Nebraska State Fair celebrates a milestone

Dear Fellow Nebraskans:

Final preparations are underway for the 2009 Nebraska State Fair, which starts Friday, Aug. 28 and runs through the Labor Day holiday in Lincoln. This year's State Fair represents a turning point for an institution that predates Nebraska's statehood. The 2009 State Fair will be memorable as the last to be held in our capital city.

Work is already taking place to prepare the grounds of Grand Island's Fonner Park to become the new home of the Nebraska State Fair. In 2010, the Nebraska State Fair will open in central Nebraska on fairgrounds with new buildings and expanded event space. In July, I attended a groundbreaking for the new buildings that will become permanent fixtures in Grand Island and play host each summer to fairgoers, exhibitors and livestock that are all part of the State Fair experience.

While construction on the new fairgrounds takes place over the next year, organizers are focusing on making Lincoln's last State Fair a great event for those attending during its 11-day run.

In addition to concerts and performances, midway rides, games and food vendors, the Nebraska State Fair celebrates the business and educational accomplishments of major industries in the state. Exhibitors come to the fair to showcase the latest farm equipment, new technologies and products, as well as historic collections including model trains and quilts.

The fair will play host to annual favorites. The Nebraska Farm Bureau will recognize the work of agriculture producers by sponsoring the 'Ag Family of the Day' contest.

On Thursday, Sept. 3 the fairgrounds becomes Nebraska's Largest Classroom, by hosting a self-guided field trip that provides 2,500 students and teachers from more than 80 public, private, and home schools the opportunity to learn about Nebraska as they tour hundreds of exhibits, entertainment venues at the State Fair. Labor Day weekend begins with the annual Veterans Day event on Friday, Sept. 4 with all military personnel receiving free admission to the State Fair.

The passage of LB 1116 in 2008 created a historic opportunity for two important Nebraska institutions. A new location for the Nebraska State Fair will result in a revitalized and modernized State Fair. I know the Grand Island community is excited to have been entrusted with the legacy of the Nebraska State Fair and I am confident it will thrive in central Nebraska.

For the University of Nebraska, the new location provides an opportunity to develop the 250 acres of fairground space adjacent to the University of Nebraska- Lincoln campus into a research park involving private investment. The vision for the new Innovation Campus has the potential to create new jobs and economic growth for our state.

As we prepare to open the final Nebraska State Fair in Lincoln, I hope we have more fairgoers than ever before. Everyone involved with the State Fair is working hard to ensure this celebration is a memorable one. I hope to see you at the State Fair.