The Custer County Ag Society approved plans for the 2026 tractor pull when it met in regular session Thursday evening, May 14, while also discussing fairground infrastructure improvements and upcoming summer events. Fair Board President Brian Palmer called the meeting to order at the Shooting Sports Building on the Custer County Fairgrounds at 7:00 PM. All members of the Fair Board were present for the meeting.
Quick Committee Session Covered Finances, Past Events
There was little discussion regarding the Ag Society finances, with the bills paid and financial report unanimously approved by the board shortly after the start of the meeting.
Likewise, most committees reported little activity since the last regular session of the Ag Society.
General Manager Clay Hayes noted spring clean-up and weed spraying around the grounds is continuing. Many board members commended Hayes on his progress so far, noting that the fairgrounds were in good shape coming into to the summer activities season.
The Events Committee reported strong attendance at this year’s barbecue competition, with more than 200 people attending. According to Board Member Mark Cardoza, the event generated approximately $7,696 in revenue against $3,754.58 in expenses, resulting in a net profit of about $3,941. Next year’s Beat the Heat BBQ Challenge is set for April 24, 2027.
The Arena Committee also reported positive feedback from recent barrel racing events and said a grant application has been submitted for new arena equipment, including roping boxes and chutes.
The board also discussed updating its bylaws and forming a committee to review existing policies, financial procedures and board authority limits. Members said they intend to work with legal counsel or the county attorney’s office to ensure updated language properly protects the organization.
Fair Preparation Well Under Way
Nebraska Extension Educator Troy Walz was on hand to discuss preparations for the fair in late July. Walz handed out the 2026 Fair Premium book to the board members. Those looking to participate in Open Class entries at the fair should look for premium book updates to be posted on the Ag Society Facebook page in the next few days.
Elks representative Gary Wright attended the meeting to discuss the annual teen dance held during fair week. Wright said attendance was strong last year and enough money was raised to fund three scholarships. The organization plans to host the dance again Wednesday, July 29, during the 2026 fair. The board was glad to bring the event back, with Palmer noting it is “a staple event of the fair” every year.
Board members approved holding the tractor pull July 25 at 7:30 PM following the Fair Parade in downtown Broken Bow. In approving the event, the board discussed scheduling, arena preparation and cleanup before livestock events begin during fair week.
July 6 at 7:00 PM was set as the opening date for camper site reservations for the upcoming fair season. Members discussed updating the online reservation map and improving electrical pedestal infrastructure before reservations go live.
Ice Machine Will Require Extra Work, Demo Derby Now on the Books
Hayes and Board Member Andy Gibbons reported decaying water lines on the south east side of the fairgrounds is going to impact the planned installation of a commercial ice machine available to fairgrounds users.
With work to replace the waterline from the shut-off to the planned site of the ice maker running in the neighborhood of $4,000, some board members were skeptical of the value to be returned by going through with the project. However, Hayes contacted prospective ice dealer Logan Girardin during the meeting, who verbally agreed to foot part of the bill for the waterline. With that agreement in place, and consideration of other uses of the hydrant in that area, the Board approved the new water line, to be installed as quickly as possible.
June 13 will bring the return of the Demolition Derby to the Custer County Fairgrounds. A joint venture of the Ag Society and the Broken Bow Chamber of Commerce, sign-in for participants is expected to start at 3:00 PM that afternoon. Gates will open at 5:30, with the event kicking off at 7:00 PM. A concert by the Kyle Sayler Band will conclude the day’s activities. The Chamber and Ag Society are still accepting additional sponsors for the event – contact any Chamber or Fair Board member to help support this exciting community event.
With no additional business to attend to, the Custer County Ag Society adjourned at 8:00 PM. The next meeting of the Fair Board will be Thursday, June 11 at 7:00 PM at the Shooting Sports Building on the Custer County Fairgrounds in Broken Bow.
