Nevada County — Matthew Shafer, better known as Uncle Kracker, will take the main arena stage at the Nevada County Fair on Thursday, fair officials confirmed, capping a slate of arena acts that fair management says are drawing strong interest.
Tickets and VIP options
Andrew Trygg, chief executive officer of the Nevada County Fair, said ticket sales have been robust. As of Monday morning, the fair had one VIP table remaining along with a number of standing VIP tickets and general admission grandstand seats still for sale.
| Ticket type | Availability (as of Monday) |
|---|---|
| VIP table (seats 10) | 1 table |
| Standing VIP tickets | Several |
| General admission grandstand | Available |
The VIP tables, positioned on the arena floor, seat 10 people and include snacks, a commemorative show lanyard, access to a VIP bar serving beer and wine and exclusive restroom facilities.
Planning begins year-round
Trygg said the fair’s arena lineup is the result of long-term planning. Organizers assemble lists of artists who may be touring in the region and vet names over the course of the year to find performers suited to the community and the fair atmosphere.
“(Uncle Kracker) was a name that has come up as a really successful artist for a lot of other fairs throughout California and the west coast, and kind of brings just a different vibe, a different energy to the grandstands, and we're really excited to have them here,” Trygg said.
He added the booking process involves weighing local tastes against artists’ availability and touring schedules, with the goal of offering a mix of acts that can broaden attendance beyond typical fairgoers.
Cross-generational appeal
Fair officials say the concert has attracted a diverse audience. Trygg noted fans purchasing tickets have spanned generations, from families to older residents who specifically sought tickets for the headliner.
“Of the interesting things with him specifically is we've had ticket buyers of all ages and it's been really neat because a lot of people don't describe them as a specific genre—not country, not rock, not whatever,” Trygg said.
Uncle Kracker rose to prominence with the 2001 single "Follow Me", and later found success with a charting cover of Dobie Gray’s “Drift Away” as well as collaborations with other artists. Organizers say that broad catalog likely contributes to his mixed-demographic pull.
What to know for fairgoers
Attendees planning to see the arena acts should note:
- VIP table packages seat 10 and include snacks and VIP amenities.
- Standing VIP and grandstand tickets remain available but may sell out as the event approaches.
- Parking and on-site logistics typically follow fair guidelines; check the fair’s official website or box office for day-of details and any venue rules.
Trygg encouraged potential concertgoers to secure seats early if they want VIP access, given the limited number of tables and the reported strong demand for Friday’s arena events.
Community response
Organizers said they have received enthusiastic responses from local residents. Trygg recounted a recent in-person purchase by an older fan who came into the ticket office brimming with excitement about seeing the artist, an anecdote fair staff said highlighted the broad appeal of the booking.
The arena shows are an increasing focus for the fair, which aims to complement agricultural exhibits, carnival attractions and traditional fair programming with musical headliners that can draw additional crowds.
Additional details, including show start times and gates, are available from the Nevada County Fair box office and the fair’s official channels. Those seeking VIP tables or specific seating are advised to contact the fair as availability can change quickly.
This article will be updated if the fair provides new information about ticket inventories or show logistics.
