There are lots of ways you can participate in the Nebraska State Fair. Some contests require pre-registration or nomination, while others are more spontaneous. But, all showcase the best that Nebraska has to offer. And, it doesn't hurt if you get to eat a lot of pie in the process!

Ag Family of the Day

Presented by Nebraska Farm Bureau, five Nebraskan farm and ranch families are nominated, selected, and honored as the State Fair "Ag Family of the Day." The families will be selected from nominations submitted by fellow Nebraskans.

Agriculture is Nebraska's number one industry. It creates one of every three Nebraska jobs in food processing, distribution, marketing, research and other fields. We want to honor families who are the "faces" of the agricultural industry and showcase the great job they do in providing food for Nebraska, the nation and the world.

Five families have been chosen to be recognized at ceremonies on five weekend days during the Fair. Honorees receive complimentary State Fair gate admission, midway passes, a one-night stay in a Grand Island hotel, $100 cash, recognition at an awards program, a reception in their honor, and featured status in the daily parade.

Congratulations to the 2010 Ag Family of the Day Honorees:

Saturday, August 28 - Andy & Tannie Daniels, Columbus, NE
Sunday, August 29 - Steve & Jeffrey Wallinger, Stuart, NE
Saturday, September 4 - Mark & MaKenzi Spurgin, Paxton, NE
Sunday, September 5 - LeRoy Pieper Family, Mitchell, NE
Monday, September 6 - Clifford & David Obbink, Firth, NE

For more information about the program, photos of the 2009 honorees, a list of the past honorees and the program logo, visit http://www.nebraskaagfamily.org/.

Family Fun Activity Center Contests

Everyday, 10:00a.m. - 8:00p.m. - Kidz Zone

The Nebraska State Fair Family Fun Tent offers something for everyone. Children of all ages and their families are invited to participate in numerous free family fun games, contests, and creative crafts EVERY day of the Fair! Games can include: water balloon toss, relays, Superball Saturdays, sponge run, eating contests and more! Check back soon for details on eating contests and registration information.

Galaxy of Stars Talent Search

Saturday, September 4, 2010, 1:00p.m. - Bristol Stage

Nebraskans have the opportunity to sing, dance, or play their way for a chance to win over $5,000 in cash prizes, recording sessions, and trophies at the GALAXY OF STARS® Talent Search. Contestants compete in three age divisions: Comets (12 & Under), Shooting Stars (13-18), and Novas (19 & over). Top Songwriters from across the State will perform original songs during the Finals. For more information, please see the GALAXY OF STARS® official website www.galaxyofstarstalentsearch.com.

Kid's Pedal Pull

Saturday, August 28, 2010, 10:00a.m. - Grandstand Apron

Kids from across the state participate in one of the biggest youth particpation sports at the Nebraska State Fair.

Know Nebraska

Know Nebraska is an opportunity for your community to compete to win one of three prized and complimentary exhibit booth spaces in the 4-H/FFA/Commercial Building at the 2010 Fair. All Nebraska counties/communities/tourism operations are encouraged to compete for a (FREE!) KNOW NEBRASKA booth space at the 2010 State Fair! The selection process for the 2010 Fair is complete! Three organizations have been awarded free exhibit booth space to use to display and distribute promotional materials about the tourism attractions in each winning area.

Congratulations to our 2010 Know Nebraska Contest Winners!
Each Winner receives one free 10x10 travel and tourism information booth space at the 2010 Nebraska State Fair!!

Boys Town out of Boys Town, NE
Lincoln County out of North Platte, NE
Bassett/Rock County Chamber out of Bassett, NE

Saturday, September 4, 2010, 8:00p.m. - Heartland Events Center

A local, preliminary pageant to the Miss Nebraska and the Miss America Pageants open to women between the ages of 17 and 24. The pageant includes the following areas of competition: Interview, On-stage Question, Evening Wear, Lifestyle and Fitness in Swimsuit, and Talent. Deadline to enter is Friday, August 13, 2010.

For more information on how to enter, click here.

Window Display Contest

Welcome the 2010 Nebraska State Fair visitors at your business by participating in the Window Display Contest!

Each window display will be judged on originality/creativity, use of space, use of theme, and overall impression. Outside groups will be available to assist with creating displays, but the organizing committee is stressing the “do it yourself” option. The five businesses with the highest scores in each entry type (painted window and 3D window display) will be publicized at the fairgrounds, as well as on the State Fair website. The top three will receive ribbons to display at their business. Please see the attachment for additional information.

Judging will take place August 20. Displays need to stay in place thru September 9.

Registration Form

To participate in the contest, return the above form by July 30, 2010 to:
Nebraska State Fair
Window Display Contest
ATTN: Chelsey Jungck
PO Box 1387
Grand Island, NE 68802-1387