July 30 , 2007
Dear Fellow Nebraskans:
Summer provides us with a wonderful opportunity for families and communities alike to join together in the celebration of our agricultural achievements, along with having some fun during our local county fairs. Nebraska is fortunate to be home to 93 distinct and exceptional county fairs.
It is important for Nebraskans to support our local county fairs, as well as our local 4-H and FFA participants. Nebraska’s long history of agriculture is something we must foster and continue for future generations. County fairs provide a wonderful outlet to do that.
I personally enjoy visiting county fairs on my travels around the state. Each fair provides a unique chance to showcase agriculture as well as our youth.
These fairs present a great opportunity for our youth to showcase their hard work in the 4-H and FFA programs. Not only are these youth showing livestock, but they are also active in science, technology, communications, leadership and many, many more projects that are helping them prepare for leadership roles in the future.
In Nebraska, there are more than 122,000 youth that participate in the 4-H program. More than 6,500 youth participate in the FFA program. Those numbers don’t take into consideration the countless 4-H leaders, FFA advisors and volunteers who help make these programs outstanding.
Agricultural achievements may be showcased at county fairs, but there are many other fun opportunities awaiting fairgoers. There is a wide variety of entertainment for the whole family – from rodeos to tractor pulls, pie baking contests, carnival rides and musical performances, parades and the ever-popular demolition derbys.
County fairs offer good, clean Nebraska hometown fun. Make sure to take the time this summer to enjoy and support your local community by attending your county fair.
You can find a complete listing of Nebraska county fairs by visiting the Nebraska Association of Fair Managers website at: http://www.nefairs.org/lists.html#fairs.
