Veterans Day at the Nebraska State Fair Honors Service, Sacrifice, American Tradition Special salute on Labor Day includes ceremony, parade, music, military displays, and more
A dramatic display of military helicopters and vehicles will kick off Veterans Day at the Nebraska State Fair on Monday, September 1, as part of a full day of tribute, remembrance, and celebration honoring those who have served. The event caps off the Fair’s 2025 season.
From the rumble of a CH-47 Chinook, to the sleek precision of a UH-60 Blackhawk and UH-72 Lakota, these aircraft will land mid-morning and remain on public display until early afternoon in the West Parking Lot, joined by wheeled military vehicles including a HMMWV with Assault Kitchen trailer and a 915 military semi-truck. Weather and maintenance permitting, helicopters will depart at approximately 2:00 p.m.
This year’s Veterans Day celebration also aligns with a broader salute to America’s 250th anniversary, recognizing the values of freedom and service that make traditions like the Nebraska State Fair possible.
Veterans with ID receive free gate admission on Labor Day, with a full schedule of events designed to honor their service and connect them to community support.
“State Fairs are a beloved part of American life — and we owe that continuity, in part, to the service of our military veterans,” said Karli Schulz, Entertainment and Events Director. “Veterans Day at the Fair allows us to show our appreciation and honor their sacrifices with respect, gratitude, and celebration.”
Veterans Day highlights:
Army National Guard Helicopter and Military Vehicle Display
10 a.m. to 2 p.m., West Parking Lot
Featuring a CH-47 Chinook, UH-60 Blackhawk, UH-72 Lakota, M-ATV and additional wheeled vehicles
Veterans Program
10:30 a.m., Heartland Events Center
Featuring Grand Marshal Major General Craig Strong and the U.S. Army Field Band Six String Soldiers
Veterans Resource Fair 9:30 a.m. to noon, Heartland Events Center
Veterans Art Display All day, Nebraska Building
Quilts of Valor All day, Quilt Room, Expo Building
LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Comfort Dogs All day
Salute to Our Veterans Celebration Parade 1 p.m.
Six String Soldiers – Live Performance 5 p.m., Pump & Pantry Party Pit Stage
“It’s a performance that will reinforce how proud we are to be American — while also delivering a few goosebumps,” said Courtney Glock, Marketing Director for the Nebraska State Fair. “We’re proud to close out the Fair by honoring the veterans and active-duty military who make it all possible.”
The 2025 Nebraska State Fair offers all fairgoers the chance to Showcase Your Fair Face, August 22 through September 1 at Fonner Park in Grand Island. The fair has drawn more than 4 million visitors to its home in Grand Island since 2010. More information about agricultural events and competitions, carnival entertainment, and other musical performances is available at www.StateFair.org.