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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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. […]
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 […]
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. […]
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 […]