Nebraska State Fair Board approves consent agenda, hears safety and event updates

The Nebraska State Fair Board on Aug. 23, 2024, in Grand Island approved its consent agenda and financial report and heard staff updates about safety preparations and event scheduling ahead of the fair.

Chair Jeff Kliment announced the meeting had been properly advertised and identified the posting location for the Open Meetings Act. Vice Chair Boyd Strope moved to approve the consent agenda, which included the regular meeting minutes of July 19, 2024; Treasurer Lanna Hubbard seconded and the motion passed unanimously on a roll-call vote.

Joe Stump of AMGL presented the financial report for July 19, 2024. Board member Dawn Caldwell moved to approve the report; Beth Smith seconded and the motion passed on a roll-call vote.

Executive Director Jaime Parr reviewed preparations for the fair’s opening and operations, noting the Gate Book (86,000 copies printed), a daily gate sheet for staff, a pocket guide and flip book on the fair website, and a mobile app. Parr said most staff have completed some form of CPR training (either full or sidewalk CPR), EMS personnel would be on site with some on standby for ticketed events, and a condensed Emergency Action Plan and daily weather reports would be used during the event. Parr also said a ticket sales report was shared with the board but did not provide specific sales numbers.

Kourtney Lingeman explained Board Member Choice Ribbons. Marketing Director Courtney Glock announced a group photo and discussed media interview requests. Terry Galloway of the 1868 Foundation told the board the Blue Ribbon Kickoff was scheduled for 6:00 p.m. and that the Corn Dogs & Cocktails event had been moved to Wednesday at 6:00 p.m.

Secretary Tom Schellpeper moved to adjourn; Vice Chair Boyd Strope seconded and the board voted to adjourn. The meeting minutes were later approved on Aug. 27, 2024.

The board listed no committee or staff department reports at the meeting.