*All items highlighted in yellow still need to be determined. Please check back for updates.
When is the Nebraska State Fair?
The 2010 Nebraska State Fair is open August 27 – September 6, 2010.
What hours are buildings open?
The Exhibition Building, 4-H/FFA Building, the Fonner Grandstand, and Treasurer’s Office are open the following dates and times:
- Friday, August 27: 5:00pm – 9:00pm
- Saturday, August 28 – Sunday, September 5: 10:00am – 9:00pm
- Monday, September 6: 10:00am – 7:00pm
Barns are open daily from 10:00am - 9:00pm. Click here for a detailed show schedule in the barns and Ag Arena.
Click here for a detailed schedule for the Horse Barn (Thompson Arena) and outdoor arena.
What hours are outdoor exhibits open?
The Outdoor Market Place commercial, educational, and ag equipment locations are open the following dates and times:
- Friday, August 27: 5:00pm – 9:00pm
- Saturday, August 28 – Sunday, September 5: 10:00am – 9:00pm
- Monday, September 6: 10:00am – 7:00pm
Concession stand operations in the Market Place are open until 10:00pm daily with the exception of Labor Day when closing can be as early as 7:00pm.
What is the attendance and customer satisfaction rate from previous years of the Nebraska State Fair?
Year Attendance Customer Satisfation Rate
2009 367,203 4.5 out of 5
2008 309,000+
2007 299,000+
2006 289,000+
2005 262,000+
Where are commercial vendors and informational booths located?
The Exhibition Building has booth space for 225 commercial and informational booths. The Exhibition Building is located on the south side of the Entrance Plaza. The Exhibition Building also hosts the Department of Ag Exhibits, the NE Cattlemen’s Beef Pit, and Open Class Quilts. See map of Exhibition Building Floor Plan.
The 4-H and FFA Building has booth space for 60 commercial and informational booths. The 4-H and FFA Building is located north of Kidz Zone. The 4-H and FFA Building also showcases the 4-H competitive exhibits, FFA Competitive exhibits and projects. See map of 4-H and FFA Building Floor Plan.
The Outdoor Market Place has approximately 70 commercial, 40 concession, and 30 ag equipment and entertainment locations. The Outdoor Market Place is located south of the Heartland Events Center. The Outdoor Market Place features sidewalk type shopping, food and beverage concessions, environmental booths, the Nebraska Lottery, Armed Forces, a small day time entertainment stage, large and small agricultural equipment and supplies, as well as multiple educational and entertainment areas. See map of Outdoor Market Place.
What is the Outstanding Exhibitor Contest?
The Nebraska State Fair strives to showcase merchandise, industry, education, and information on a grand scale. We encourage all vendors and exhibitors to keep their space tidy, organized, and enticing to fair guests at all times. Select judges will view and rate all participating exhibits during the Fair. Prizes awarded to winnng booths include ribbons, framed certificate, media recognition and other special thanks. Vendors are not automatically entered in the contest, so be sure to complete your entry form if you would like to have your space included in the judging. Click here for Outstanding Exhibitor Contest entry form.
When are vendor, concessionaire, and exhibitor meetings?
There are two vendor meetings at the 2010 Nebraska State Fair. The first meeting is a welcome breakfast for all vendors on Friday, August 27, 2010 at 10:00am at the Fonner 4-H Cafe. This meeting will include breakfast for vendors, while State Fair representatives present a quick orientation of the 2010 Fair layout.
The second meeting for vendors, exhibitors, and concessionaires will be held on Monday, August 30 at 8:30am in the Fonner 4-H Cafe. State Fair staff and board members will speak about the 2010 Fair and communicate with vendors through a question and answer session.
When is the parade, who can enter the parade, and what is the route?
The Nebraska State Fair has a daily parade. Parade times are 6:00pm daily with the exception of Friday, September 3 and Monday, September 6, when the parade is at noon. Parade applications are available for vendors, concessionaires, and exhibitors. A parade application will be coming soon. The parade will run through the core area of the Fairgrounds including the Market Place.
What does the new Nebraska State Fair layout look like?
Click on a location to view a floorplan / outdoor layout of each identified area.
What is the Performance Deposit, and who is required to pay it?
The $200.00 Performance Deposit (PD) is a refundable deposit required of all vendors who did not contract with the Nebraska State Fair in both 2008 and 2009 State Fairs. The PD is a refundable deposit provided that the contracted booth space operate within all Rules and Regulations of the 2010 Nebraska State Fair. The PD is refunded by a mailed check, sent from the State Fair office to the address on the Lessee’s contract. The refund check will be mailed no later than Friday, September 10, 2010. Click here to view the Nebraska State Fair Rules and Regulations.
How do I request electrical hook up and how much does it cost?
Electricity can be provided in almost every indoor or outdoor exhibit space provided the service is requested and paid for before August 1. Request for service must include needed volts and amperage and must be made in writing on the application or renewal form. Written request may also be included on the contract or final agreement with the Nebraska State Fair Facility Director Office.
Electrical fees are as follows:
- 110v, 16 amp service at $50.00 per circuit
- 208v, 50 amp service at $185.00 per circuit
What is the base rent cost for exhibit space at the 2010 Nebraska State Fair?
Indoor Exhibit space rental fees are generally $400.00 for an information only 10x10 in-line booth and $520.00 for a 10x10 in-line booth with selling privilege. Corner locations have an additional $100.00 fee for information only booths or an additional $120.00 for each corner with selling privilege. Outdoor Exhibit space rental fees are generally $20.00 per front foot. Multiple space discounts are available for Outdoor Exhibit Space in some outdoor exhibit areas. Click here to view the on-line Booth Price guide.
As a Vendor, Concessionaire, or Exhibitor, what credentials do I need to enter the Fair each day?
Everyone who enters the Fairgrounds during the Fair operating hours is required to have an admission ticket. Each full priced booth space includes one season gate admission pass for the vendor/exhibitor use only. Discounted spaces do not include admission tickets. The vendor season pass may be exchanged for 11 single day passes before August 27 only. After August 27, the season pass cannot be broken into daily admission passes. Additional single day or season admission passes are available to vendors, concessionaires, and exhibitors at a discounted price. Click here to view Exhibitor Admission Ticket Order Form.
Where can I park my Supply Truck?
Reservations should be made no later than August 1 (full payment is due at time of reservation). The Supply Truck Lot is located on the east side of the Big Red Barn (east of the Market Place). Lot spaces with no power cost $30.00. One lot with one 16 amp 110v circuit is $80.00 each. One lot with one 50 amp, 208v circuit are
$215.00 each. See Rules and Regulations #21.1 – 21.4 for more information. Click here for Supply Truck Lot reservation request.
Can I camp on the Fairgrounds?
In one of our RV Camp areas you can! State Fair is building a new campground with 200 full service units this spring/summer. The new campgrounds will be located on the east end of the north side of the fairgrounds (on Fonner Park Road). Reservations will be accepted for a minimum of 10 night stay when paid in full with a VISA or MasterCard. Click here for details and registration for campground reservations and additional information.
Can I get a hotel room in Grand Island?
Yes, yes you can! A list of 24 hotels and motels (plus camping options) is available for viewing and printing here. As of August 1, Grand Island will have over 1800 rooms at various rates with fantastic amenities. Call your favorite provider now to get the best available rates!
Do I need to charge sales tax and what is the sales tax rate in Grand Island?
If you are selling anything on the fairgrounds, you must charge sales tax. The sales tax rate is 7% (broken down into state: 5.5% and city: 1.5%). Sales tax information can be found by clicking here.
Can I bring a golf cart, atv, or other motorized service vehicle on grounds?
You can if you purchase a permit from the Nebraska State Fair. The permit cost is $100.00 and requires a valid proof of insurance on the applying vehicle. Insurance must name the Nebraska State Fair as an additional insured. Motorized service vehicles may operate in the core area of the Fairgrounds between the hours of 10:00pm – 9:00am only. NO SERVICE VEHICLES will be allowed in the core area of the Fairgrounds between 9:00am – 10:00pm during the Fair term. See Rules and Regulations #21.1-21.4 for more information. Motorized service vehicle permit application can be found here.
What are the requirements for insurance?
All vendors, concessionaires, and exhibitors must carry a general liability (minimum of $1 million) insurance policy that names the Nebraska State Fair as an additional insured. Proof of policy must be presented to the Facility Director Office before August 1. Vendors, concessionaires, and exhibitors can purchase coverage on the State Fair umbrella policy. Click here to view and print the insurance application. Completed applications must be returned to UNICO Insurance Company with UNICO acceptable method of payment (see application form for details).
What method of payment is acceptable?
Visa and MasterCard are acceptable form of payment at the Nebraska State Fair. Certified check or money orders are acceptable forms of payment. A personal or business check is acceptable only before August 1. Payments should be made payable to the Nebraska State Fair.
Where can I park?
Vendor parking is free. A permit is required and will be provided with your admission tickets at check in unless requested in advance. No overnight parking is available in the vendor lot. Trailers or vehicles that will be left overnight must be parked in the Supply Truck Lot. Click here for Supply Truck Lot reservation request.
Where can I order tents, tables, chairs, carpet, or other booth set-up equipment?
The Nebraska State Fair will choose preferred providers of indoor and outdoor booth/exhibit space equipment. Information on providers, price lists and contact information will be mailed with the vendor information packet that you will receive prior to Fair.
Where do I go when I get to the Fairgrounds to set up?
All vendors, concessionaires, and exhibitors must check in before beginning to set up. You will receive a vendor welcome packet with important reminders and updates as well as your exhibitor badges, admission passes, and parking permit(s) at check-in. Indoor vendors should check in at the building where they are exhibiting. The information booth is marked on your map that is included in your contract, or by clicking here. Outdoor vendors check in at the Administrative Offices at Fonner Park Racing Office Building. All payments must be current, and proof of insurance must be on file with the Facility Director Office before welcome packet will be available and before any move-in or set-up may begin.
Where do I pick up and/or buy additional exhibitor tickets?
One season vendor pass is included in each full priced booth rental. Discounted or multiple space booths that are discounted do not include vendor passes. Individual vendor passes can be purchased from the Administration Office. Daily exhibitor gate tickets are $3.25 each before August 27, 2010. After August 27th, tickets will be $4.00 each. Click here to download the exhibitor ticket order form.
Is Campground Shuttle transportation available?
Yes, and it is provided free of charge to all paid campers who need transport from the State Fair Campgrounds to the State Fair Gate Entrance. Shuttles will run daily starting at 7:30am and running every half-hour until 10:00pm. Boarding returning to the campground will be located on the east side of the 4H/FFA building located on the north side of the fairgrounds.
How shall I address UPS, FedEx, and USPS Shipments for my booth?
All packages should be sent to:
Your Company Name c/o booth location
Nebraska State Fair
700 E Stolley Park Road
Grand Island, NE 68801
Nebraska State Fair staff will not sign for your packages, you must be sure that you are physically available to receive all shipments.
UPS and FedEx Delivery times will be scheduled by location before noon starting on Thursday, August 26 at the Vendor Hospitality Rooms. Announcements will be made in indoor exhibit halls (Exhibition and 4-H/FFA Buildings) when delivery driver is there with packages.
USPS letters will be received and made available to vendors at the Administration Office at Fonner Park Racing Office Building during regular hours of operation.
What are other important reminders and answers to common questions?
All booths must be open and have a company representative in the booth/exhibit space during all operating hours. See Rules and Regulations #5.10 for details.Vendors/exhibitors can vend, sell, advertise, educate, and inform fairgoers from within the lease space only. See Rules and Regulations #5.9 for details.Items that are NOT ALLOWED for display or sell include toy guns, free stickers, and helium balloons. See Rules and Regulations #5.4 for details.All drawings and/or raffles must be approved of in writing from the Facility Director before August 1, 2010. See Rules and Regulations #7.1 – 7.3 for details.
No exhibit shall extend higher than 4’ above the floor in the front 5’ of booth. See Rules and Regulations #3.4 for details.
Official Nebraska State Fair Space Rental Rules and Regulations prevail over any statement in this FAQ. Should a discrepancy arise, the official Rules and Regulations will override the FAQ statement(s). |
