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State Fair board hears FFA and 4-H reports as exhibits rise; routine committee reports recorded
Summary
FFA reported livestock exhibits up 185 and static exhibits up 200; 4-H leaders thanked staff for a strong first weekend. Most committee slots reported no items. The board approved the consent agenda and adjourned.
Grand Island, Neb. — During its Aug. 26 meeting, the Nebraska State Fair Board received routine committee reports and summaries from youth organizations showing higher participation this year. Ryan Hassebrook presented the FFA report, saying livestock exhibits were up by 185 and static exhibits were up by 200. Kathleen Lodl delivered the 4-H report, thanked staff and volunteers for support and called out a strong first weekend of the fair.
Several committee report slots (events, facilities, agriculture, finance) were listed on the agenda but recorded as having "no report." Executive Director Jaime Parr highlighted the 1868 Foundation's fundraising efforts and reminded the board to note ideas for the 2026 State Fair. Parr also discussed cart etiquette and said attendance, revenue and ticket-sale figures were reviewed in summary during the meeting; the minutes do not provide new itemized figures.
Why it matters: rising exhibit counts from FFA and active 4-H participation are a sign of engagement from youth programs that underpin fair programming and attendance projections. The board's awareness of those counts helps inform planning for facilities, staffing and scheduling for future fairs.
The meeting minutes record approval of the consent agenda (motion by Tom Dinsdale; second by Beth Smith) and an adjournment motion (moved by Kevin Havlovic; second by Tom Dinsdale). Minutes were approved and signed by Secretary John McKeever on Sept. 1, 2025.
