The main entrance to the State Fair from State Fair Road, (Carol Bryant, Central Nebraska Today)
GRAND ISLAND – When the Nebraska State Fair opens Aug. 23, attendees will have a number of new items to experience during the State Fair.
Courtney Glock, marketing director for the Nebraska State Fair, discussed what’s new at this year’s State Fair.
Prior to the State Fair, there was a Community Decorating Contest where 30 businesses were selected to make displays concerning the Fair. Each business was given five wood pallets to use in the display. Judging of the entries has just been completed. Winners were Pathway Bank (1st), Tabitha at Prairie Commons (2nd), and Chief Fabrication (3rd). The People’s Choice Award went to CHI St. Francis.
This is the first year for the American Highlander Cattle Show.
A new event called “Sit N Stitch” will be from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Aug. 25 in the Nebraska Game and Parks Pergola near the Outdoor Nebraska building. Participants will knit. People can register for the event at statefair.org.
“Lunch Bunch” is offered on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, Aug. 28 to Aug. 30. When someone purchases a $12 gate admission from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., the person will receive a a$12 food voucher good at any concession stand at the State Fair. Admission purchased for senior citizens or children ($6 admission price) will receive a $6 food voucher.
An 11-day pass to the State Fair is $60, which covers admission to the State Fair for every day of the State Fair.
Drone and fireworks shows will be available several times during the State Fair. Each Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night, fireworks will light up the sky, along with more than 300 dancing drones moving in unison. Shows will start at approximately 10:15 p.m.
A jumping pillow in the Family Fun Zone will appeal to kids and adults. It is a large in-ground pillow, available to use at no charge.
“Moo U” barn tours will be offered every day of the fair in livestock barns. Educated guides will inform participants about things such as the history of breeds and caretaking.
In partnership with the 1868 Foundation and Fonner Park, the Nebraska State Fair is in the process of using $20 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for storm water mitigation improvement on the Fonner Park campus, Glock said.
This is just one of the carnival rides set up at the State Fair, (Carol Bryant, Central Nebraska Today)
