering for the first time after years of seasonal work. "When you walk in and you don't know anything, it's a big scary place. But when you make an interaction with a human at the beginning, that's like, oh, I'm welcome."

The volunteers don't just point in the general direction of exhibits or food booths. They walk people to their destinations, making sure visitors feel comfortable navigating the fairgrounds.

The Guest Services shack doubles as Lost and Found, currently housing sunglasses, wallets, a purple and green dragon stuffy, one small black shoe, and even an 8th Grade Diploma. Of 30 phones turned in so far, all but one made it back to their owners.

Beyond answering questions, volunteers usher grandstand events like the Rodeo and Monster Trucks. Some even offer to snap photos of visitors with "Flo" the Clown.

Sunny's Take

What makes this story special isn't just the helping hands. It's the generational love these volunteers have for their community.

Jennifer Nygren, starting her first shift, wants to make volunteering an annual tradition and inspire her five kids to join. Teresa Hedges credits her parents for teaching her the value of service through their work at St. Patrick's Catholic Church.

Marianna Stockton, a 26-year Nevada County resident, brings decades of volunteer experience from Soroptimists to Neighborhood Watch. "This is my first year. I'm volunteering every day. I want to give back to this beautiful community," she said.

Volunteers commit to minimum four-hour shifts, with rock star volunteers working all five days of the fair. In return, they receive free fair and parking passes, but most say the real reward is something deeper.

Jeff Waters, another first-timer, summed it up simply: "It gives me something to do and it's a good thing to contribute to the community."

Teresa Hedges put it even better: "It makes you feel good. It makes your heart feel good to help someone else."

In a world that often feels rushed and impersonal, these blue-shirted volunteers prove that sometimes the best way to build community is one friendly interaction at a time.