Nebraska State Fair preparing for 10th year in Grand Island, 150th year overall

GRAND ISLAND - It’s been 10 years since the Nebraska State Fair moved from Lincoln to Grand Island’s 220-acre Fonner Park.

While the complex still feels new, there’ll be a historic feel at the fair this year. Officials are celebrating its 150th anniversary.

"We're also excited about the 10th year in Grand Island celebrations," said Lori Cox, the fair's executive director. "We have a number of contests, and other special celebrations. Birthday cake, fireworks, all of those things that go along with a big bash."

Cox is in her second year as the fair’s executive director. She served as marketing director for the Montana State Fair previously for two years. She’s appreciated both experiences, but says there’s something about Nebraska’s fair that stands out.

"You just don't pick up a state fair and move it," she said. "$42 million worth of buildings moving. It's something that you just don't do. We've got several other state fairs across the country that have made that attempt. Some have failed, some are hanging in there, but none have made it successful like the Nebraska State Fair has."

The fair runs from Friday, Aug. 23 through Monday, Sept. 2. It’ll feature 12 musical acts in 11 days. Cox says there’ll be three mini concert series - hot country, red dirt and rock. Fans can purchase ticket bundles for $79 to see three shows.

Musical acts include Trace Adkins, Little Big Town, Brett Eldredge, Theory of a Deadman and several more.

Nearly 315,000 people, 314, 805 to be exact, attended the fair last year. Cox estimates exhibitors will be showing over 12,000 animals.

Full details and scheduling can be found at StateFair.org.