Nebraska State Fair Volunteer Program
Volunteers are a very vital part of the success of the Nebraska State Fair. The dedication and service that our volunteers put forward pay huge dividends to the success and momentum for future State Fairs. The Nebraska State Fair cannot function without a strong volunteer base. From hospitality to helping out with educational and children’s programs, there truly is something for everyone who wishes to be a part of the Nebraska State Fair.
Volunteer Newsletter
Check out August’s Volunteer Newsletter 2023
2023 Volunteer Appreciation banquet

The 2023 Nebraska State Fair held our volunteer kickoff in April. More than 400 people were there. Here’s the story link
Battle of the businesses
A wonderful opportunity to share your employees time and talents with the event that provides so much to our community!
Three Categories Offered:
Businesses will battle it out against others with similar company size.
- Small Business Category
- 50 or less employees
- Medium Business Category
- 50 to 150 employees
- Large Business Category
- 150+ employees
One winner will be crowned from each category.
Points Will Be Awarded On The Following:
- Number of employees volunteering
- Number of hours volunteered in total for the company
- Additional points will be given out based on which shift you work
- 4 points for weekends shifts
- 3 points for evenings shifts
- 2 points for afternoons shifts
- 1 point for morning shifts
Benefits for Businesses that Enter:
- Earn business recognition by volunteering on the fairgrounds
- Public announcements thanking your group coming out (offered to groups who have at least 10 volunteers sign up)
- Signage throughout the Fair (Offered to groups who have at least 15 volunteers sign up)
- Social media posts thanking you and your employees
- Serve your community
- Gain individual prizes (food vouchers, 20+ hour collectable pin, free t-shirt, etc.)
- Free admission with every shift allows you and your crew to enjoy the Fair together before or after your volunteer shift
Who We Are
Nebraska State Fair volunteers will come from all walks of life and have a variety of interests and talents. Some of our volunteers will be retired, some will be in school, some will be stay-at-home parents, and some will travel from the surrounding communities. The one thing that they all have in common is a big smile! Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age or be assigned to work with a parent or guardian or involved in a group with adequate supervision.
What We Do
Nebraska State Fair volunteers provide support during the Fair and during the move-in days immediately prior to the Fair. Each volunteer shift will be four (4) hours in duration. The option to sign up for multiple shifts is available and encouraged! However, shifts cannot overlap or be counted as two at one time. Free Fair gate admission will be provided for your daily commitment. Volunteer opportunities are available for all special skills and preferences.
A comprehensive, mandatory training program will be held for all volunteers. The Nebraska State Fair wants to ensure that you are fully comfortable and knowledgeable regarding your volunteer duties. Volunteers will learn about their respective job duties as well as receiving an overview of the Fair itself. During the training sessions, volunteers also receive their official Nebraska State Fair volunteer shirt to wear during the Fair.
Benefits
Those who volunteer will receive free Fair gate admission for the daily commitment. Volunteers who make a commitment of 20+ hours receive two (2) food vouchers can be used at any of the vendors on grounds, plus an exclusive volunteer service provider lapel pin. Those that put in 40+ hours will receive three additional food vouchers. Also, the volunteer will receive a FREE official volunteer souvenir shirt. And last but not least, enjoy the fellowship of a great group of people!
VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR
Haley Roush
Nebraska State Fair
501 E Fonner Park RD
Grand Island, NE 68802
308-382-1620
hroush@statefair.org
See what last year’s Volunteers enjoyed most about their experience!
The number of people I got to meet was amazing!
I set my own schedule and get to try new things!
Working the evening allowed me to enjoy the fair all day and help others enjoy it at night.
Being in-the-know and was able to listen to live music while volunteering.
Benefactors and Sponsors
Thanks to a strong community, Nebraska State Fair Volunteers have many supporters in their corner. Benefactors include:1868 Foundation; Fonner Park; Grand Island Area Chamber of Commerce; Grand Island Area Economic Development Council; Principal.