Now
Overcast
75.0°
High
86°
Low
68°
Full Forecast

Coupon

Jobs

Cars

Homes

Rentals

Alerts

Subscribe
Home > News > Local
Bookmark Us   •   Make Us Your Homepage

Kearney seeks to lure fair away from Lincoln

Comments 73 comment(s)  
E-mail Story E-mail Story
Print Story Print Story
Share  Share
Text Size: 
Tools Sponsor

By JOE DUGGAN / Lincoln Journal Star

Wednesday, Sep 05, 2007 - 11:34:55 pm CDT

When the Nebraska State Fair fell on hard times a few years ago, moving the event out of Lincoln surfaced as a possible solution.

Now that the fair recorded its fourth straight year of higher attendance in the Capital City, the relocation pitches are rolling in again.

The Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce sent a letter Friday expressing interest in becoming the new home for the fair. Meanwhile, a  member of the Sarpy County Board of Commissioners has declared his county the perfect spot between the state’s two largest cities.

Story Photo
Nebraska State Fair visitors swing high next to the rollercoaster on Aug. 26. (Gwyneth Roberts)

Related Media

Kearney's letter to state fair director

The Kearney Chamber of Commerce's request to State Fair director Barney Cosner, asking to become the new home of the fair....

Comments: 0
Rated:

While the attention is nice, any talk of moving the fair is premature, said Barney Cosner, executive director of the State Fair.

“We’re happy here,” he said. “We’ve been here since 1901 and I’m going to still say … the Nebraska State Fair is going to be at State Fair Park in 2008 and beyond.”

Roger Jasnoch would like to see a new State Fair Park about 135 miles west of Lincoln. In his three-paragraph letter, the president of the Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce said his city is poised to be the fair’s permanent home.

“Our central location provides a convenient venue for all Nebraskans to attend this annual event,” he said.

Jasnoch decided to send the letter after University of Nebraska Chancellor Harvey Perlman said last week that the fair should be moved to make way for a public-private sector research corridor that would link the university’s city and east campuses. A possible location for the fair at Kearney would be near a proposed Interstate 80 exit at the Archway Monument.

While Jasnoch doesn’t expect the State Fair’s board to jump on his proposal, he wanted to let them know the city of 27,000 residents, 1,500 motel rooms and 50 restaurants is very much interested.

“We want to be at the table if it comes to that,” he said.

The pitch to move the fair to Sarpy County didn’t even come with a letter. Instead, Rich Jansen, a county commissioner and farmer near Gretna, said he simply wanted to throw his county’s hat into the ring before it got too crowded.

Jansen, who also is president of the Sarpy County fair board, said he’s thinking a State Fair somewhere near the Gretna I-80 exit would draw strong crowds from Lincoln, Omaha and Fremont.

“I think it would be a great idea,” he said.

Most State Fair board members, however, think the event should stay put. Even board member Steve Rogers, who lives between Gibbon and Kearney, said he supports keeping the fair at its historic location.

Moving the fair likely would cost tens of millions of dollars and the board is not willing to take on debt, said Jerry Fitzgerald of Gering, the board’s chairman.

“We have said from the beginning we are not going to strap the taxpayers of Nebraska with the funds it would take to move it,” Fitzgerald said Wednesday.

The idea of moving the event from State Fair Park came up last year when a group of Lincoln leaders called the 2015 Vision Group suggested relocating it to the Lancaster Event Center.

Their suggestion got the Legislature involved, which ordered a study of the issue. The study, due on Nov. 15, will determine what it would cost to build an ideal state fairgrounds and what it would cost to bring State Fair Park as close to the ideal as possible, Cosner said.

Jeff Maul, executive director of the Lincoln Convention and Visitors Bureau, said ultimately the Legislature will decide whether the fair stays in Lincoln or moves. He said he’s confident Lincoln will prove to be the best home for the fair.

A 2003 study estimated the fair’s statewide economic impact at nearly $28 million. Maul, however, said he’s never seen a study that estimates how much the fair generates in lodging revenue for Lincoln.

Reach Joe Duggan at 473-7239 or jduggan@journalstar.com.


$1 Sunday Delivery - Subscribe Today!
Local > Back to Top of Story

Post Your Comment

Standards and Rules
All posts to JournalStar.com are subject to our Terms and Standards.
Your posted comment will appear after it has been approved.
Frequently asked questions about story commenting.
(optional)
   
Hide Comments Hide Comments   Newest First Newest First  
Move it, move it, move it... wrote on September 5, 2007 7:24 pm:
" ...I'm all for it. Let UNL use the land 365 days a year and create something better than what it's used for now. Besides, our fabulous County Commissioners already have a spot to satisfy our manure-mania. "
Yo Taxpayers!!! wrote on September 5, 2007 7:54 pm:
" Mark this quote down on your calendar!!!!!!!! “We have said from the beginning we are not going to strap the taxpayers of Nebraska with the funds it would take to move it,” Fitzgerald said Wednesday. If Pearlman isn't forced out he will get his way and we'll have to pay for it. PERIOD But then again it seems that Buffalo, Hall and Platte counties have a heck of a lot better concerts at their ole County Fairs than the State Fair does. Man....I don't know what to do with the fair honestly, but I do know what to do with Pearlman. "
Take it away, go, leave, vamoose wrote on September 5, 2007 8:27 pm:
" Move the fair to Kearney! What a great idea!!! It's in the "tri-city" area & they have more than enough room & places to stay already. I'd gladly pay for the fair to move there. The fair in Lincoln isn't bad but it's looking a little bit (ok a lot) tired. Maybe a move will rejuvenate it. Let UNL have the land & let them take over like they do everything else. The Husker football players want the fair moved to Kearney (how's that for the ultimate argument!). "
Perfect wrote on September 5, 2007 8:50 pm:
" This would be the best idea for all. Western Nebraskans would love it, Omahans...well, they couldn't care less, and UNL would get what they want. Perhaps a high-tech research coridor would finally push Lincoln into some great employment news, and give us a little class. Harvey P., you're doing a fine job. Let's hope you can get this idea rolling!! "
whatever wrote on September 5, 2007 8:51 pm:
" Read between the lines, actually it's not really between the lines. If UNL wants the land the State Fair Board occupies prepare for a protracted legal and political battle that will likely take a decade or more to resolve. The State Fair Board has made it clear they prefer to stay in Lincoln. There seems to be an illusion out there that what UNL wants it gets, sorry folks it don't work that way, not at all. UNL, more specifically Lincoln has a lot of enemies out there and you can thank your senators from the Lincoln area for that. By the way, Lincoln and Lancaster County only represent about 15 percent of the states population. The days of Lincoln's influence in politics and policy are waning. "
Move it wrote on September 5, 2007 8:56 pm:
" Lincoln, do you understand that giving the fairgrounds to the university for a research campus will have a greater impact on the economy than 10 years worth of fairs? Let the fair move to Kearney! "
Jeff wrote on September 5, 2007 9:22 pm:
" Any move will cost taxpayers. You might get the local county to kick in a fair amount - since they seem to understand that it does have economic value (unlike the majority of people in Lincoln). But you Lincolnites will get to bellyache about tax dollars even if if moves to Kearney. I live by Lincoln, and therefore would like to see it stay here - but I would also like to see it go where people will appreciate it and help it flourish. Lincoln doesn't seem to be that place. "
Just move it. Please? wrote on September 5, 2007 9:28 pm:
" We need more parking for the football season and what better way to get rid of the fair and convert those buildings into more parking lots. "
URGH wrote on September 5, 2007 9:52 pm:
" What about the rest of the supposed "Great State of Nebraska"? Do we not count? Do you realize at this point that is less than 1/3 of the State? Does this state exist past Lincoln? YES!! Some of us drive over 7 hours at this point to participate -- the fact that you mention Lincoln and Omaha and Fremont means that no one else exists, but you sure don't hesitate to use our tax money!!! What a JERK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Maybe we should end the state at Lincoln and then see what you have for tax dollars. "
Good Golly wrote on September 5, 2007 9:55 pm:
" Whatever hit it on the nail head. But for those Stinkinightes to realise will take years. You all need to realise that the fair grounds there now will not need $$$$$ to replace the millions after this so called 100 yr flood with their new offices. The buildings there now are in no need of worry due to the fact that the lower ones are barnes and the tin won't be effected. On the other hand you not seeing what the other places that want the fair are thinking. AGAIN!!! If it moves the motels, hotels, resturants, gas stations and now for the BIG ONE>>>>>>THEIR COUNTY TAXES will be lots less because they know how to distribute the monies in the county/city. One thing that Lincoln/Lancaster has no clue of. Man look at Butler County with their new jail. Paid for. Seward.....bout ready to go forward and it will be paid for. Lincoln????? No smoking and now a possibility wit out a fair to ballance the monies.....LOLOLOLjust keep buying them houses so I can see the foreclosers. HAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA. You all deserve the big "L" on the forehead. "
Perfect Idea wrote on September 5, 2007 10:01 pm:
" The fair caters to rural interests, so moving it closer to those interested makes perfect sense. At the same time, UNL could annex the land and get their research center. It would create jobs, tax revenue - everyone is happy! "
Dan wrote on September 5, 2007 10:22 pm:
" I think Kearney would be a great place to have the fair. It is in the middle of the state and it would be great. "
Hmmm.... wrote on September 5, 2007 10:30 pm:
" If the fair moves from Lincoln I will never attend it again and I have been going for 20+ years. I live in lincoln and besides you westeners not knowing how to drive in Lincoln I really enjoy the fair being here. I'd much rather have the fair crowd here over the game day idiots any day they are much much much more friendly "
To: URGH wrote on September 5, 2007 10:32 pm:
" I'm not trying to be mean here because I get your point, but the reality is that Douglas, Sarpy and Lancaster counties make up over 1/2 the population of Nebraska, and the tax revenue they generate covers over 2/3 of the revenue for the state. That's why what they say goes a lot of the time. It's all that pesky "Majority Rules" and "democracy" stuff. "
JrB wrote on September 5, 2007 11:07 pm:
" Why not have UNL pay for to relocate the fair to Kearney and for that price they would get the land? Seems like a win/win to me. "
UNK connection? wrote on September 5, 2007 11:09 pm:
" Could Harvey Perlman be behind this? After all he probably has connections in Kearney because of University of Nebraska-Kearney. "
Fred from Omaha wrote on September 6, 2007 12:12 am:
" Why not sell the fairgrounds to the private sector, use the money to move it and then get the old firground property on the tax roles? UNL has plentyu of land available since the flood plain was revised. "
Roger W wrote on September 6, 2007 5:18 am:
" The fair seems like a waste of money no matter how you look at it. "
Husker Neocon wrote on September 6, 2007 6:14 am:
" A few points on this on: first, the fact that the fair sits in the middle oif a city of over 200,000 gives it an immediate pool of attendees. Moving it to Kearney will eliminate Lincoln and Omaha residents from attending. Second, taxpayers already are weary of paying for too much. Adding millions more is silly. Third, how in any way could adding a research corridor add to the economy of Lincoln. Maybe initially the construction boom, but after that it will be like the rest of the University - a tax sponge. "
Rhonda wrote on September 6, 2007 8:14 am:
" If you want to see the fair die almost as fast as it would at 84th street in Lincoln move it to Kearney. Granted they want it and support it but they just don't have the population base to give it the numbers it needs to survive. The fair isn't just for rural folks anymore and it isn't centered that way anymore. There is something for everyone. No matter where it is moved everything is lost, the caracter, the traditions and the history. Everyone always compares Nebraska and Iowa state fairs if you want to even come close do what Iowa did in 1993 they threw 60 millon dollars to it to renovate and clean up the buildings. If you want to rejuvinate something it doesn't mean destroy it and start over, it means work with it the way it is and bring it back to life. Stop and think of all the historic things that have been destroyed in the sack of progess, it is time to give the future something more then sterile buildings and concrete. "
LaDonna wrote on September 6, 2007 8:42 am:
" I think moving the state fair to Kearney would be great but that will never happen. First off Nebraska starts with Lincoln and ends with Omaha. That is how it is for the Mental Health Reform. Everything is moved there because we do not exist West of Lincoln. "
strap who??? free ride over wrote on September 6, 2007 9:01 am:
" If you lease state school lease land and make improvement you sell them or take them with you... why should we pay anything besides maybe appraised value of the building/sheds the renters/statefair folks built on land they did not own period and they know it??? No private business in the state could get free rent for 100 years..for 10 days of use... they need to own/buy their own land around kearney/G.I and make the city that wants them give them land/building for coming to their city not us taxpayers with nothing to gain from the move...State fair people grow up the free ride is over...... "
GIguy wrote on September 6, 2007 9:30 am:
" I believe the Fair does another thing for this state that no one here has mentioned: it brings us all together. The fair draws people from all points of the state to one place in the Capital City. Its east meets west. It reminds us we're all under one roof, we are all one family of Nebraskans. I'm not sure that the folks from Lincoln or Omaha would make the trip to Kearney, sad as that is to say. Maybe its best to leave well enough alone. "
JJ wrote on September 6, 2007 9:33 am:
" Move it to Kearney and let it fail. I would guess attendance will go way down. Then we can get rid of the nasty state fair for good!! "
JR wrote on September 6, 2007 10:06 am:
" I live in Lincoln and know quite a few people. I have yet to find anyone I know who went to the fair. I actually know more people who went to the Iowa State Fir than the Nebraska one. How sad is that? As for you tax whiners ... the research corridor would be a private/public split ... so at least some of it would be on the tax rolls. And having a research corridor brings in people, not only for construction, but to do the research. And trust me ... very few researchers make minimum wage. "
KearneyResident wrote on September 6, 2007 10:21 am:
" I like the sentiment of moving the fair to central Nebraska, but Kearney is a poor choice -- we just don't have the business and traffic infrastructure to support that large of an event. Grand Island is a much better choice. Husker Harvest Days is actually a LARGER event than the state fair. The question that must be answered is "who is the fair designed for, the ag community or the attendees from larger population centers?" Straddling the fence on this issue is only dragging the fair down. Personally, I think the best state fair is in Minnesota. It's in the middle of the Twin Cities and very strongly attended. But to make it work, they had to make the conscious decision that the urban/suburban attendees are more important than the ag community. If we feel the same in Nebraska, the fair should stay in Lincoln or move to Omaha. If we feel the ag community comes first, the fair should move to Grand Island. "
Unbelievable wrote on September 6, 2007 10:28 am:
" First of all Perlman should not be on the fair board!! Kearney would be a good place for the fair, but, you don't have the small farms and farm families like there once was. Now the fair draws alot of city folk. If it was at Kearney, I would question 50,000 attendance! The prices Nebraska charges for motels, food and everything just about breaks the bank. Its interesting how all the comments of move it, do this, do that, and have NO idea the cost!! Thats Nebraska spend spend spend with no idea what the cost does to the citizens. Just raise the taxes! Companies move out, people whine because of low wages, but they're right in there move this, build that, fix that hairline crack in the street. You people are unbelievable. And this is what people like Perlman with the big bucks wanting you to agree with them and they suck the last dollar out of your bank account. The day the UNL zooms this economy and lowers the property taxes is the day I'll be dead for 50 years!!! "
Kris wrote on September 6, 2007 10:32 am:
" That is a great idea.. It would be nice in geographically include the western half of the state, even if it not the population base. It would also be a nice roadtrip for the urbanites. "
Dano wrote on September 6, 2007 10:44 am:
" Peace out, good bye, adios. Move the thing and develop a new basketball/ entertainment arena to replace Devaney. The bulldoze the ice box and build a complex that can have a couple of sheets of ice year round so kids can learn to skate, people can play hockey, and teens can go out to do something new. Then develop the rest into to some kind of tech/business park. You can;t move it fast enough for me. Haven't gone for years because the entertainment is poor, food, addmission & parking is expensive and the booths are mostly junk, pianos, spas, and cook ware. The is very little value left here for it, that can't be better placed out there. Then they can consolidate it with the Harvest days and bring back the draw for rural residents. "
k. wrote on September 6, 2007 11:04 am:
" Moving the fair to Kearney would be suicide. I personally would never drive the distance to go. 1,500 motel rooms? There were almost 300,000 people that attended this year's fair- not enough. I suppose 1,500 motel rooms would do if you moved the fair to kearney b/c there would be a significant drop in attendees. I'm not dead set on keeping it in Lincoln but if we are going to take the $$ and effort to move it pick a location that will generate just the same if not more revenue. I think somewhere between Lincoln/Omaha/Fremont would be best IF it was going to move. No we aren't forgetting about all of you small towns out there, but face reality. Lincoln/Omaha/Fremont has the numbers...when it comes to generating money from the fair thats all that matters. "
Numbers Game wrote on September 6, 2007 11:49 am:
" 80% of the state's population lives in the Omaha-Lincoln area. Move the fair and you lose most of those people. Raise you hand if you want to drive 3 hours to go to the fair (crickets chirping)? Move the fair, but expect to half the people, if that. It's a numbers game. "
Jeff wrote on September 6, 2007 12:16 pm:
" I walked around the State Fair grounds on the west side, leading my Morgan horse so that he could get out of his stall, see the sun shine, and stretch his legs. I was approached by people young and old. Everyone wanted to pet and touch the horse, and he loves the attention. I felt like I was a walking State Fair attraction, allowing city kids a chance to get up close to a horse, and older folks who might have had a horse as a child on the farm to reminise. The pigs were squealing in the barn next door. A kid was trying to drag his dairy cow across the parking lot. A 4 horse draft hitch went by on its way to the arena for a class. A minature horse and its colt were led by its owner. A live band played in the beer garden - and they were pretty good. Why do we have to convince people of something that the citizens of Iowa and most other states clearly know - that this has value, particularly for urban kids. It is preserving and teaching our culture. The Midway and the corndogs are just sideshows. Kids who are participating are learning lifelong lessons and making lifelong friends. There has been so much bashing of the "horse crowd", but no one questions the need to keep building more jail space. Show me a kid who is this involved with animals and I'll show you a kid who is developing character and staying out of trouble. "
Move it wrote on September 6, 2007 12:37 pm:
" Lincoln is much better off when UNL grows. Nobody hear cares about the fair except for the nastalgia lovers (you know who you are). "
Lincoln Says wrote on September 6, 2007 1:19 pm:
" Move it West! Kearney would be a great place to have it. As a resident of Lincoln I went to see about the end of the year specials on pools. Other than that I haven’t any reason to return next year. Move it and bring in tech jobs! Any way you look at it we will always pay taxes for the fair, at least put it in a place that diminish the impact. "
srv wrote on September 6, 2007 1:33 pm:
" WHy do we seem to have this facination with a state fair? Who wants a $4.50 single ride on the midway? Who wants to see another hot tub vender? Who wants to subsidize losses with tax $$$? Who wants to get packed in like sardines to see Joan Jet? It's a tired concept and we don't seem to have the vision needed to re-invent it. Let it die! Kearney would have less attendance than Lincoln. Another loser idea. Sorry tri-cities. "
City Gurl wrote on September 6, 2007 1:37 pm:
" If UNL needs more space why not tear down that USELESS stadium and put up more classrooms! "
Tom wrote on September 6, 2007 1:48 pm:
" Might as well move the fair out of Lincoln, because even though the attendance has been increasing, honestly, our fair is in one word 'lackluster'. Put the land to better use and let the University take care of it. "
Please don't go! wrote on September 6, 2007 1:48 pm:
" How many of those who are saying that the fair should go attend the fair regularly, or are invested in it? We need to take some lessons from Iowa (without just replicating what they do), and work towards revitalizing the fair WHERE IT IS. It is too expensive to move it. Why would Lincolnites want to let go of it, especially when it is on the upswing? "
keep it here wrote on September 6, 2007 2:08 pm:
" There is so much land around here, why take something that has been here forever and pay a bunch of money to move it elsewhere. I most likely would not attend a fair in kearney or anywhere hours away from here. i went this year and had fun too! tell UNL to get some other land...maybe get rid of some drug houses down around there! what about by that old whittier school (sp?)? people complain too much! if you dont want to go to the fair dont go! there are lots of people who did go that im sure would appreciate going there again. lincoln needs some activities... "
dlb wrote on September 6, 2007 2:13 pm:
" There is nothing west of Lincoln in this state. Why don't you lead the succession bid. We can become the state of Linom or Omlin (Omlin Huskers, not bad) and you can keep the name Nebraska and then it will truly be the backward dried up short sited, wasteland that the rest of the nation believes it is. "
Jim wrote on September 6, 2007 2:13 pm:
" Though we live in a small town my children get very little exposure to animals and farm stuff. I was born and raised on a farm and am proud of the farming culture. The fair isn't all about money, rides and games. It is about family, culture and education. It is time we put something back into our childrens lives and show them there is more to life then video games and just sitting on the couch or in front of a computer. For Dano you ahve no idea what your talking about, since you haven't been there in years. The entertainment was just fine did you see the FREE concert line up this year. Hmmmm Cost to much FREE parking and 7/8 bucks to get in, come on I bet you waste more in one day on fast food. As for the booths since you haven't been in years I wouldn't expect you to have a clue about this subject, although I did see a hot tub, a piano and some cookware. I also saw several booths selling books, computer software, shoes, spices, windows, siding, vacation trips, and clothes. I also saw many booths not selling anything but providing educational information about everything from college saving plans to hunting. If you can't come away from the fair with something learned it is your own fault and you never even tried. There always has been people complain about the fair just to complain, they have no idea what it really is all about and never will because of their closed minds. The fair is a good thing for all that attend and I hope they keep it where it is so I can keep attending. "
Derek wrote on September 6, 2007 2:50 pm:
" The poeople who bash the fair don't have any idea what its about. "
bobo wrote on September 6, 2007 2:54 pm:
" Sounds like a good idea that everyone should be able to support. Look how big Husker Harvest days are!!! This could really bring the fair back and be great for Lincoln in the long run. "
Move the.... wrote on September 6, 2007 3:04 pm:
" If you don't like the fair, don't go. Every state has one and there are people that enjoy it and those that don't. Tradition surrounds state fairs and by moving the location tradition is lost. The State fair does need a revamp such as new buildings. The fair grounds are used year around for small events. With improved buildings it becomes even more inviting for things like concerts...maybe the event center could be built at the FAIRGRounds. What a novel idea. But my point is just because you don't like it doesn't mean 300,000 other people can't enjoy the state fair tradition in Lincoln. Also take away the fair you you take away jobs and revenue. "
watch your children wrote on September 6, 2007 3:07 pm:
" What is it all about? Because all I saw were toothless carnies that looked like they were checking out my kids. I tired of Lincoln having to support it with our tax dollars, if it were really that important the whole state would fund it equally. But we don’t, so my vote is to move it west if they want it. It’s not like it’s a historical district or anything. "
4-H Judge wrote on September 6, 2007 3:48 pm:
" Did you think about doing anything besides going to the midway? That is such a small part of the fair. Kids from every county in the state work hard all year round to enter everything from livestock to wildlife dioramas for a chance to display their talents. And it isn't only the 4-H kids. There are several open class projects young and young-at-heart alike can enter. Did you see the quilt that was made by the 97 year old NEBRASKAN? Did you see the beautiful landscape photographs of our great state? What about the guy at the Agriculture building that gets into the bee cage and tells how important bees are? These are just very small samples of what the fair has to offer. Get off the midway and enjoy the talents of fellow Nebraskans! Even better, quit complaining and think about putting an entry into the fair and help build it back up to its former excellence. It's the NEBRASKA STATE FAIR, not the Nebraska amusement park. "
Living elsewhere wrote on September 6, 2007 4:54 pm:
" I haven't been to the state fair in 5 yrs as we moved to Kansas. I haven't been to the Kansas one at all. If Nebr would move their state fair to Kearney I can guarantee alot of people from N. Kansas would come to it, as we do not want to drive 3-4 hrs to the state fair here. It only takes 1 hr to get to Kearney. Think of all the out of state money that would come into the region. I am not the only one from Kansas that would come. "
Craig wrote on September 6, 2007 4:55 pm:
" By all means move the fair to Kearney they will appreciate it much more than the Omaha and Lincoln people do (I'm from Lincoln by the way)and by appreciating it more the fair will flourish and will be well worth our while to drive the additional miles to attend. The Nebraska State Fair has been catering to city people for far too long it is time for the state fair to become an agricultural event again. Kearney has this Lincolnite's backing. "
Jimbo wrote on September 6, 2007 4:57 pm:
" Lure away, kearney. "
Lola wrote on September 6, 2007 5:23 pm:
" Why can't Kearney and surrounding counties develop their own western Nebraska regional fair? It would draw visitors and their dollars to Kearney, be better than a county fair, yet not compete with or replace the state fair. "
whatever wrote on September 6, 2007 5:53 pm:
" Umm, 80 percent of the Nebraska's population does not live in the Lincoln/Omaha area, not even if you count Sarpy County. Nebraska has approximately 1.8 million people. We have 3 Congressional Districts of roughly 600,000 people each. The 1st Congressional District includes Lincoln and about 20 other counties. Most of those people live OUTSIDE the Lincoln metro area. The 2nd Congressional District includes primarily Omaha and a county or two more. The 3rd Congressional District is the rest of the State of Nebraska. If you take a simple approach to population then Lincoln and Omaha at BEST have 66 percent of the states population. But again, the 1st Congressional District is largely rural in nature and outside of the Lincoln metro area. If I see it printed again that somehow Lincoln and Omaha make up 80 percent or more of the population I'll just scream it isn't even remotely factually correct. And just as an aside in the next census Nebraska WILL lose a congressional district. So Lincoln you will either be in a district DOMINATED by Douglas/Sarpy County or in a district DOMINATED by the rest of us hicks west of Lincoln in the VAST WASTELAND as someone posted here. It will be refreshing to see that not a vote from Lancaster County will mean ANYTHING in the congressional races. "
LPS Graduate wrote on September 6, 2007 6:37 pm:
" How can we move the fair out to Kearney... that is not even in Nebraska, we all know nebraska ends on the west side of lincoln... "
Nebraska Unite wrote on September 6, 2007 7:59 pm:
" If Nebraskan's would get over the "east vs. west" rivalry we'd probably have a great fair. But like all things- everyone wants what their neighbors have and they can't therefore they'd rather spend time letting what they have go down the tubes rather then be proud and support it. Kind of makes me sick. Here's a clue- last time I checked I put my pants on the same way someone in Scottsbluff does or Kearney does or Lincoln does. Get over it and quit trying to be so competitive with yourselves. "
JrB wrote on September 6, 2007 8:43 pm:
" So we're all agreed then? We'll move the Nebraska state fair to Iowa. Seriously, to all the people bashing western Nebraska, calling them "Hick" and whatnot, please remember that Lincoln and Omaha are full of people from this area who came here for school and jobs. Every time you bash their hometowns, you solidify the belief that Lincoln is full of elitist snobs. There are more enlightened people in western Nebraska than Lincoln and Omaha combined, which is far more important than mere population. "
Mike wrote on September 6, 2007 8:51 pm:
" Let em have it...good deal for Lincoln!! "
Joe wrote on September 6, 2007 8:53 pm:
" Yeah for Kearney. Someone actually wants the State Fair. "
b s wrote on September 6, 2007 9:07 pm:
" Why doesn't everyone stop there complaining about the fair and the university. if the fair really and truly wanted to move, they would move. Just that simple. Perlman can't have to land. And he can't join East campus together with the campus downtown. He would have to demolish all of the houses and businesses and schools in between the two universities. Everyone go into there own little corners now, the bell has rang. "
Eliminate the Fair wrote on September 6, 2007 9:14 pm:
" Why move the fair? Just get rid of it. Let people go to Husker Harvest Days instead. Sell the land to private interests, send a tiny little check to all Nebraska taxpayers from the proceeds, and stop taxing Nebraskans to support a fair that MANY of them don't care about. The people who care about it should pay for it. "
whatever wrote on September 6, 2007 9:41 pm:
" This rivalry is very much a Lincoln and to a lesser extent Omaha thing. If there is a western Nebraska attitude issue it's pretty much a water oriented thing. If I hear Lincoln referred to as the "Athens of the Plains" again I'll just vomit. Lincoln is becoming more like the "Hooterville of the Plains". More minds are closed and sealed in Lincoln than most places in Nebraska. "
Doc wrote on September 6, 2007 9:45 pm:
" Quick, name a state with 2 state fairs. It's Oklahoma. One in Ok. City and the other in Tulsa. Both are doing just fine. One writer said have a regional fair in Kearney. Great or have another State Fair in Kearney and let the fair market system work. "
B wrote on September 6, 2007 11:40 pm:
" Whoever said that the Lancaster county votes shouldn't count is a rude, inconsiderate jerk. True story. As for everyone saying that more people like the fair than not...um numbers...300,000 went. That means 1.5 million didn't. I think this one goes to the people who don't like the fair. I don't like the fair at all. It's immensely boring and it's the exact same stuff year after year and creepy carnies that check out the little teenaged girls. Disgusting. I don't wanna pay money to get violated by someone's eyes. No thank you. Get rid of the fair all together!! "
Husker Harvest Days wrote on September 7, 2007 5:59 am:
" Husker Harvest Days are held west of Grand Island. It's an international as well as a national event. If that area can do that for farm equipment, can you imagine what they would do with the state fair if it moved out that way? I can't think of anything at the state fair now (rides, concerts, exhibits, etc.) that are just "native" to Lincoln. The fair would survive a move to Kearney. "
Jack wrote on September 7, 2007 8:25 am:
" I love how people on this post actually think that the fair is totally supported by Lincoln, thus giving them any say in the location of it. It just goes to show the elite attitude of the people of Lincoln towards the rest of the state. Anyone that actually thinks that UNL building this research cooridor is going to bring in all these high paying tech jobs is way off. Most will be students getting a stipen or future royalities on any advancements. Why do you all think that private business likes to work with research universities, it saves them a ton of money yet gives them what they want. There is no long term gain as far as high income jobs with this project. There will only be 2 entities getting rich on this the first is UNL and the second is any business that joins in, Lincoln you will be sucking wind again. For all of you that complain about the fair grounds and paying taxes to support it and wanting the land back on the tax rolls, well get a clue if UNL takes over it still won't be on the tax roll and you have no right to complain until you start paying Saunders County for all the land you took off the tax rolls to build your well feild by Ashland. Hey what is fair is fair. Your better off keeping the fair it brings more people to our town to shop, eat and sleep for 10 days then anything. Soon we will have nothing to attract people if we keep treating them this way. Why do you think Kearny and GI want this, because they know it will bring people to town and thus improve the stature of their town. Stop and think about it for one minute ! "
Dan wrote on September 7, 2007 8:30 am:
" To Jim, the reason I stopped going to the fair, was because it offered nothing new every year. It was the same thing every year for the last 10 years. I know enough about a the fair for going to it since I can remember (probably 20 years in a row). It has become a waste of time. $8 dollar entry is for one person. I have a family of four. And it sure doesn't cover any food or drinks. I can take them to dinner at a decent place to eat for the $30-$40 i just wasted on entrance and junk food at the fair. You are right, I would rather waste $8 on fast food. At least carnies aren't hitting on my wife or trying to scam me. I remember when $5 got a whole car load in. Before you question my knowledge on the fair, think first. I remeber the fair, it probably still has the same destrcution derby and tractor pulls, the same exhibits, the same rides, very similar concerts (which may be free, but you have to sit there like an hour early to have an average seat), the same NE parks and rec exhibit with probably the same fish from when I was 5. It is like going to a musuem that never changes its exhibits. After 1, 2 or 3 trips, you stop going because there is nothing new and exciting. That to, me is what the fair has become. Jim, you amd people like you, that settle for the same old stuff every year, can keep going and wasting your money on the same lame stuff every year. I can see that stuff and teach my kids from my acreage, just like I learned at a far lesc price. I will spend my dollars elsewhere until some major improvement happens. Harvest days are far better. Hall, Gage, and Sarpy county fairs are better. And that is sad to say, since I live here. The only way the myopic fair board sees another dime from me is through my taxes, until it brings the fair back to its glory days. "
Is there anyone.... wrote on September 7, 2007 10:13 am:
" In Lincoln who still goes to the fair? Move it to Kearney let all the people who live in these ho-dunk towns attend. Funny how they all talk bad about the Lincolnites, but are reading the Lincoln paper. The fair sucks and will always suck, you can have it Kearney! Have fun watchin drunk carnies and montster trucks! "
By the way JIM wrote on September 7, 2007 12:59 pm:
" Many of us saw the concert line up this year. A bunch of old acts that have been to the fair before in recent years. Yeah it is free, but what about the days of real concerts, with current bands and acts that wasn't just country or needing to retire musicians? They can still have the same free concerts you are takling about, they used to back then. What about the races, the comedy shows, the parades? You should want more out of a state event. Something that the state should be proud of, which it sounds like many are not anymore. Some county fairs offer more than the state fair does. "
convinced me wrote on September 7, 2007 1:16 pm:
" I'm now convinced. Let's move the fair West. I've taken my kids and horses to the State Fair for 6 years now, and its always been a good experience. The kids learn a ton about perserverance, competition, friendship, etc. We'll keep going no matter where it is. But the fair grounds needs infrastructure. we need adequate facilities for the horse/animal shows. They are trying to get these facilities at the Event center, but people here only seem to gripe. Let's take it to Grand Island or Kearney - where the people seem to want it, and understand what its all about. (its not about the midway) "
Ron wrote on September 7, 2007 1:24 pm:
" Hey is there anyone left in Lincoln who attends the Huskers games. I bet the majoority are from out of town. It is that lame type of thinking that gives us licolnites a bad name. During the fair the hotel I work at was full every night by very nice people most attending the fair. My parents own a steak house here in Lincoln and were packed almost every night. Some people come back to their place year after year and have become friends. The State Fair brings more business to this town then many like to think or admit. If you don't like the fair that is fine but the people and the money it brings it are a welcome sight to a lot of us. "
Denise wrote on September 7, 2007 3:59 pm:
" I think the State Fair should stay in Lincoln. Moving the fair would cost millions of dollars. Nebraska is one of the highest taxed states now. City, county and state government's coffers are very low causing cut backs and layoffs. This does not seem like the feasible thing to do. "
toombs family wrote on September 7, 2007 6:57 pm:
" Keep the fair where it is. I agree with Barney Cosner that the location of the fair is exactly where it needs to stay. If the University of NE is looking to expand why doesn't Kearney ask to be considered for that since it already is a part of the Univ. The State fair is a fun event that happens once a year but a lot goes on during the rest of the year at this location. From Horse Racing, Car Rallies, Hockey, Horse Shows, and many other events. It also is going to take a lot of money to move this fair. No one has come forward that wants to donate land/money to move the fair without it becoming a burden to tax holders. UNL would love the land but Pearlman wants it almost given to the University with no help towards relocation. The fair has gotten better in the last few years with cleaner facilities, corporate sponsorship, more family friendly activities and something new each year. The cost is right where it should be for the price of getting in with free parking and the open air concerts. While I agree with yo taxpayers that some of the area counties have better concerts I love the fact that I don't have to pay extra to go to Devaney like I used to see everyone from Libarace, Wierd Al, Trisha Yearwood, and several others that played during the fair. My family takes time off from our jobs to go out to the fair and create our own traditions. We have family members that are there daily. If the fair was moved out of Lincoln that would not happen. We enter our homemade treats and craft items each year and enjoy the competition. To move this fair to another city would be a travesty. To those of you on the board of the State Fair listen up...DONT MOVE MY FAIR!!! We will continue to look forward to putting our money where our mouth is by attending the fair and also the 1868 fundraiser each year. Keep the fair where it is! "
Laurie wrote on September 7, 2007 7:10 pm:
" I go to the State Fair every year and I usually have a good time. Nevertheless, I think it should move. The State Fair board claims it will take tens of millions of dollars to move it, but it is going to take tens of millions just to keep it here. Some buildings on the fairgrounds are so decrepit they are unusable, and the events have to be set up in the streets and parking lots. Eventually these buildings will have to come down or be rehabbed, and how many tens of millions of dollars will that cost? If Kearney wants it and thinks they can make it work, I say let them try. The Fair in Lincoln is so obviously on the decline- when the advertised "new" events are a bike made of junk and a man dressed as a hobo jumping for 5 minutes on a trampoline, how could a move to Kearney make it worse? "
Move It wrote on September 7, 2007 11:16 pm:
" Why not let Kearney have the State Fair and Pearlman can relocate too. Why should the Nebraska Tax Payers get strapped with the cost despite the State Fair belonging to the State and not just the City of Lincoln. Since Pearlman/UNL wants the land for State Fair Park then Pearlman's and the City of Lincoln should help UNL foot the cost of relocating the fair, afterall, we all know that Pearlman runs this City - not the mayor or council or the council's constituents. What the University wants the City of Lincoln gives them. "
Al wrote on September 7, 2007 11:24 pm:
" Why didn't the fair board fight becoming part of the city of Lincoln. It seems so obvious that there were devious plans in the works, I thought so even then. The city is in bed with UNL and wants the fairgrounds for the university, and to move the fairgrounds with the county fairgrounds. Well, if you are gonna move it, might as well be to a city that would welcome it. Why should it move to a stretch of barren land that is not as appealing, just because the might UNL wants the land. Cough up enough money that the fair board can't refuse, that is the American way, not stealing land. That went out in the 1800's except in Lincoln and Omaha. "

Ads by Yahoo!