There may be a hay shortage, but Nebraska State Fair has found a way to bring back the Hay Bale Contest for 2023. Since the State Fair has been in Grand Island, the hay bale contest had become almost a right of summer around central Nebraska. The rains in 2019, COVID in 2020, and hay shortages derailed the contest for the past few years.
Nebraska State Fair Volunteer Coordinator Haley Roush announced the return of the contest on the State Fair’s You Tube Channel and Facebook pages today.
“With the hay shortages we looked for a different medium for the hay bale contest,” said Roush. “We decided on cable reels.”
Thirty businesses will be selected to receive a reel to decorate beginning July 28. The reels should be decorated in connection with the 2023 fair theme, “Whatever Your Flavor.” Entries can be submitted beginning June 1. A judging group will determine the final entrants by late July. Many entries and businesses will be featured on the State Fair website and social pages. Rules for the contest are here.
“The creativity of the community is always something we love to see. I can’t wait to see what people make.” said Roush.
Nebraska State Fair is August 25th through September 4th in Grand Island.
