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Nebraska State Fair Board approves consent agenda, financials and awards grounds PA contract as it finalizes 2024 fair plans
Summary
At its July 19 meeting in Grand Island, the Nebraska State Fair Board approved the consent agenda and financial report, awarded phase 1 of a grounds PA contract to Hop Sound, and reviewed event, marketing and ARPA project updates ahead of the 2024 State Fair.
The Nebraska State Fair Board on July 19 approved routine meeting minutes and the June financial report, awarded a grounds public-address contract for phase 1 and heard staff updates on concerts, vendor registrations and ARPA capital projects as it prepared for the 2024 State Fair.
Vice Chair Boyd Strope moved to approve the consent agenda, which included the June 21, 2024 minutes; Beth Smith seconded and the motion passed unanimously on a roll call vote. Later, Tom Dinsdale moved to approve the financial report for June 21, 2024; Boyd Strope seconded and the board approved that motion by roll call vote.
Events and operations staff reported ticket-sales progress and vendor logistics: registrations for grounds entertainment are open through Aug. 9, the semi-final Fairest Showdown Battle of the Bands is July 26, and staff said concert refund windows for two shows have closed. Karli Schulz said audio/video capital improvements are underway and that phase 1 of the grounds PA system procurement was awarded to Hop Sound of McPherson, Kansas.
Sales Director Keaton Irwin reported 26 new vendors on the grounds, an 8.76% cancellation rate and five additional Ag Marketplace spaces added. Marketing director Courtney Glock described new signage—highlighting handwashing and safety messaging tied to H5N1 planning—vehicle-wrap–matching main-gate graphics and the launch of Bobbie’s Bargain Book. The 1868 Foundation outlined donor events and fundraising activities tied to concerts and specialty receptions.
Executive Director Jaime Parr updated the board on ARPA projects: ARPA 1 physical work is mostly complete and ARPA 2 is entering an RFP phase for Main Street and Cowboy Way. The board noted schedules for Opening Day, mid-week events and Labor Day activities. Boyd Strope moved to adjourn; Dawn Caldwell seconded and all voted in favor.
The board did not take any new legislative actions at the meeting. Staff will continue pre-fair operations and report back on ARPA procurement, vendor registration and any changes to livestock-health protocols if state veterinarians advise further measures.
