Vendor FAQ
Planning is currently underway for the 2012 Nebraska State Fair!
Check out what happened at the 2011 Nebraska State Fair below!
All items highlighted in yellow still need to be determined. Please check back for updates.
When is the Nebraska State Fair?The 2011 Nebraska State Fair is open August 26 – September 5, 2011. What hours are buildings open?The Exhibition Building, 4-H/FFA Commercial Building, the Fonner Concourse, and Vendor Exchange Office are open the following dates and times:
Barns are open daily from 10:00am - 9:00pm. What hours are outdoor exhibits open?The Outdoor Market Place commercial, educational, and ag equipment locations are open the following dates and times:
Concession stand operations in the Market Place are open until at least 9:00pm daily with the exception of Labor Day when closing can be as early as 7:00pm.
What is the attendance from previous years of the Nebraska State Fair?Year Attendance 2010 309,400 2009 367,200 2008 309,000 2007 299,000 2006 289,000 2005 262,000 Where are commercial vendors and informational booths located?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 is located north of Kidz Zone. The 4-H and FFA Building also showcases the 4-H competitive exhibits, FFA Competitive exhibits and projects, Nebraska Food Products, and Dr, Lori Comedian/ Antique Appraiser. See map of 4-H and FFA Building Floor Plan.
The Outdoor Market Place is located south of the Heartland Events Center. The Market Place features sidewalk type shopping, environmental booths, pools and spas, BINGO and more. . See map of Outdoor Market Place. The Ag Market Place is located south of the Market Place. The Ag Market Place displays ag and manufacturing equipment and safety demonstrations. Click here to view Ag Market Place. The East Market Place is located south of Fonner Live Track and south of Motor Sports Track. The East Market place is full of food and commercial vendors and entertainment rides. Click here to view East 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 winning 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 2011 Nebraska State Fair. The first meeting is a welcome breakfast for all vendors on Thursday, August 25 at 4:30 p.m. in the Livestock Arena Hospitality Suite . 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 29 at 8:00 am in the Livestock Arena Hospitality Suite . State Fair staff and board members will speak about the 2011 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 Monday, August 29 and Monday, September 5, when the parade is at 2:00 p.m. 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 Nebraska State Fair layout look like? Click on a location to view a floor plan / 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 2009 and 2010. The PD is a refundable deposit provided that the contracted booth space operate within all Rules and Regulations of the 2011 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 16, 2011. 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 July 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. Click here to view Exhibit Booth Price Guide for Pricing Information What is the base rent cost for exhibit space at the 2011 Nebraska State Fair?Indoor Exhibit space rental fees are generally $500.00 for an information only 10x10 in-line booth and $650.00 for a 10x10 in-line booth with solicitation privilege. Corner locations have an additional $125.00 fee Outdoor Exhibit space rental fees are range from $15.00-20.00 per front foot. 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 26 only. After August 26, 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 10 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 Camping areas you can! The new campgrounds is located on the north boundary road of the fairgrounds (enter via Fonner Park Road). Reservations will be accepted 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, you can! A list of hotels and motels (plus camping options) is available for viewing and printing here. Grand Island boasts over 1,800 rooms at various rates with varying amenities. Call your favorite provider now to get the best available rate! 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 provide proof of insurance the required liability insurance coverage on the vehicle and if you purchase a permit from the Nebraska State Fair. The permit cost is $150.00 and requires a valid proof of insurance on the applying vehicle. Insurance must name the Nebraska State Fair, Fonner Park, and Hall County Ag Society as 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, Fonner Park, and Hall County Ag Society as additional insured. Proof of policy must be presented to the Facility Director Office before July 1. Many 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 July 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 purchase a location 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 does not provide furnishings for booths. Vendors can contact Midwest Tent & Services to reserve booth furnishings. Click here for Equipment and Decorator Order Form
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, 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 by August 25, 2011. Starting August 26th, 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 North Entrance Gate. Shuttles will run daily starting at 7:30am and running every half-hour until 10:00pm. Boarding returning to the campground will be available from the bus docking site near the north entrance gate. How shall I address UPS, FedEx, and USPS Shipments for my booth?All packages should be sent to: Your Company Name Exhibit Area & Booth Number Nebraska State Fair 700 E Stolley Park Road Grand Island, NE 68801 UPS and FedEx Delivery times will be scheduled by location before noon starting on Thursday, August 25 at the Building Information Desks. 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 from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. What are other important reminders and answers to common questions?
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). |
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