Friday night’s rain has left the Fonner Park Racetrack too wet for combines to use this morning.  We are expecting an improvement by later this afternoon.  We will update this post as needed. 

The eighth and final Bill Marshall Volleyball Classic will be on Saturday, Aug. 26, during the opening weekend of the Nebraska State Fair. Nineteen high schools from around the state are expected to play, including local teams Grand Island Central Catholic and Northwest High School. Games will take place in the Heartland Events Center. The Bill Marshall Volleyball Classic attracts fans from every corner of the state to see their teams in action. Nearly 450

From carnival rides to treats on a stick, the Nebraska State Fair has a lot to offer any youngster. But it also has a lot to teach them, about agriculture and Nebraska. That’s why the State Fair will turn into Nebraska’s Largest Classroom on Friday, Aug. 25; Tuesday, Aug. 29; and Wednesday, Aug. 30. More than 4,500 youths from across the state are expected to attend. The fair will be open to the general public

Veterans will take center stage during the final day of the Nebraska State Fair, Monday, Sept. 4. “We moved Veteran’s Day to Labor Day after getting feedback from many vets last year,” said Karli Schulz, Entertainment and Events Director. “They told us loud and clear they wanted this event on a day most people had off and could come and take part in the celebration, as well as take advantage of the services offered to veterans this

There may be a hay shortage, but Nebraska State Fair has found a way to bring back the Hay Bale Contest for 2023. Since the State Fair has been in Grand Island, the hay bale contest had become almost a right of summer around central Nebraska. The rains in 2019, COVID in 2020, and hay shortages derailed the contest for the past few years.   Nebraska State Fair Volunteer Coordinator Haley Roush announced the return

The Birthing Pavilion at Nebraska State Fair is one of the most unique and well attended education attractions at the fair each year. Tractor Supply Company, based in Tennessee with 25 stores across Nebraska, is a leader in animal health nationwide. Today, the two announced Tractor Supply Co. will be the new title sponsor of the Tractor Supply Birthing Pavilion. “Kids of all ages are always excited to see the newborn animals at the fair,”

Nebraska State Fair unveiled its new mobile app for the 2023 fair with a focus on safety and improved communication with guests. The new app is available in Google Play and the App Store. Outstanding features in the app include up to the minute schedule updates, the ability to personalize agendas, and an emergency push notification option. “As the State Fair Team was looking for a tool to help the Guest be aware of any

With State Fair less than 8 weeks away there are some great part time job opportunities for you to jump on. We particularly like the marketing opportunities and if you love social and websites, this might be for you. Check it out here.  

From Grand Island Independent This summer, Hear Grand Island is partnering with the Nebraska State Fair’s “Fairest Showdown” battle of the bands. Karli Schulz of the State Fair talked about the “Fairest Showdown” at Wednesday May 10’s news conference. Hear Grand Island and the State Fair are two of the largest musical events in central Nebraska, she said. The “Fairest Showdown” began with 49 bands, and the number has been whittled down to seven.  The

The Nebraska State Fair welcomes six acts — ranging from comedy to country, rock to Christian — to the Nebraska Lottery Concert Series. The lineup includes Oak Ridge Boys, Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias, TobyMac, Bush, Lee Brice and Banda Maguey. Tickets go on sale to the public for all shows Friday, April 14, at StateFair.org. The legendary Oak Ridge Boys will kick off the concert series on Older Nebraskans Day, Monday, Aug. 28, with a 2

Bucking bulls, ATV aerobatics, powerful tractors and crashing cars promise to deliver the thrills in this year’s Nebraska State Fair dirt events. Admission to all five events is limited, so enthusiasts will need to buy their tickets in advance at StateFair.org. All advance tickets include gate admission. Tickets go on sale to the public for all shows Friday, April 14, at StateFair.org. On the fair’s opening day, riders in the Ultimate Bullriding Tour will compete at 7

Before there was a State of Nebraska, there was a State Fair. Really. Historian Jim McKee did a great video presentation about your State Fair for the Preservation Association of Lincoln. If you love history, we captured the presentation for you to see.  Just another reason why the State Fair brand IS Nothing More Nebraskan

Now the decision is yours.  Vote for your favorite of the entries by clicking here. Grand prize is $2,000 and a chance to open at a State Fair main stage concert. The runner-up will receive $1,000 and a chance to open at a State Fair main stage concert, while third place wins $500. “We are excited to engage the best local bands from across the state for the Fairest Showdown,” said Karli Schulz, Nebraska State Fair

Whatever your flavor, you’ll find it at the 2023 Nebraska State Fair. “Whatever Your Flavor” has been officially unveiled as this year’s State Fair theme. Fair officials like to point to both the literal and figurative meanings of “flavor.” “Everyone loves fair food, whether it’s the traditional funnel cake or something more exotic, like alligator bites,” Executive Director Jaime Parr said. “We’ve got all that, but we’ve also got other kinds of flavors.” Whether it’s