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Nebraska State Fair Board

General Information
  • Formal Name:
    Nebraska State Fair Board
  • Contact Person:
    Joseph McDermott, Executive Director, P O Box 1387, Grand Island, NE 68802, (308) 382-1620
  • Purpose:
    The Nebraska State Fair is held annually for the exhibition and dissemination of agricultural, horticultural, industrial, mechanical and other products and innovations and for the exhibitions in the arts, skilled crafts, and sciences and is a beneficial cultural and educational event for the state and its citizens.
  • How Many Affectable:
    NA
  • How Many Served:
    352,000+
  • Year Created:
    1868
  • Year Active:
    148
  • Sunset Date:
    NA
Authorization
  • Authorization Citation:
    Nebraska Revised Statute 2-101
  • Parent Agency:
    Legislature
Memberships and Meetings
  • Number Of Members:
    13
  • Who Appoints:
    Governor appoints 4
  • Legislative Approval:
    Yes
  • Qualifications Of Members:
    Four members are appointed by the Governor; one from each congressional district and one from the host city of the State Fair. Seven are elected by county fair districts; one represents 4H and one represents FFA.
  • Per Diem:
    $50
  • Expense Reimbursement:
    $0
  • Term Length:
    Three years, nine years max.
  • Terms Rotate or Expire At Once:
    Terms Rotate
Meetings Required In:
  • Required FY 13-14:
    12
  • Held FY 13-14:
    12
  • Required FY 14-15:
    12
  • Held FY 14-15:
    12
  • Required FY 15-16:
    12
  • Held FY 15-16:
    12
Operations
  • Support Staff:
    Eleven
  • Shared or Separate:
    Separate
  • FY 13-14 Budget:
    $500,000
  • FY 14-15 Budget:
    $520,000
  • FY 15-16 Budget:
    $560,000
  • Other Funding Sources:
    State Fair revenues and Nebraska Lottery proceeds
  • Spending Authority:
    The Nebraska State Fair uses funds generated from the Fair's operations and Nebraska Lottery proceeds to provide programming and for the promotion of the largest celebration in Nebraska.
Accomplishments
  • Since July 1, 2012:
    Since the Nebraska State Fair moved to Grand Island, the Fair has seen an increase in attendance from 309,000 in 2010 to 352,000 in 2015. In 2016, we will celebrate our 2,000,000 visitor! Each year we take surveys and the Fair annually receives customer satisfaction ratings in excess of 80%, some of the highest marks in the fair industry. In 2014, we built the Nebraska Building and opened the Raising Nebraska exhibit in cooperation with the University of Nebraska, Nebraska Department of Agriculture and the various commodity groups. We also welcomed Nebraska Game & Parks back to the Fair after a five year hiatus. In 2016, the Nebraska State Fair 1868 Foundation has raised $750,000 through private sources to construct a new outdoor equine arena. To date approximately $50 million dollars has been put in to the Fonner Park campus to serve the needs of the Nebraska State Fair. We continue to grow our business partnerships, vendors, exhibitors and our volunteer program has been recognized nationally. We look to the future with excitement as we continue to build an event for all Nebraskans.