hands-on learning from the University of Nebraska. “You can do a simulator of driving a combine. You can see from farm to fork. You can see elevational changes across our state by a large map, where you can stand on your county and learn something about it,” she continues. Entertainment complements this education, with rodeos, tractor pulls, demolition derbies, and national concerts held both indoors and outdoors. “We also create a delicate balance between traditional and new items in our shopping and our food experiences during the State Fair,” Parr adds, noting that food and shopping consistently rank among the top reasons people attend. The success of the Nebraska State Fair would not be possible without its volunteer program. “When the fair arrived in Grand Island, we had people showing up at our office space and calling, because they wanted to be a part of it,” Parr recalls. Today, more than 800 volunteers contribute over 16,000 hours annually. “They provide a lot of customer service and guest experience benefits to our event each year,” Parr says. “They’re greeting our guests, they’re working our information kiosk, and providing their recommendations and suggestions of what people should not miss during their visit to the fair.” ECONOMIC IMPACT The impact of the Nebraska State Fair extends well beyond its 11-day run. A recent Johnson Consulting study highlights the Fair’s substantial fiscal contributions, noting that both the annual event and the State Fair’s year-round business operations generate millions of dollars in economic benefits for the community each year. Additionally, “the opportunities available because of the Nebraska State Fair in Grand Island are significant,” Johnson imparts. Additional events hosted through the Grand Island Livestock Complex Authority (GILCA) bring substantial benefits. In 2024, a junior national Hereford show generated more than $3 million in total impact, while a national Australian Shepherd event produced $2.4 million in spending.“The events milking dairy cattle multiple times each day, with commentary and Q&A sessions. We also get to do entertainment in the form of dirt events, rodeos, and bull fighting.” In addition, the Raising Nebraska exhibit brings 112 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 13, ISSUE 01
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