THE 2024 NEBRASKA STATE FAIR IS HERE! Ready to find your Road to Fun?
W elcome to the 2024 Nebraska State Fair! Whether you trekked across town or the country, All Roads Lead to Fun , and I invite you to soak up the endless avenues we have to offer. Every year, the Nebraska State Fair staff and board of directors work to bring you fresh attractions while keeping the integrity of our mission “To recognize the achievements of Nebraskans, celebrate youth and Fair traditions and showcase agriculture…”. With almost 45,000 farms, Nebraska’s heart is agriculture - and the State Fair shares the same. Across our grounds, you will find agriculture honored everywhere you go. From livestock exhibits to educational attractions, we work to bring you the fun from Nebraska’s farms ! Not crazy about cattle or corn? Don’t worry; there is something for every fan to find. Take a stroll through our Pinnacle Bank Expo, catch the One- Man Band or sit down with a beverage at the Beach Bar. No matter what is on your map, you’ll find your Road To Fun ! During your time on the fairgrounds, I encourage you to find ways to support the progress of our state. Check out our youth 4H and FFA livestock exhibitors in the show ring or stop into the 1868 Foundation Gift Shop to find some Nebraska State Fair swag. As the 2024 Nebraska State Fair Board President, I am filled with pride reflecting on the work our staff, board of directors and volunteers have poured into these 11 days. The Fair is a labor of love, but the smiles received in return are invaluable. Rich in history and brimming with promise, our state is worth endless festivities. Now… let’s have some fun!
A s the first territory in the U.S. to hold a fair in 1859, our heritage is grounded through some deep roots. Blending nostalgia with new, the Nebraska State Fair works to ensure the never-ending enjoyment of those who attend. It is my hope that the 2024 Nebraska State Fair will offer you countless experiences and opportunities to explore, making this year your favorite yet! From blue ribbons to beef sundaes, there is one underlying theme: Our state is worth celebrating! After exploring your favorites, I encourage you to try something new at the Fair. On the way to competitive exhibits, catch Oscar the Awesome Ostrich making his State Fair debut. Savor honey ice cream, then stop by the new Live Bee Box to peek at pollinators who made it possible. No matter your journey, All Roads Lead to Fun at this year’s Fair… even those that lie off your usual path! Alongside fun, a top priority of the Nebraska State Fair is to consistently work toward improvement. This year, find more free fun in AGtivity Acres with the addition of a jumping pillow. Keep cool with increased shade structures on the grounds and the introduction of misting fans. In total, the Nebraska State Fair has invested over 1 million dollars in capital projects in 2024, keeping the State Fair both enjoyable and safe. With the Grand Island Casino set to open in Spring 2025, our campus is changing and progressing daily. We hope you take a moment to enjoy all the improvements that are happening to both the Nebraska State Fair and Fonner Park! Thank you for choosing to celebrate with us at the 2024 Nebraska State Fair. Our state is something special, and we can’t wait to pave new Roads to Fun alongside our fairgoers!
inside General Information.................................2 Day-by-Day Highlights.............................4 Carnival.................................................. 16 Grounds Attractions...............................20 Parades and Marching Bands................24 Ag Experiences......................................26 Grounds Map.........................................28 4-H Activities..........................................34 FFA Activities.........................................37 Free Activities & Contests......................38 Cooking Demos.....................................38 Nebraska Game & Parks........................40 Nebraska’s Largest Classroom...............41 Food & Vendors.....................................46 NEBRASKA STATE FAIR BOARD EXECUTIVE BOARD Jeff Kliment Chairman, District 2 Valparaiso Boyd Strope Vice Chairman, District 7, O’Neill Lanna Hubbard Treasurer, District 6, Mitchell Tom Schellpeper Secretary, District 3, Stanton DISTRICT MEMBERS (County Agricultural Society Districts) Kevin Jorgensen District 5, St. Paul Alan Kahle District 1, Minden John McKeever District 4, Wymore GOVERNOR APPOINTEES Dawn Caldwell Governor Appointee, Edgar, Past Chair Tom Dinsdale Governor Appointee, Grand Island Brett Lindstrom Governor Appointee, Omaha Beth Smith Governor Appointee, Lincoln EX OFFICIO MEMBERS Kathleen Lodl 4-H, Lincoln Ryan Hassebrook FFA, Raymond
Jeff Kliment Nebraska State Fair Board President
Jaime Parr, CFE Nebraska State Fair Executive Director
FINDING YOUR ROAD TO FUN: GETTING AROUND Locations in this Gatebook coordinate with these sections, as shown on the glossy map in the middle of the book.
P Family Fun Zone This area on the north side of the grounds includes the Nebraska Building and the 4-H/FFA Fieldhouse, along with the Wade Shows Carnival.
P Livestock Block This area on the west side of the grounds includes the Sheep Barn, Five Points Bank Arena, Tom Dinsdale Cattle Barn, Aurora Coop Pavilion and the tie-out area.
P Marketplace This area in the center of the grounds includes the Pinnacle Bank Expo Center, the Heartland Events Center and the outdoor marketplace.
P Grand District This area on the east side of the grounds includes TD Landing - home of the concerts and dirt events, as well as the Pump & Pantry Party Pit, Big Red Barn, Thompson Foods Indoor Arena, US Foods Outdoor Arena and more.
We’ve got an app!
You can schedule your entire day just by clicking so you never miss an event you want to see. The app is updat- ed in real time, so you’ll always know the latest on any changes. Ticket purchases can be made in the app and delivered to your phone instantly. It features the same map as you will find anywhere on the grounds and in this gatebook. If you need help or have a question, the app has the answers. Available now on Google Play and the App Store.
Scan this code for updated schedules and vendors.
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