Gov. Jim Pillen says the Nebraska State Fair offers an "exciting 11 days" when people can do nothing but celebrate agriculture, enjoy and encourage each other "and have a ton of fun in the meantime." Pillen spoke at Friday's opening ceremony, held at Earl May Fair Square.
The governor commended members of the State Fair Board. "You guys work tirelessly to make this just an extraordinary event and an extraordinary time for Nebraskans. So I can't say thank you enough," Pillen said.
Jaime Parr, executive director of the Nebraska State Fair, speaks during Friday's opening ceremony. He also said it's good to brag about the great work of Extension educators in all 93 counties. At the state fair and at county fairs, the "first professor" kids come in contact with is an Extension educator, he said.
Pillen talked about the "countless volunteers across all of our communities that spend a ton of time" helping kids learn about agriculture and helping start them "being exposed to leadership characteristics and opportunities." In making things and showing livestock, kids experience "the grit and the determination and some of the good, some of the bad, some of the challenges — falling down in a pile of manure, go digging through a mud hole, whatever it all takes." A bad guy falls off the roof during the Tumbleweed Crossing comedy western stunt show as the the Nebraska State Fair kicked off 11 days of fun on Friday, Aug.
23. The most beautiful thing kids learn, in being involved in 4-H and taking care of livestock, is that "life isn't about me," Pillen said. They learn that "somebody relies on them and they can then take those characteristics and those skills to depths and levels that no one can really, really ever comprehend.
" Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen was the guest speaker at the 2024 Nebraska State Fair opening ceremony Friday. Before Friday's ceremony, Pillen spent time at the Ag Pavilion, which was packed with kids.
Somebody said that kids learn more about jobs at the fair. "I said, 'No. Let's get rid of that word 'jobs,'" Pillen said.
"Who on earth wants a job?" Nebraska offers "great, great careers for all of our kids to learn about," he said. People should brag about those careers and tell young people about them "so that our kids stay here," he said. Nebraskans think they're normal, Pillen said.
"Well, guess what? We're not. We're extraordinary people." Also at the opening ceremony, State Fair Executive Director Jaime Parr said that all roads lead to fun for the next 11 days.
"We all know there's much fun to be had at the Nebraska State Fair," Parr said. "There is also much pride, confidence, leadership, showmanship, physical labor, dust, dirt, mud and more to be found at the fair. But it is all, usually, intermixed with a bit of fun, because there really is nothing more Nebraskan than the Nebraska State Fair.
" The Marshal breaks a bottle over a bad guys head during the Tumbleweed Crossing stunt show at the Nebraska State Fair on Friday, Aug. 23. Lindsey Koepke, executive director of the 1868 Foundation, said there is nowhere in Nebraska better than Grand Island during the State Fair "and it has been that way for 15 amazing years.
" Another speaker was Jeff Kliment, chair of the State Fair Board. He said he was thrilled to welcome people to "what promises to be an incredible celebration of our state's rich heritage of agriculture and innovative spirit. "Our fair is more than just an event," Kliment said.
"It is a tradition that brings families together" and attracts friends and communities from across the state. "From the jaw-dropping competitive exhibits and exciting competitions to the mouth-watering food and fantastic entertainment, there is something here for everyone to enjoy," Kliment said. "As you explore the fairgrounds, take time to visit our agricultural showcases where you can see firsthand the dedication and hard work of our local farmers and ranchers.
Don't miss out on the thrilling rides and games that will surely bring out the kid in all of us." Kliment said the fair would not be possible without the tireless efforts of staff members, volunteers, sponsors and exhibitors. "Their commitment and passion for this fair is truly inspiring, and I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to each and every one of them," Kliment said.
"To all our visitors, whether you're a lifetime attendee or a first-time guest, we hope you make wonderful memories here at the Nebraska State Fair," Kliment said. "Enjoy the festivities, and thank you for being a part of this cherished tradition." Receive the latest in local entertainment news in your inbox weekly!.
