1868 Foundation secures $100,000 visitor fund commitment; marketing team previews 2026 theme

The Nebraska State Fair's charitable arm and marketing team provided fundraising and promotional updates at the Nov. 21 board meeting.

Lindsey Koepke, executive director of the 1868 Foundation, said the Foundation secured a $100,000 commitment from a visitor improvement fund designated for the 2026 Aksarben Stock Show (AKSS). Koepke acknowledged memorial gifts and recent donations ($2,000 in memorials and an additional $10,000 from the Wehrbein family, plus gifts of $15,000 and $25,000) that will support Foundation efforts. She also noted the Foundation was the governor's nonprofit choice at a recent Nebraska vs. Michigan volleyball game and that staff are pursuing partnerships to host large community events at the State Fair.

Marketing Director Courtney Glock described the 2026 theme 'It All Happens Here', framed the team's plan for flash and subscriber sales (including a Black Friday promotion and a December follow-up), and said the staff aim to finalize the 2026 concert lineup by Christmas. Events staff reported new contests under development for 2026 and that motorsports and other entertainment options are being explored through 2027.

Parr added that roughly 30–35% of the Fair's budget is funded by lottery receipts and said LB60, a bill referenced at the meeting, could affect lottery revenue streams by permitting vending‑machine sales of tickets. Board members celebrated several IAFE awards the Fair won this year but took no formal votes on fundraising or marketing strategy at the Nov. 21 meeting.