State Fair officials conclude county fair assistance tour

Most people may think with months, weeks and now mere days left before the Nebraska State Fair that the front office staff would be working sun up to sun down on a long list of tasks. Instead – they’ve been spotted at local county fairs for the second-straight year.

All roads lead to fun at the Nebraska State Fair, and many of those roads lead through a county fair. Jaime Parr, Nebraska State Fair Executive Director, and the fair staff are placing an importance on the road to the State Fair and not just the fair itself by not only attending county fairs, but getting to work.

“We’re touching our roots from where we come from and why we do what we do at the Nebraska State Fair,” Parr said. “It all stems from what we see at these county fairs and festivals along the way.”

Parr and Marketing Director Courtney Glock hit the road on Friday, August 9, for the Eustis Fair and Corn Show. While there, they helped clean up in the cafeteria during lunch time before heading to the cattle barns to offer a helping hand with ultrasounds. 

“We definitely do not put ourselves on a pedestal at the Nebraska State Fair,” Glock said. "We are willing to get out there and get our hands dirty to help these county fairs out.”

In total, Nebraska State Fair leaders have attended more than 20 county fairs in 2024, and it’s a tradition they hope to continue for years to come. With the Nebraska State Fair now right around the corner, it’s their turn to host the state, and they say they hope to be just as hospitable as the county fairs have been to them.

“I can’t wait to say that we’ve had staff at all of the county fairs throughout the state,” Parr added. “It will probably take a couple more years to get there, but we’re working on it.”

With the theme, All Roads Lead to Fun, the 2024 Nebraska State Fair is August 23-September 2 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 statefair.org.

Spencer Schubert's video feature