A grateful reflection on 2025
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 […]
2025 Brought Strong Attendance
The numbers are in! The Nebraska State Fair wrapped up its 2025 run with a total attendance of 334,383, marking an increase of 6% year over year. Opening weekend was bolstered by phenomenal weather, with Saturday and Sunday providing some of the best conditions the Fair has seen in recent years. The second weekend experienced […]
Bobbie’s Bargain Book
Packed with Over $1,500 in Fair Savings Fairgoers can stretch their dollars even further this year with the return of Bobbie’s Bargain Book, now on sale for just $5 through the end of the day on Wednesday, August 21. The books can be purchased online at statefair.org or in person at the Nebraska Building Box […]
2025 Admission + Hours
Fair Hours: General Fair Hours: 7 am – 11 pm (closes at 7pm on Sept. 1) Pinnacle Bank Expo Center: 9am- 8pm (closes at 7pm on Sept. 1) Nebraska Building: 9am – 8pm (closes at 7pm on Sept. 1) 4-H/FFA Building: 9am-8pm (closes at 5pm on Sept. 1) Bosselman Conference Center: 9am-8pm (closes at 5pm on Sept. 1) Wade Shows […]
Ultimate Fair Fan Giveaway Winner Announced
York Woman Recipient of First Ever Ultimate Fair Fan Giveaway Published by Grand Island Independent Aug. 6, 2025: When Elizabeth Sochacki of York received the email saying she’d won the Ultimate Fair Fan Experience Giveaway, she literally didn’t believe it. “There’s no way this is real,” she said, recalling her initial reaction. “I was very […]
Six String Soldiers Performing at 2025 Fair
Pictured above: United States Army Soldiers comprising the Six String Soldiers band. The group of 6 active-duty officers bring their patriotic talents with them to performances all across the country. They will be performing for Veterans Day at the Fair on September 1, 2025. Army String Band to Perform at Nebraska State Fair The Nebraska […]
2025 Season Pass Sale!
11 Days of Fair Fun – Only $70! The Nebraska State Fair’s best value yet – $70 for all 11 days. At $6.36 per day, it’s a steal for anyone attending the fair over and over again. The Season Pass is valid for one person and can be scanned once per day. It includes 11 […]
Rodeo of the Year Recognition
Nebraska High School Rodeo names 2024 Rodeo of the year 2024 High School Rodeo Photos Courtesy of Rodeo Ready Photography GRAND ISLAND, Neb. – The Nebraska State Fair has been recognized as Rodeo of the Year by the Nebraska High School Rodeo Association (NHSRA), an honor that they say reflects their commitment to showcasing rural […]
State Fair Announces Two New Board Members
Pictured above: Anna Castner Wightman, Omaha, NE. Wightman is a Governor Apointee to serve on the Nebraska State Fair Board from 2025-2028. Meet Anna Castner Wightman: Governor Jim Pillen has appointed Anna Castner Wightman to the Nebraska State Fair Board, filling the Omaha business member position. Her term, beginning in 2025, will extend through December […]
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 […]
