Ag Appreciation Barbecue Helps Kick Off Gage County Fair and Expo

BEATRICE – The 2019 Gage County Fair and Expo kicks off with its first full day on Wednesday, helped by a big barbecue crowd Tuesday night at the Main Livestock Barn.
The Ag Appreciation Barbecue is an annual effort by the Beatrice Area Chamber of Commerce Agriculture Committee, in cooperation with the fair board and Southeast Community College.

Chamber President Angie Bruna says about 26-hundred tickets were handed out for the barbecue this year, which got a break with much cooler temperatures early Tuesday night, down from the blistering temps from last week.
Bruna said the favorable weather was expected to help beat last year’s attendance of about 21-hundred, at the Ag Appreciation Barbecue.

Those attending the barbecue could have dinner on-site, or take-out. There was also a car show on the fairgrounds as part of the Tuesday night activities.
The Gage County Fair will run Wednesday through Sunday, with grandstand entertainment at the Beatrice Speedway, nightly. The fair features Four-H and FFA livestock competitions, numerous exhibits, a carnival and concessions.