Here’s a LOOK at the Nebraska State Fair!
I love the Nebraska State Fair and have especially enjoyed it since it moved to Grand Island. Like many Nebraskans, I have great memories of the State Fair at its former location in Lincoln, but the new buildings and more pedestrian-friendly layout are a winner.
My first trip to the Nebraska State Fair was back in the late 60’s when I lived in Sidney, Nebraska. I was a member of the Eager Hands 4-H Club, and we took the annual 4-H Song Contest very seriously. This was the pre-Title IX era, and as a 7th grader, sports weren’t in the picture, but practicing daily for the Song Contest was!
We won the purple at the Cheyenne County Fair in Sidney, and it was off to Lincoln. We were housed in a dorm on East Campus and got to perform at the outdoor pavilion at the State Fair. We sang a patriotic medley, and the only one I remember is “This Land Is Your Land”. Not sure if we even placed, but the whole experience was awesome, to say the least.
This week, Lowell and I ventured out on a hot Thursday morning to do the fair. I loved that it wasn’t very busy on Thursday and we didn’t have to fight any long lines or crowds. It was the first time I had been able to actually eat at the Nebraska Cattlemen’s Beef Pit. Boy Howdy! We had the most tender prime rib sandwich inside their very air-conditioned room.
My most favorite exhibit is the quilts. I love taking my time and meandering through the long lines of exquisite and unique quilts. It wasn’t a surprise to see many patriotic quilts commemorating the 250th celebration. But I’m always amazed at the minute details, stitching, and color coordinating on display from such creative quilt makers across the state.
The Expo Center is so much fun, and I usually come home with a new gadget after watching a demonstration. Last year it was an innovative squeegee window washer set, but this year I managed to escape without a purchase. It was fun to see Stacy & Corey Dick at her Stacy Lynn’s Baking Company booth selling lots of her infamous rolls. And of course, there were plenty of Squishies to buy!!!
The 4-H Building is amazing and a testament to the creativity and innovative spirit of Nebraska’s 4-H programs. While I was there, I heard a dulcimer group performing! I spotted a few local 4-H kids from Henderson with ribbons on their baked goods. Their projects have become so advanced, and I enjoyed the unique furniture, like the Radio Flyer wagon turned into a table!
Everything is BIG at the State Fair! This pumpkin weighed in at 644 pounds, and I loved these giant overalls!
Although I don’t know much about showing cattle, it’s still fun to stop by the show barn, watch the kids do their thing, and listen to the judge explain what he was looking for. A bit smelly.
This year we hopped on the tram, and I was very impressed with the volunteer on board who directed us to another air-conditioned building near the Heartland Event Center with more stuff to buy! We found the Danish Bakery from Dannebrog and picked up a few goodies! As always, a variety of Fair Food & Drinks was plentiful.
If you didn’t have a chance to make it to this year’s State Fair, don’t miss it next year–it’s a Doozy!
