GRAND ISLAND–The 2020 Nebraska State Fair is underway and continues through Monday, September 7 at Grand Island’s Fonner Park. Due to COVID-19, the fair looks a little different than normal but still highlights 4-H and FFA livestock competitions, contests, presentations, and static exhibits.
Agriculture, education, and family fun have always been staples of the Nebraska State Fair since 1868. It has been a tough year for many Nebraskans amid the coronavirus and as a way to further encourage communities to come together to enjoy Nebraska’s history and culture, gate admission is FREE this year according to Beth Smith, board chair for Nebraska State Fair. (Click here for the June 30 press release.)
“All events and activities will follow the most up-to-date directive health measures,” said Beth Smith, board chair for Nebraska State Fair. “We hold the youth and families involved in 4-H and FFA near and dear to us. 4-H and FFA youth have been hard at work for months preparing their exhibits and livestock, and this gives them the opportunity to showcase those efforts.”
The public can visit Grand Island to support Nebraska youth in 4-H and FFA livestock activities such as beef, goat, sheep and swine among others as well as equine events including the quarter horse show, mounted shooting, and cutting.
The open class beef show took place on Thursday and other events going on throughout the fair include the Antique Tractor Display, Remembering the Fallen Exhibit, Hero Flight Memorial, Nebraska State Patrol Vehicle Display, Sand Sculpture, Nebraska Game and Parks activities, the Raising Nebraska interactive space dedicated to the food and the families that grow it, and the Veterans Program on Monday at 10 a.m.
While large concert events have been canceled, other church events and nightly live music will still take place (all events subject to change).
And who could forget about enjoying your fair food favorites–kettle corn, corn dogs, cotton candy, lemonade, fried pickles, funnel cakes, shaved ice, and BBQ!
Speaking of food, patrons are asked to please bring a canned food item to donate to the HyVee Harvest for Hunger Food Drive. Canned goods can be placed into one of the HyVee shopping carts at the Fair entrances August 28 – September 7, 2020. All donations will be split between the Salvation Army Food Pantry, St. Mary’s Food Pantry, Blessed Sacrament Food Pantry, and Spirit of Life Food Pantry.
