BROKEN BOW, Neb. – With the demolition derby in the rearview mirror and the Custer County Fair quickly approaching, the Ag Society board met Thursday night for a regular meeting on the fairgrounds. Steve Horn was the lone absence.
The meeting started with recognizing LaVonne McGraw. Mark and Kelly Cardoza presented McGraw with a plaque celebrating 35 years of volunteer service with open class fair entries.
The Cardozas are taking over management of the Open Class Entries this year. Kelly indicated there would be more computerization in the entry process. She also noted an art judge is still needed.
Demolition derby a smashing success
Stephanie Grafel of the Broken Bow Chamber and Board member Desirei Cook
provided preliminary financial results from the Demolition Derby held June 21. Grafel stated that most income and receipts are accounted for, with the Derby netting just over $15,800 to be split between the Chamber and Ag Society.
Board President Brian Palmer indicated everything he had heard regarding the event was positive. Cook stated she was glad to partner with the Chamber and is looking forward to working together again. At the end of the meeting, the Board approved plans to hold another demolition derby next year.
Fair quickly approaching
Several final preparations were discussed for the Custer County Fair, taking place July 25 to August 1.
Nebraska Extension Educator Troy Walz presented a handful of last minute requests, including a pen for a cow with a tendency to escape halters.
Walz discussed with the board provisions for conducting the livestock auction at the end of the Fair, and livestock transportation afterward. Walz also provided an initial number of animals to be presented by area 4-H clubs, stating this year’s numbers are very similar to the last.
Food will be available from a variety of concessionaires all week throughout the
fairgrounds area. The United Methodist Men’s Group was on hand and indicated they
would be able to provide breakfast at least one morning in addition to their other regular service.
Mark Cardoza reported the Outdoor Arena has been fully rehabbed from the recent
Demo Derby. Plumbing and electrical work, as well as general cleanup have also been completed in several areas. The Four-Corners 4-H Club donated $750 toward planned repairs of the restrooms on the east side of the fairgrounds.
Final pre-fair cleanup days were scheduled for the evenings of July 20 and 22, with volunteers and participating clubs encouraged to pitch in.
Dry camping spots added to fairgrounds
Additional dry camping spots will be available this year during fair. The board looked to balance convenience to the animal barns, while deconflicting with livestock trailers in deciding where to place the camping spots.
Campers looking for a dry spot are encouraged to contact the fairgrounds before July 20 to reserve a spot.
Spots for camping with hookups will open Thursday July 24 and Friday July 25. The board is recommending campers closer to the creek arrive on Thursday to help with traffic flow in the campground area.
Events in 2026 discussed
In addition to approving the return of a demolition derby in 2026 (which included discussion on a possible calcutta, more classes, a longer derby, and later start time) the board floated the idea of events including mud drags, a barbeque competition, and an antique tractor and engine show.
The fairgrounds will continue to host the DC Lynch Carnival until July 13, and the Berean Bible Church will be holding a “Kidz Zone” celebration July 27 to 30.
A date for next year’s Winter Ball will be chosen at the next meeting.
The next Custer County Ag Society meeting is August 14 at 7 PM.
