NEBRASKA STATE FAIR NEWS
Annual Cookbook Sale!
Pictured above: Kourtney Lingeman, Competitive Exhibits Manager, with an armful of cookbooks for stocking stuffers! Our 2025 cookbook is hot off the press!! Each year, the Fair composes a cookbook of ‘Fair-ified’ recipes that took home blue ribbons at the Nebraska State Fair. This keepsake is 198 pages, filled top to bottom, of unique and mouth-watering recipes for even the pickiest taste buds. Examples of recipes featured this year include Freeze Dried Ice Cream Sandwiches,
Nebraska State Fair Champions Zero Waste
Nebraska State Fair Champions Zero Waste, Achieves 93% Diversion Rate in 2024 The Nebraska State Fair has become a model for zero-waste management, achieving an impressive 93% diversion rate at their 2024 event. Fair officials note that as they continue to work towards becoming a leader in sustainability, hopefully setting a powerful example for how large-scale events can operate without having a dramatically negative impact on their community. “Zero waste doesn’t only mean recycling. It’s
Advertisement for Bids
State Fair Seeks Proposals for street sweeper truck Nebraska State Fair street sweeper truck Grand Island, Nebraska – 2024 The Nebraska State Fair invites qualified candidates to submit proposals to provide a street sweeper truck for NSF staff and board members. The awarded provider will receive a signed purchase agreement before December 31, 2024. RFP questions should be directed by email to bfriedrichsen@olsson.com. Proposals are due by hand delivery, mail, or email no later than
2024 Brought Growth Across the Board
Overall Exhibitors up from 2023: The Nebraska State Fair recently announced a successful 2024 event, with increased attendance and participation across multiple categories, highlighting the fair’s strong showcase of Nebraska’s agricultural heritage and its talented youth. This year, the fair welcomed a total attendance of 314,844, a rise of nearly 2% compared to 2023. “We are excited to see such growth across the board,” said Jaime Parr, Executive Director of the Nebraska State Fair. “From
Lost and Found
we have a knack for connecting you to things you love! Did you misplace something while exploring the Fair? We receive many items that were separated from their owner and want to make sure they make it home! Whether you’re missing a wallet, phone, keys, hair clips, apparel, keychains or sunglasses give us a call to see if we have what you’re looking for! All items require exact description to confirm ownership. Valid i.d. may
2024 Admission
Admission + Hours Note: Main Gate parking is on the west side of the grounds (left side of the map). ADA ONLY parking is available through Gate 6 off Fonner Park Road (top of map, by the ferris wheel icon). There is additional parking to the east of the grounds (right side of the map) – Lubbe Lot East is the name of this lot and it’s located off Fonner Park and Stuhr Road.
Fair Board Update: Dairy Cattle Biosecurity for 2024 Fair
Nebraska State Fair Planning for Dairy Cattle Amid H5N1 Concerns The Nebraska State Fair Board announced Friday that despite recent concerns regarding the dairy strain of the H5N1 virus, impacting lactating dairy cattle, the Fair will proceed with the species while adding in precautionary protocols. There are currently no reports of a positive case in Nebraska, but surrounding states including Colorado, Kansas and Iowa have recently reported cases and have implemented similar measures at their
Deep Cleaning of Barns Ahead of State Fair
Deep cleaning of barns complete ahead of State Fair The Nebraska State Fair might only run for 11 days, but preparing for the annual showcase takes the entire year. For the famed sheep barn and other agricultural facilities on the Fonner Park campus, April and May serve up the best opportunity for deep cleaning efforts. Crews take advantage of the down period between events at the Five Points Bank Arena by utilizing high air pressure
Concert Cancellation – Ramon Ayala Farewell Tour
NEBRASKA STATE FAIR RECEIVES CONFIRMATION OF RAMÓN AYALA TOUR CANCELLATION Grand Island, NE – On Thursday, the management team of Ramón Ayala confirmed to Nebraska State Fair officials that the recent announcement of his tour cancellation includes the previously scheduled Aug. 29 Nebraska State Fair performance. Fair organizers are diligently working on securing a replacement concert to ensure that fairgoers still experience exceptional entertainment in the Nebraska Lottery concert series. “While we understand the disappointment
2024 Community Decorating Contest
Calling all businesses, organizations and civic groups! Get ready to impress fairgoers and judges alike, as you compete for fantastic prizes and the chance to be recognized as our 2024 Community Decorating Contest champion! You won’t want to miss this chance to showcase your business and join in the excitement of the Nebraska State Fair. — JUNE 3RD: ENTRIES OPEN JULY 19TH: DEADLINE! ENTRIES CLOSE! JULY 26TH: ENTRIES NOTIFIED of selection AUGUST 5TH-7TH: PICK UP
The Little River Band chosen for State Fair classic rock concert
The Nebraska State Fair and 1868 Foundation are pleased to announce a change in the Nebraska Lottery Concert Series. Concert organizers weren’t sure the previously announced act, The Guess Who, could fulfill their engagement. As a result, The Little River Band has been booked to perform on Tuesday night, August 27 in the air-conditioned comfort of the Heartland Events Center. With millions of fans over a career that spans close to 50 years, The Little
State Fair announces Stampede Series, Twisted Chrome Series
The Nebraska State Fair once again will be filled with thrilling, mud-slinging action with the organization of dirt attractions into the Stampede Series to open the Fair and the Twisted Chrome Series presented by Motoplex of Norfolk to bring the Fair to a close. During opening weekend, the Stampede Series will feature back-to-back nights of bull action to kick off the State Fair. The Ultimate Bullriding Tour will compete Friday, Aug. 23, followed by the
Red Dirt stars Turnpike Troubadours headline Nebraska State Fair
The Nebraska State Fair has announced their headline concert, as the kings of Red Dirt music Turnpike Troubadours have been added to the 2024 Nebraska Lottery Concert Series. “Turnpike Troubadours are used to headlining major events and selling out arenas,” said Karli Schulz, Entertainment and Events Director. “We are thrilled they are coming to the Nebraska State Fair.” Turnpike Troubadours, along with special guest Shane Smith and the Saints, will perform on Friday, Aug. 30,
Riley Green Adds Modern Country to Lineup
Platinum-selling star Riley Green adds modern country to the Nebraska State Fair lineup Country music rising star Riley Green is the latest addition to the Nebraska Lottery Concert Series at the Nebraska State Fair. Green will kick off the outdoor section of the series on Wednesday, August 28. “We know Nebraskans love country music, so we’re excited to have Riley Green at the State Fair,” said Karli Schulz, Nebraska State Fair Entertainment & Events Director.
Yung Gravy Brings the Sauce to the Fair
Nebraska State Fair Announces First Concert of ’24 Fair Season The first of seven concerts announced for the ’24 Nebraska State Fair season sets us on the road to fun. Midwestern rapper and prolific Tik Tok performer Yung Gravy headlines a show at State Fair, with special guest Tayler Holder August 31. State Fair Executive Director Jaime Parr, “We want to have something for every musical taste. Yung Gravy has over 6 billion streams and
Nebraska State Fair Readies ’24 Concert Announce
Nebraska State Fair is preparing to announce performers for this summer’s Nebraska Lottery Concert Series and there are big bonuses for those who purchase early (within the first two weeks). Those bonuses include either a great reserved seat or price discount. There are at least two announcements scheduled in December. The first Show is scheduled to be released December 5. “I’m excited for what the team is bringing to the 2024 Nebraska State Fair,” said
IAFE Awards
and the 2023 award goes to… The International Association of Fairs and Expos is the fair industries trade organization to sharing ideas, networking and creating all around better experiences for our guests at the Nebraska State Fair. Each year, we scurry to submit the “best ofs” in a multitude of categories. The judging was revealed for the 2023 season, against some of the largest fairs across the world, and we are humbled with the results.
State Fair Talent Budget Doubles for 2024
Crowd watches Lee Brice Anderson Auto Field 9/2/2023 Lee Brice at NESF in 2023 (Grand Island, NE) A need to continue to be competitive and improve the quality of talent for the Nebraska Lottery Concert Series led the Nebraska State Fair Board to approve a large increase in the talent budget for the 2024 fair. The fair’s new budget will support up to seven national concerts at the fair’s multiple venues of Anderson Auto Field
State Fair Announces Battle of Businesses Winners
October 4, 2023 (Grand Island, NE) Three outstanding businesses were named winners in their categories in the State Fair’s annual Battle of the Businesses volunteer competition. The competition tallies the number of hours employees serve each year at the Nebraska State Fair. Businesses are divided into small, medium, and large organizations during the competition. Haley Roush, Volunteer Coordinator of the State Fair, “The Battle of the Businesses is a great opportunity for businesses to serve
14,000 Hours at Nebraska State Fair
The Nebraska State Fair volunteer program blew past the 14,000 hour mark in 2023, logging 14,325 hours of time from volunteer efforts. The 741 individual volunteers take part in numerous positions on the grounds including landscaping, information kiosk, package handling and delivery, tram driving and hosting, and event assistance. State Fair Volunteer Coordinator Haley Roush, “it is important to the smooth operation of the fair that we have lots of help. Our volunteers went overboard
