Letter from Jaime Parr, Executive Director
Pictured above: Jaime Parr, Executive Director of the Nebraska State Fair. Parr has been employed by the Nebraska State Fair since 1998.
As the dust settles on another Nebraska State Fair, my heart is full of gratitude. Once again, Grand Island and its surrounding communities opened their arms to welcome the world (literally), and together, we created an event that will be remembered for years to come.
This year’s Fair was nothing short of extraordinary. From the moment the gates opened, guests were greeted with some of the best weather we’ve enjoyed in recent memory, a blessing that brought families out in record numbers. Attendance soared, vendors and exhibitors thrived, and entertainers, livestock and memories filled every corner of our grounds.
Visitors came not only from across Nebraska, but from across the nation and beyond. We had visitors from Pakistan, CNH employees from Australia and marathon runners from other continents. They discovered the power of 4-H and FFA shows and animal husbandry, the diversity of our entertainment, and the warmth of our Midwestern hospitality. Children of all ages enjoyed the Game and Parks Aquarium and Archery Range while high school bands from across the state came out to march the grounds. Stage shows, combine rides, equine events and static displays offered something to enjoy all day long. Perhaps the most heartwarming was watching generations come together to experience the agriculture, culture, and connection that our state is notorious for.
These are the moments that our staff work all year long for. They pour so much of themselves into this event, in an effort to make Nebraska proud.
With that being said, none of it would be possible without our community. Grand Island and the surrounding area provide more than a venue; you provide the spirit that powers the Fair. From volunteers to sponsors, from local businesses to residents who welcome the influx of visitors with a smile, your contributions are immeasurable. We are so thankful to be in a community that embraces the opportunities that the Fair brings to Central Nebraska.
On behalf of the Nebraska State Fair staff and board, I just want to say thank you. Thank you for your hard work, your hospitality, and your belief in what this event means to Nebraskans. Together, we’ve celebrated not just another Fair, but the very best of who we are.
As we look ahead, we carry the memories of this year with pride and the momentum to make the next Fair even greater. Until then, know that your support makes all the difference—and that the Nebraska State Fair will always be proud to call Grand Island home.
