GRAND ISLAND, Neb. - - A major heat wave hasn't stopped the Nebraska State Fair from drawing more than 100-thousand visitors so far.
 
Fair officials say more than 129,000 people visited for the first five days, which represents a 7.5% drop from 2023. The total is up 12% from 2022.
 
Nebraska State Fair Executive Director Jaime Parr says they have seen people from all over the state.
 
“There is no denying August heat played a factor in our attendance during opening weekend, but it didn’t stop our loyal fair fans from enjoying everything the State Fair has to offer this year,” said Parr. 
 
Officials say opening day attendance was up 12% over 2023 but it felt 16% from Saturday through Monday when the heat peaked. On Tuesday it was back up nearly 11% more than last year.
 
The Nebraska State Fair team has taken extra steps to ensure plenty of new shaded areas, cooling stations and hydration points throughout the grounds. The fair runs through September 2.
 
The fair has drawn more than 4 million visitors to its home in Grand Island since 2010.