so the ARPA funds certainly have been helpful.” Along with underground drainage improvements, parking lot upgrades, seating areas, and landscaping have further transformed the campus, improving accessibility and the guest experience. LOOKING AHEAD As the fair prepares for its 157th edition in 2026, the focus remains on growth and collaboration. “In partnership with our landlord, we look forward to continuing to grow the Nebraska State Fair as it works for the Fonner Park campus,” Parr affirms. Plans include potential improvements to small animal housing and equine facilities, guided by a shared master plan with Fonner Park. Kotulak notes,“We appreciate their interest in trying to develop their fair to the best they can. And if it can work in sync with Fonner Park’s needs, then that we hold at the campus are big money for our community,” Johnson asserts. INVESTING FOR THE LONG TERM Maintaining and improving a campus of this scale is a shared responsibility. Kotulak notes that while Fonner Park serves as landlord, Nebraska State Fair plays a major role in reinvestment. “Many improvements that you’ve seen have been the result of this Nebraska State Fair initiative,” he says. Thanks to $20 million in federal ARPA funding, a major investment was made in storm water mitigation. “Grand Island is very flat, and the water table is very high. When it rained, people would have trouble going from our outdoor venues up into those new facilities that we’re so proud of,” Parr details. “It’s hard to fundraise for piping that’s underground, 113 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 13, ISSUE 01 NEBRASKA STATE FAIR & FONNER PARK
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